Football-adapted gameCoordination
Throw, Head, Catch
A handball-style game where the ball must follow the sequence throw – header – catch. Goals can only be scored with a header. A playful introduction to heading with soft, accurate throws.
- Age
- U9–U14
- Players
- 8–16
- Duration
- 12 min
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Intensity
- Medium
- Area
- 25 × 20 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Football-adapted game
- Objectives
- Tactical: Set pieces
- Physical: Coordination
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Heading
- Tactical:Support play
- Physical:Coordination
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Shot
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
Young players are often afraid of heading. Here the ball comes from a teammate's gentle underarm throw, so the header is short and controlled, and the sequence forces players to move into position. Use a light ball and keep the number of headers low.
Objective
Learn to head the ball with the forehead in a playful, low-impact game.
Organisation
- Pitch of 25 × 20 m with two small goals (or mini-goals on a box). Two teams of four to eight. A light ball.
How it works
- Player A throws underarm; player B must head to player C, who catches. Then C throws again.
- If the sequence breaks or the ball touches the ground, the other team gets the ball.
- Goals only from a header. Goalkeepers may use hands. 2 × 5 minutes.
Coaching points
- Eyes open, contact with the forehead, neck firm.
- Throw soft and at head height for your teammate.
- Move to an angle where the header can reach you.
Progressions
- Allow a header to a teammate who heads again (no catch) for advanced players.
Regressions
- Throw – catch – throw sequence, header only to score.
Variations
- Score with a header only from inside a marked zone.
Key principles
- Soft throws, brave headers.
Share this task
Useful? Send it to your coaching staff or save the diagram.