Soccer Heading

Soccer heading is a skill that shouldnt be ignore. Soccer players should spend a certain amount of time practicing this. Soccer is a game often played along the ground but sometimes a high ball is the option that some players might choose. Once the ball is in the air, both teams will want to challenge for it. If you wait for the ball to drop, you run the risk of losing possession, or even maybe conceding a goal. Heading is a skill that can win and lose games. A defensive header should be used to clear high balls from crosses or corners.

Heading doesn't come naturally, it takes practice just like any other skill. Most people, including myself, go into self-preservation made when we see an object hurling towards our faces. This defensive reaction causes us to close our eyes and turn away - the very things you shouldn't do!

There are 4 main points to keep in mind when heading the ball:

Use the forehead. This is a relatively flat surface and will make controlling the direction of the header easier. The skull is also thickest here. Even a ball coming at pace will not hurt. Finally, because the ball will be coming towards your forehead, you will be able to watch the ball right upto the moment of impact.

Try not to head the ball with the very top of your head. This can be very painful and cause you to be dazed.

Keep your eyes open. Many still photographes show that even the professionals close their eyes at the precise moment of contact between ball and head. This is quiet normal. Try to keep your eyes on the ball for as long as possible.

Attack the ball. Meet the ball, dont just let the ball hit you. if you wait for the ball to come to you, it is likely that it wil be intercepted. Be positive and don't be scared of the ball.

Arch your back and nob our head. Most of the times, you will want to try and get maximum power into a header. By arching your back and snapping forward at the point of contact, you will give your head forward momentum when it meets the ball. Even more power is ger=nerated if you use your neck mosucles to punch through the ball at the same time.

Try to keep in mind all these 4 points when heading a ball. It is best to have someone throw you the ball lightly and practice heading the ball at a slow pace. Then gradually as you get better, add more pace. When you think you are ready, practice heading for goal . It is harder to head a ball when there are defenders in the box.

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