How to Ensure Safe Heading in Youth Soccer

Some controversy exists over the issue of heading a soccer ball. Parents should rest assured that soccer is one of the safest youth sports; however, it pays to understand heading risks and how to prevent them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soccer Balls
• Soccer balls

1. Focus on correct technique. Teaching proper heading is the best way to prevent injuries.

2. Head the ball with the forehead, the proper part of the body to use.

3. Start with a stationary ball, which can be held out for the player or self-served. This is easier than initially trying to learn with a moving head and a moving ball.

4. Use soft balls. Playground or beach balls encourage a beginning player to feel comfortable with this new skill.

5. Make sure rules to protect players are enforced and supported by referees, coaches and parents.

6. Know the signs of a concussion: any loss of consciousness (although a concussion may come without this), short-term memory lapses, dizziness, loss of balance, persistent headache, and nausea or vomiting.

7. Ask if your coach has first aid certification (or if a team parent on hand is a medical doctor), and what system of medical evaluation is in place on the field.

Tips & Warnings

• Study the facts. Injuries related to the head usually come from accidentally colliding with another player or misjudging a goalpost.
• Consider the research. There are no conclusive studies that document proven long-term brain injury risk from repeatedly heading a soccer ball.
• Practice with your child. You don't need to have played soccer to help a child learn proper heading.
• Practice proper technique. Establish it early to avoid heading the ball in painful areas, and to prevent a subsequent fear of heading.
• Encourage confidence. This is the best way to ensure enjoyment, safety and success with this skill.
• Learn some games and exercises. You can do this by reading books or by watching your child during soccer practice.
• Watch experienced players or professional games together. Discuss the players' heading techniques with your child.

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[SemperParatus]

on 12/8/2008 please dont use your actual forehead to head any ball. you will most likely hit your nose--simple geometry of the ball shape and the shape of the face. to head a ball properly you use the hairline area of the head, the thickest area of bone, with the most control for placement (and less cance of injury). never the foehead proper nor the top of your head.