Heading at Goal: Technique
A server throws the ball from the side; the header attacks it and heads down towards the goal. Progression from standing to running headers. Limit the number per player.
- Age
- U13–Senior
- Players
- 4–12
- Duration
- 12 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- Low
- Area
- 20 × 25 m
- Type
- Technical
- Approach
- Intermediate
- Format
- Circuit
- Objectives
- Technical: Finishing
- Tactical: Set pieces
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:HeadingCrossing
- Tactical:Attacking the box
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Shot
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
Heading at goal is mainly technique: attack the ball with the forehead, eyes open, neck firm, and head downwards to make the save difficult. Throws give a soft, accurate ball. Keep the number of headers low (around 10–12 per player) and use light balls with younger players.
Objective
Head the ball downwards towards goal with a correct technique.
Organisation
- Header 8–10 m from goal; server 7 m to the side with balls; goalkeeper in goal.
- For U13–U14 and younger, use a light ball and fewer repetitions.
How it works
- Series 1: standing header from a soft throw (4 headers).
- Series 2: header after a step forward (4).
- Series 3: running header from a throw to the near post (4).
- Rotate server and header.
Coaching points
- Eyes open, mouth closed, contact with the forehead.
- Neck firm; the power comes from the trunk and legs.
- Get above the ball and head down.
Progressions
- Defender stands next to the header (passive contact).
Regressions
- Header from a seated or kneeling position with very soft throws.
Variations
- Diving headers on soft ground for older players.
Key principles
- Forehead, eyes open, head down.
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