Here’s a really simple way to control the ball to pass or shoot and it is the heading skill that can be mastered through free soccer drills. Different kinds of soccer exercises helps in the proper execution of this skill.

What part of the ball should be applied force by the player? Which part of the head should be used to apply force and how much force should other parts generate? Answering these questions correctly will help the player to hit the ball where he wanted to.

Consider the case of hitting the ball towards the ground, where the thrust on the ball is generated from the forehead. The amount of force that a player should use on the ball is determined by how far the ball must travel after contact.

In Soccer Practice, the position of the ball with respect the player decides the heading technique. The defense players head the ball high and wide, away from the goal, for instance.

Soccer Drills

On the other hand, midfield players head the ball more precisely to the attacking players.

To head the ball, the players should overcome the fear of being hit by the ball in the face. It is necessary to address this concern by using a sponge type ball, free soccer drills uses it.

To reduce fear, some cases mandate to use a slightly larger and lighter ball like a beach ball. While teaching heading skills, Coaches usually position the players on their knees to ensure proper balance of the lower body. When the players have proper balance of the lower body, they concentrate on the action of the upper body.

When the players are comfortable striking the ball with their heads, they can move to a standing position. These skills from the soccer coaching help the players to realize the contributions of the lower body in the heading.

Next comes the tossing of the ball between the players in a stable standing position, and then comes the tossing in motion. When the coach feels that the players are confident, the players are encouraged to jump and then head the ball with a one-foot take off. Heading drills with a real game-like environment challenge the players.

Another step towards adding more structure to the game and developing intentional play is to refine the heading skills.

Do yourself a favor and incorporate free soccer drills that do not initially use a ball. Moving skills of the players are improved without the ball and that increases their confidence. When the players demonstrate competence with movement, they can practice with the ball.

If you would like to coach soccer to the kids, you should think about subscribing to our youth soccer coaching community for it has got articles, newsletters and videos on soccer coaching.

About the author

Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players’ skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: How to coach soccer.