In performing drills for soccer, don’t you get upset when your players are unable to head the ball well? 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.
It’s likely that in a match the ball might have to take the aerial route to travel from one point to the other. The capacity of your players to catch hold of the ball by using their head will directly affect their ability to maintain the control of the ball for a greatest number of times.
A few soccer drills are there that have been devised with just one goal; developing player’s heading talent. Let’s chat about some 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. Herein, the only difference is that players make use of their heads instead of hands to toss the ball over to the other side of the net. Though, hands can be used to serve the ball.
The teams score depending on how many times they have successfully headed the ball over the net. Make use of badminton net for this drill.
Juggling: Like in the previous drill, this too can be performed with 2 players or just one. If there is one player, he or she can use their forehead to juggle the ball. This is the time to pull up your socks, toss the ball in air, and start practicing. Naturally, this exercise among all soccer exercises is the toughest to do and can only be improved upon by practicing.
When there are 2 players, they can use their heads to throw the ball back at each other. The player who is able to retain the ball on the head is the winner.
When throwing the ball, make the players stand apart 10 feet. Fling the ball at them and tell them to head it back. Make sure that you ask them to jump when they head the ball. This way, they can learn the trick faster.
Beware that they are instructed to use their forehead or side of the heads. If they do not do this, they will have headaches and there are chances of injury too.
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. The sight of them using their head to hit the ball will surprise you. Our youth soccer coaching community has many more informative articles, newsletters, videos and other resources that will help you train your kids even better. Join today and make the most of them.
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Tags: Drills for soccer, soccer drills, soccer exercises, Soccer practice