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 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
in Arrival activities, Fun soccer games
This session is set up so that as players arrive they can easily join in without you needing to stop or change the session. The arrival activity shown here is geared towards closing down the opposition in midfield. Set up You need balls, bibs and cones in an area 20×20 yards. Numbers build up as... MORE
in Arrival activities, Fun soccer games, Shooting
This fun, shooting activity gives all players the opportunity to shoot in a fast paced competitive game. MORE
in Fun soccer games, Soccer dribbling drills
This fun session gives players an understanding of how to defend and develop team communication. It also works on dribbling, and it encourages awareness of space and helps players to see what’s around them by keeping their heads up. MORE
