Does it get a little annoying when in performing drills for soccer; players fail to head the ball in a proper manner? Heading is a vital skill that helps the players to control or maneuver the ball while it is still in the air.
Many a times during the match, it is required to pass the ball by way of throwing it above ground. 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.
A few soccer drills are there that have been devised with just one goal; developing player’s heading talent. Let’s chat about some of them:
Segregate the players in groups of not more than 2 to 3 players ahead of starting with the drills.
Heading volleyball: This is by far the ideal practice to understand the art of heading the ball. Two players can easily carry it out next to each other in such drills for soccer. It is similar to the game of volleyball except that players use their heads instead of hands to throw the ball over to the other side of the net. However, they can use their hands to serve the ball.
The points are given based on the players successfully heading the ball across the net. You can make use of badminton net for this.
Juggling: This drill can accommodate 2 players like the previous one or even a single player. In a scenario where there’s just one player, he or she will juggle the ball with their forehead. This is the time to pull up your socks, toss the ball in air, and start practicing. It is natural that this drill among all soccer exercises is the most difficult and the player must practice it hard to get better at it.
In case of 2 players, they can throw the ball in the air and use their heads to throw it back to each other. The player who keeps the ball in the air is the winner.
Throwing the ball; Make two players stand about 10 feet apart. Fling the ball at them and tell them to head it back. Make sure that you ask them to jump when they head the ball. This makes them learn the technique faster.
It is important that they are instructed to use their forehead and sides of the head. 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 jump and hit so that the ball gets height and momentum.
Next, take this learning and include these drills for soccer in your practice sessions. The sight of them using their head to hit the ball will surprise you. Our youth soccer coaching community has many more informative articles, newsletters, videos and other resources that will help you train your kids even better. Subscribe today and enjoy the rewards.
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 practice sessions fun in record time. Download your free ebook at: Soccer Practice.
