Let’s talk about why heading of the soccer ball is a skill. Do you remember back in 2015 when US Soccer banned heading? Players 10 and under are not allowed to head the ball. As a coach of teams 10 and under, the way players attacked the ball changed quite a bit. I need to get out to the older age group games and see if this has had any impact.
Tactical Series will present you with a question (20 total) and you have to honestly grade yourself 1-10 (1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest). Check back daily to see your past and next assessment question.
6. HEADING OF THE BALL
Help from the sideline:
How well do you head the ball in defensive situations?
Think about when you are defending a corner kick or set piece inside your own half. Good headers of the ball often times than not have a knack for the ball and want to make the play. When you’re confident in heading the ball, it is a big asset to your team.
Good headers of the ball in a defensive situation head the ball out of danger and release pressure for their team. A strong clearance in the air can even turn into a counter attack going the other way for your team. Look for that opportunity.
Late in games when your team is protecting a lead the opposing teams throws numbers forward and they are constantly playing longer passes into the box from the air. Sometimes you’ll see one player make three or four plays with their head. Everyone loves the bravery and effort from those players!
How well do you make contact with the ball?
It’s fun to see a player make great ball contact with their head. It looks like it hurts, but it doesn’t when contact is made properly. There are times when you have to cushion your header to your teammate nearby or to yourself. It takes a soft touch of the ball at a calculated angle.
Heading of the ball is very much a skill that involves technique. Using your body to transfer weight from the ground to the ball is the key technique. Following through with your body helps propel the ball forward at faster speeds.
Do you like heading the ball?
Players that enjoy heading the ball not only play a vital part on defense, but instantly become a threat on offense.
As an attacker, you add an aerial scoring element to your game. As a defender, you get to come up for offensive set pieces and be the focal point. That’s fun and if you do score, then it’s always a big celebration with the rest of your team. Scoring a goal with your head isn’t easy.
Action:
Spend a couple minutes thinking of some times you’ve made a great play hitting the ball with your head. How do you rate your heading?
