Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): Defending headers with Central defenders

Defending headers with Central defenders Progression (5 mins)

Defending headers with Central defenders

Player 1 is the server. The server plays the ball in the air to players A and B who are on the other team as central defenders.

Defenders A and B are working on their positioning to defend the ball coming in. Defenders should be looking to head the ball high and to the sides of the pitch

Coaching points

Key Factors - Defending Headers

1-Eyes Open

2-Attack the Ball

3-Part of Head (Forehead)

4-High / Wide Clearance

5-Meet Ball at Highest Point

6-One Foot Take-Off

7-Use all of your body to attack the ball

8-Clear facing forward or sideways

Key Factors - Movement

1-Don't react, act an adapt to ball - Shift, step or retreat (simple backyards or crossover/sideways)

2-Adapt to striker (s)

3-Cover each other

Defending headers with Central defenders Progression #2 (5 mins)

Defending headers with Central defenders Progression 3

We now add in serves from the wings as well. Player 4 and 5 will take turns crossing from the left and players 6 and 7 will take turns crossing from the right. Player 1 will still mix in the deliveries as well.

Player 4 will pass the ball deep for player 5 to signal the movement of player 2 and 3. Same will happen on the other wing as they take turns sending balls in.

Defenders A and B are working on their positioning to defend the ball coming in. Defenders should be looking to head the ball high and to the sides of the pitch.

Coaching points

Key Factors - Defending Headers

1-Eyes Open

2-Attack the Ball

3-Part of Head (Forehead)

4-High / Wide Clearance

5-Meet Ball at Highest Point

6-One Foot Take-Off

7-Use all of your body to attack the ball

8-Clear facing forward or sideways

Key Factors - Movement

1-Don't react, act an adapt to ball - Shift, step or retreat (simple backyards or crossover/sideways)

2-Adapt to striker (s)

3-Cover each other