When doing
youth football coaching drills, I am not a stickler on headers. Youngsters 12
years old and younger very seldom jump into the air to header the ball and if
they do their level of accuracy is poor. However every player in your squad must
be able to header a soccer ball from a flat standing position and must be able
to force the ball forwards and not backwards.
The correct technique:
1) Make sure that you feet are at least
shoulder width apart, lean back to generate some power.
2) Bring your upper body forward to
meet the ball. You can raise both arms in a lateral position to the sides of
the body for balance.
3) Keep your eyes on the ball and hit
it squarely with your forehead between the hairline and the brow.
4) Aim the ball where you want it to go
by pointing your forehead in that direction.
5) If you’re going to jump, then jump
straight up in the air. Draw your neck back and propel the body forward as you
strike the ball. Use your arms to thrust yourself forward as you make contact
with the ball.
With your
youth football coaching drills, you will find that your taller players are far
better at executing headers than your smaller players. So in set pieces such as
corners, use your strongest player to execute the movement.
Cheers for
now.
Mike
No comments:
Post a Comment