Heading the ball in football can have dual purpose – clearing it away to pre-empt scoring, and heading into the goal. Depending on whether you are heading as a defender or an attacker, you would employ one of these two tactics. In this post, you will learn how to improve this skill in terms of accuracy and control.

Introduction to Heading

We begin with heading practice in groups of two. This can be continuous with both players heading the ball to each other and keeping it in play. This is for you to get a feel of heading in general before we move to more advanced drills. Next, switch to a standing head, where one player lobs the ball high to the other and they head it downwards, back to the hands of the one who tossed it.

Heading for Attackers

We progress to heading for attackers where the main aim is to score a goal. Repeat the previous exercise, but this time have your partner toss the ball higher in the air. You’ll have to jump and head the ball back downwards, mimicking the action of heading the ball past the goalkeeper. Timing is crucial for this technique if you hope to connect with the ball at the right point and score a goal.

Next, the coach will cross/lob the ball high from the corner and you have to head the ball downwards, past the goalkeeper and straight into the goal. The key to scoring is timing, as well as power and the angle – if you head it upwards there’s very little chance of conversion as the goalkeeper can easily catch or clear it away.

For the previous drill, switch between the left and right sides, with the coach crossing from both corners. This will get you more versatile and better prepared for a game situation. Sometimes, you have to adjust your body position with the ball and dive for an effective header.

Heading for Defenders

We move on to heading for defenders to clear the ball from danger. Ensure you hit the ball harder and farther than before. Once you practise this in pairs, the coach will kick the ball from across the field. Take turns to head the ball away from the goal, high and far.

Group Exercise

The final exercise is a team practice, where attackers pass the ball around using only throws while moving, and the final attacker (closest to the goal) tries to head it in, while the defenders try to win back the ball and proceed to the opposite goal. This requires regular practice to ensure you get the hang of it and get more comfortable with heading.

In the next post, we cover an interesting technique – running with the ball and wall pass. Keep reading to know more about this, what it entails, how this skill is useful, and how you can practise to perfect it.