In performing Drills for soccer, don’t you get upset when your players are unable to head the ball well? Heading is a vital skill that helps the players to control or maneuver the ball while it is still in the air.
Several times in a match the ball will have to be passed in the air to get from one point to another. The capacity of your players to catch hold of the ball by using their head will directly affect their ability to maintain the control of the ball for a greatest number of times.
There are some soccer drills that have the single objective of developing player’s heading skills. Let’s talk about a few of them:
Before starting these drills, divide the players into groups of 2 to 3 players.
Heading volleyball: This is a perfect technique to learn to head the ball. In such drills for soccer, two players can perform it easily against each other. Herein, the only difference is that players make use of their heads instead of hands to toss the ball over to the other side of the net. However, they can use their hands to serve the ball.
The teams score depending on how many times they have successfully headed the ball over the net. Badminton net can be used for performing this drill.
Juggling: This drill also requires 2 players or even one will do as in the case of pervious drill. When only one player is there, he or she can make use of their forehead to juggle the ball. Now let the ball fly up in the air and start with the practice. Naturally, this exercise among all soccer exercises is the toughest to do and can only be improved upon by practicing.
When there are 2 players, they can use their heads to throw the ball back at each other. The player who does not allow the ball to fall down is the winner.
When you throw the ball, keep 2 players standing apart by 10 feet. Toss the ball at them randomly and ask them to head the ball back to you. Instruct them to jump as soon as they are ready to hit the ball. This makes them learn the technique faster.
Beware that they are instructed to use their forehead or side of the heads. If they do not adhere to this practice, they will have more headaches and also the chances of injury increase manifold.
To get the most out of this soccer practice, the player should get their forehead in line with the approaching ball. Then they rise and jump to hit the ball so that the ball gets a momentum.
Now you should incorporate what you gained here in your drills for soccer. You will be amazed by how fast they learn to head the ball. Our youth soccer coaching community has informative articles, newsletters, videos to keep you informed and updated on the latest from the world of soccer. Enroll today and reap the benefits.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andre Botelho is known online as “The Expert Youth Soccer Coach” and his free ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. Learn how to skyrocket your players’ skills and make training fun in record time. Download your free ebook at: Drills for soccer
