Does it get a little annoying when in performing drills for soccer; players fail to head the ball in a proper manner? The skill of heading the ball is a key skill which allows the players to maneuver and control the ball while it is still up in the air.
A lot of times during a match, passing the ball would have to be through the aerial route. In players, the ability to capture the ball with the use of their head will ensure that most of the times, they’ll have the control of the ball.
There are a few soccer drills that focus solely on developing the heading skills of the players. Let’s talk about a few 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. It can be easily performed by two players against one another in such drills for soccer. It’s similar to playing volleyball apart from that here players flip the ball over the other side of the net by using their heads in place of hands. Yet, they are free to make use of their hands to serve the ball.
The teams score depending on how many times they have successfully headed the ball over the net. You can use badminton net for this drill.
Juggling: This drill employs two players like in the earlier drill or just one will do. If there is one player, he or she can use their forehead to juggle the ball. Now let the ball fly up in the air and start with the practice. It is but obvious that this drill is comparatively tougher and the player gets better at it by practicing.
With 2 players, the ball can be thrown in the air and they head it back to each other. The player who is able to retain the ball on the head is the winner.
Throwing the ball; have the players stand apart each other by 10 feet. Fling the ball at them and tell them to head it back. Keep in mind to tell them to jump before hitting the ball. This will help them learn the trick efficiently.
Take a precaution though that they use the side of their heads and forehead to head the ball. If they do not follow your advice, they can get injured or have headaches.
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.
Next, take this learning and include these drills for soccer in your practice sessions. You will be surprised at how efficiently they start heading the ball. Our youth soccer coaching community has many more informative articles, newsletters, videos to keep your soccer coaching standards high and rewarding. Subscribe today and enjoy the rewards.
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