Free Soccer Drills: How To Head The Ball Properly
Here’s a really simple way to control the ball to pass or shoot and it is the heading skill that can be mastered through free soccer drills. Execution of this skill isn’t just possible without a variety of soccer exercises.
The question is where the player should apply the force on the ball. Which part of the head should be used to apply force and how much force should other parts generate? These are the questions the answers to which depend upon the intended direction or pathway of the ball.
Consider the case of hitting the ball towards the ground, where the thrust on the ball is generated from the forehead. The distance the ball should go after contact determines the amount of force that a player should use on the ball.
The most suitable heading techniques, during soccer practice, are determined by the position of the ball and the position of the player with respect to each other. Take the case of the defense players, they generally head the ball high and wide , away from the goal.
Similarly, players in the midfield play the ball more precisely as they are often trying to head it to the attacking players.
To head the ball, the players should overcome the fear of being hit by the ball in the face. Free soccer drills use a sponge type ball to address this.
Beach balls which are slightly larger and lighter are used to reduce fear. To teach the heading progression, a Soccer coach should position the players on their knees to ensure proper balance of the lower body. Gaining balance from the lower part of the body helps the players to concentrate on the action of the upper body.
Players move onto the next level of hitting the ball in the standing position, when they are comfortable striking the ball with their heads. This is the stage in soccer coaching where they will begin to learn about the contributions the lower body makes to heading.
Then comes the tapping of the ball with a other player, first in a fixed position then in motion. Let the players to jump and head the ball with the help of a one-foot take off, when they are more confident. Challenge them by offering heading drills with subtle and game-like defensive pressure.
To add more structure and to develop intentional play, one should refine the heading skills.
Do yourself a favor and incorporate free soccer drills that do not initially use a ball. Without the ball, the players gain confidence in their moving skills. Once they demonstrate competence with movement, add the ball to increase the challenge.
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About the author
Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players’ skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: How to coach soccer.
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Tags: Free soccer drills, soccer coaching, soccer exercises, soccer practice