#Technique

Heading

Angelo Schirinzi, 25 Jan 2023

FIFA
left
right

This exercise allows players to work on scoring headed goals and improving their overall heading ability.

Organisation

  • Position a goalkeeper in each goal.

  • Organise 4 players in the middle of the pitch, facing 1 of the goals.

  • Set up 4 ball stations, with 1 player at each station.

  • Station 1: on the goal line, halfway between the goal and the corner flagpost

  • Station 2: in the corner area

  • Station 3: on the touchline, just inside the 9m flagpost

  • Station 4: from the goalkeeper at the opposite end of the pitch


Explanation

  • The 4 attackers take it in turns to make headed attempts at goal from a ball thrown up by the player on the goal line.

  • They then take it in turns to make headed attempts at goal from a corner kick, a throw-in from the touchline and an overhead throw-out from the goalkeeper at the opposite end of the pitch.

Variations 

  • Repeat the circuit on the opposite side of the pitch.

  • Two attackers attempt to score from the goalkeeper’s throw-out. The player receiving the ball may attempt a first-time headed finish themselves or set up their team-mate with a header; the team-mate may finish the move however they wish. The 2 attackers may make diagonal runs across each other.

Coaching points

  • Emphasise the importance of quality of execution and timing.

  • The attacker should adjust their body position to set themselves for the headed shot.

  • From the goalkeeper’s throw‑out, the attacker should open up their body to create a favourable angle for a headed attempt at goal.

Rate your experience

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

The site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.