Cover your back
In every match there will be moments when the team us under a lot of aerial pressure. Defenders must be organised and put up a united front. Successful teams are often the most organised defensively. MORE
Heading
Heading is a difficult technique to coach to young players in particular. This section provides some great drills and advice to help you coach defensive headers and attacking headers. We look closely at the techniques involved and show you some fun games to help develop your player’s heading skills.
Win the first header
This game is all about winning the first header and directing it to your team-mate. If your players can get control of the ball in the air then it makes it easier to repel opponents and start an attack. MORE
Header react
This is not only really good heading practice but at the coach’s call it turns into a small-sided game with lots of coaching points: heading technique, concentration, focus and quick passing. Check local rules for heading age groups MORE
Headstart
Winning the ball in the air is one of the key skills for any defender. This simple exercise can teach your players the basics of heading MORE
Watch fantastic skills of Marcelo’s son, age 8
Real Madrid prepare for final... Marcelo's son Enzo Vieira, eight, represents Real Madrid at youth level but on this occasion he was in the first-team dressing room and took the opportunity to play a game of head tennis with the squad. MORE
Throw to Pass, Head to Score
Set up Pitch size: 30 x 20 yards (minimum) up to 40 x 25 yards (maximum) Two teams of four players No keepers Rules The game is played by throwing and catching the ball. The player in possession cannot move with the ball. This encourages his team mates to make movements off the ball. The... MORE
Head for Home
Some parts of the world have strict rules on heading so please check your local rules. MORE
Dive Bombers
Great fun to had diving to head the ball in this game MORE
Double header
Improve your players’ all-round heading ability with this session, which deals with two variations of the same technique in one. MORE
Heading at goal
Heading is an important part of any attacker’s armoury. If you can improve the technique of heading at goal by getting players used to attacking balls delivered to them in the air, your team will score more goals. MORE
Clear the present danger
This week’s session is designed to improve defensive heading in and around the penalty box. Defenders will go on a journey of improving their heading in isolation and then in different game situations both unopposed and opposed. MORE
Defending high crosses
Being able to head the ball away from danger is a key job for every defender. Teach your players how to perfect this skill with this session. MORE
Headers and volleys
When the ball is off the ground, it is necessary for your players to have the technique to be able to strike the ball for a shot at goal. Headers and volleys will give your players those skills and the final session makes for a great game. MORE
Fearless heading
Many young players have a fear about heading the ball but using this session will help build their confidence and take away any anxiety. MORE
Head to score
Learning how to improve your players’ heading technique when attacking will bring a greater threat of goals. The practices here focus on technique then progress into how players can implement them in game situations. MORE
Head to pass, head to score
This week’s session will help your players’ heading technique in order to make passes and score goals. Heading is a skill that is often underdeveloped in young players because of poor technique and enjoyment. This session has fun, yet challenging, games. MORE
Head high, head far
A well-executed defensive header away from goal will achieve both distance and height, giving an under-pressure defence time to reorganise and make it less likely to concede goals. MORE
Attacking Headers
Ultimately, soccer is all about scoring goals and by improving your team’s attacking heading ability you will boost their chances of finding the back of the net more often. MORE
Heading to score
This session aims to improve the technique of attacking heading. The practices develop from simple technique into a real match situation with defenders. MORE
Get your head down
One of the fundamental principles of the attacking header is to head the ball downwards. This gives a player a better chance of scoring a goal because the bounce often prevents a goalkeeper from making a save. MORE
Flick-on header
Your players can use the flick-on, or back-header, when they can’t face in the direction they want to head the ball, such as from their own team’s goal kicks or near-post corners. MORE
Diving headers
The diving header is a spectacular technique that goal scorers can use when attacking crosses they can’t reach with their feet, or when they want to beat their marker to the ball. MORE
Cushioned headers
Whether cushioning the ball back into the arms of your team’s goalkeeper or teeing-up a volley at goal for a team-mate, it pays to master controlling the ball with the head. MORE
Power heading
Whether trying to beat the goalkeeper with the pace of the ball, or looking to get distance with a defensive header, it’s useful to know how to generate some extra heading power. MORE
