How to Coach a Heading Drill in Kids' Soccer

Younger children can be fearful of heading. The best way to get them over their fear, and also ensure safe heading, is to teach proper technique.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Give every player a ball. Have players throw it into the air, head it once and then catch it. Make sure that players head the ball with the forehead and that they keep their eyes open and their teeth closed.
2. Have them throw the ball up, head it twice and then catch it.
3. Have players continue doing this until they can head the ball up to six times.
4. See how many times in a row players can head the ball without catching it, going for their own personal record.
5. Try a heading ladder, singly or in pairs. This is similar to the "Keepy Up" Ladder (see "Coach a Ball Control Drill in Kids' Soccer," under Related eHows), except that a catch is substituted for a bounce.
6. Have one player throw the ball to a partner, who heads it back. The next time there are two consecutive headers, then three, and so on up the ladder.
7. Advance to having players try to head the ball back and forth to each other.
8. Have the partners try to head back and forth as many times as they can.

Tips & Warnings

• Begin coaching heading when player are about 9 or 10 years old.
• Explain that the heading power comes not from the neck but from the lower back.
• Teach players to head high and wide for defense and to head down for goals.
• Especially emphasize heading for girls, who at most levels do not tend to use it very much.
• Soccer is a physically challenging sport that could result in serious injury. We recommend that you seek the proper equipment and training before undertaking this activity.