Players start on opposite sides of the grid in pairs. One of the pairs starts with the ball.
The player with the ball jogs to the opposite corner, turns, and serves the ball to their team mate at around waist height so that the team mate is encouraged to dive to head the ball.
The team mate tries to score past the opposition pair with a diving header that must be below head height of the standing pair.
Opposition players encourage this by only being able to stop the ball with their head or chest, no hands. And they must not kneel.
After each attempt the opponent gets a go so that all players are constantly rotating position.
Quick attacks will be better before the opposition defenders are able to get back in position.
Play to a score – say 5 – before switching opposition. See how many wins your team can get.
Diving headers.
Area: 8×8 yard grids
Players: 4, 2 teams of 2 per grid
Equipment: 4 cones, 1 ball per grid
Get the bombers in formation.
Bombers must dive to get closer to their target.
The opposition team launch a counter attack.
“Attack the ball”
“Keep your hands in front”
“Timing. Don’t move forward too quickly”
Allow defenders to head the ball straight back across the opponent’s line if they can to score. They can still get their turn afterwards.
Only do this practice on a soft surface. Use size 3 footballs and do not overinflate. Have plenty of spare balls ready.
in Email newsletters, Fun soccer games
Getting back into the swing of training every week can be hard work. Certainly for me when faced with a dozen U9 players training last night was very stop/start as players got their legs working again and tried to pass and receive. MORE
in Email newsletters, Fun soccer games
It is such a busy time of the year and parents and coaches alike still need to think about getting to training and running sessions that keeps the players focused even though their minds are on Christmas. And the fact that they had their Christmas party at the club at the weekend already gives an end of term feel! MORE
This session coaches two-touch shooting, one of the weapons Aaron Ramsey of Juventus uses on the edge of the area to control and fire in a shot. This is a fun game that gets players competing against each other in teams MORE
in Blog, Fun soccer games
Young players learn a lot from the environment you create, the words you use and the way you explain the sessions to them. Making sure the atmosphere and the games are fun is key to success in your coaching. MORE
The semi-final of the Women's World Cup between England and USA was a great game… and who said crosses had gone out of fashion! Some great technique on show but how about Alex Morgan’s headed winner... MORE
in Fun soccer games, Set pieces
Use this fun training session to encourage your players to take quick throw-ins in order to catch your opponents off guard and create scoring chances MORE
