| Headers are vital part of football. This would give your team air power in the game of football. The team that dominates in the air can win the ball in the vital danger zone in front of the six yard box both when defending and attacking, and that team can win the ball from long goal kicks. Heading skills also enable a team to use the long ball tactic bombarding the opposition with long passes towards their penalty area. The correct part of the head to use is the forehead. This is the hardest and flattest part of your head, and it will give you better control over where you want to send the ball as well as giving greater power. You often see kids playing football who can play the ball well on the ground, but are not confident when the ball is played in the air. Often the problem is a fear of getting hurt, but once they learn to head the ball properly using your forehead, there is no danger. |
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| Defensive header techniques in football allows a player to project the ball upward angle in such situations as clearing the football from defence. The key to this skill is to start with the forehead underneath the ball, so that the head can move upwards to attack the ball. The technique for heading upwards is that the ball remains above eye level, so that at the moment your forehead makes contact with the ball, your head is moving upwards. Use your legs to push yourself upwards just before heading the ball as this helps to obtain good distance. |
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| Attacking header techniques are football skills for directing the ball downwards to score goals, and win the ball in the air. The key to the attacking header is to get the eyes over the ball, so that you are attacking the ball from above. The attacking header requires getting the forehead and eyes over the ball, so that the ball can be attacked from above. Beginners often have trouble timing the header, and end up hitting the nose or the top of the head, so coaches should start young children with a soft ball. Obviously, it's important to watch the football carefully! Balance is another point to watch, and beginners should try to get their feet into position early, so that they are behind the ball. Better players should work on meeting crosses on the move, so that their momentum helps to add power to the header, and to avoid being caught static by defenders. Several factors help to obtain power in the attacking header. The shoulders can pushed forwards and the back arched before attacking the ball. The upper body should be kept in a straight line, not falling away to the side, and much of the power comes from the neck muscles. It's very important to be positive. A simple training drill is illustrated in which the ball is thrown against a wall, and headed below the line. Numbered circular targets can also be made. |
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| The glancing header technique provides versatility, and disguise in the air. When it isn't possible to face the direction in which you want to head the ball, or you want to disguise your intentions, you can deflect the football off the forehead. This skill is important in front of goal to direct the ball past the goalkeeper, and anywhere on the field for passing to another player. The ball should be struck off the centre of the forehead, not the side of the head. Deflection is produced by turning the head just before impact, and the amount of deflection depends on the angle that the head is turned. A potential error is to allow the head to sway to the side instead of keeping it inline with the ball. A simple, but effective, soccer drill for the glancing header is for three players to form a triangle. The first player chips the ball for the second player to head to the side for player three. Next player three chips the ball, and player one heads the ball. Each player gets an equal turn at heading, chipping and receiving the ball. If the quality of the kicks are poor, then it is best to throw the ball. |
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| The diving header gives the
player an extra weapon to use to get to the ball first. This would
enable the player to make use of the balls or crosses that are too far
in front, and to get a head on crosses that otherwise would be missed.
This is particularly true at the near post where the attacker is
trying to get in front of the defender.
The diving header requires both feet being off the ground, and jump towards the ball. You should be almost horizontal as you head the ball, using your forehead as always. Generally, take off is from only one foot, because the diving header is usually attempted on the run. Most players find the dive the most difficult part of this technique. |
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