Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Heading

Blocked

Organisation:

- 12 players, 6 red and 6 blue.

- Can use the circle area on the halfway line or create a 30 x 30 area for this practice.

- 6 servers around the outside and 6 players inside the area ready to head the ball.

Equipment:

- Cones/ markers.

- 6 balls.

- Bibs.

Description:

- 6 players are set up around the outside of the area as shown. The other 6 players start inside the the area.

- The players starting inside should find a server on the outside. The server will then throw a ball underarm towards the blue player's head for him/her to then head back.

- The blue player should aim to head the ball back into the server's arms before then finding another server to head the ball back to.

- This should be carried out for 1 minute before then swapping roles between the blue and red players.

Progressions:

- Players should practice different types of headers, for example, an attackive and defensive header. The coaching points fpor both types of headers are different and so coaching interventions are extremely important here.

- Can develop this further where the server must call which type of header they want the player to perform whilst serving, for example, a cushioned header.

- Can allow the players starting in the middle to start with the ball. The players must then pass the ball to a server on the outside to then receive a ball to head, making it more realistic.

- Can progress to a competition, which team can head the most balls in a minute within this exercise? Give player ownership of keeping track of the scores.

Conditions, targets and challenges:

- Players must perform the type of header that the server calls out during the progression.

- Can you perform 6 successful headers within a minute?

- Can you perform a more powerful header when performing an attacking header?

- Can you approach the ball side on in order to produce a powerful header rather than standing straight on?

Coaching points:

- When approaching the ball, the player should be side on to gain more control and power with the header.

- The type of header shoul be decided beforehand dependant on the situation.

- Keep your eyes on the ball, don't close your eyes.

- The ball should make contact with the forehead for increased control.

- Should flex the neck muscles like a chicken for extra power and control.

- Can also jump for some headers to beat opponents who competing for the same header.

Coaching interventions:

- Fly-by: give players quick pointers on the coaching points for heading the ball, especially for the different types of headers as they may be different. Also give praise through the fly-by method for when players are performing the technique correctly and meeting their targets and challenges.

- Drive-by: Can pull players out of the practice to set targets and challenges. This may be because they are struggling with the technique and so need extra motivation and guidance in order to improve. They may also be succeeding and so need to harder challenge set by the coach to keep them motivated throughout.

- Coaching process: a player may perform the heading technique slightly wrong and so it's important for the coach to step in and coach this in front of the whole group if needs be. If there are several situations where the ball is being headed back over the server then the coach can step in to use the coaching process to give feedback on how to control the ball with the head correctly using coaching points. Players should be allowed to rehearse again before then playing live.

SSG

Organisation:

- 12 players, 6 players on each team with two goalkeepers.

- 40 x 30 yard area.

Equipment:

- Cones/ markers.

- Balls.

- Different coloured bibs for two teams.

- Two goals or 4 poles.

Description:

- This is s small sided game with a twist. Players have to pass the ball using their hands.

- The players have to throw and catch the ball to each other.

- Players in possession of the ball cannot travel, they must pass.

- Opponents cannot tackle the player in possession, they must intercept passes.

- The only way a player can score a goal is by heading the ball past the goalkeeper after being served by their teammate.

Progressions:

- Double points awarded for headed goals scored when served in from a wide area (to promote crossing of the ball to create heading opportunities).

- Players can travel with the ball in their hands. Opponents can stop them from travelling by tagging them. Increases the realism of the game.

- Eventually, the ball will start on the floor so normal football rules will now apply. Double points from a header will apply after this point to promote the skill of heading.

- Any goal assisted with a header after the ball starts on the floor is awarded with double points also.

Conditions, targets and challenges:

- Can only score a goal with a head before the progressions.

- Players cannot tackle the player in possession when throwing and catching the ball.

- Can you score a hattrick of headers before the end of the game?

- Can you assist another player using your head?

- When your teammate crosses the ball, can you jump to meet the ball before the defender/goalkeeper?

- Can you head the ball downwards into the bottom corner making ti difficult for the goalkeeper?

Coaching points:

- When approaching the ball, the player should be side on to gain more control and power with the header.

- The type of header shoul be decided beforehand dependant on the situation.

- Keep your eyes on the ball, don't close your eyes.

- The ball should make contact with the forehead for increased control.

- Should flex the neck muscles like a chicken for extra power and control.

- Can also jump for some headers to beat opponents who competing for the same header.

Coaching interventions:

- Fly-by: give players quick pointers on the coaching points for heading the ball, especially for the different types of headers as they may be different. Also give praise through the fly-by method for when players are performing the technique correctly and meeting their targets and challenges.

- Drive-by: Can pull players out of the practice to set targets and challenges. This may be because they are struggling with the technique and so need extra motivation and guidance in order to improve. They may also be succeeding and so need to harder challenge set by the coach to keep them motivated throughout. Pulling a player out in this practice can also provide an overload which can prove positive in some situations.

- Coaching process: a player may perform the heading technique slightly wrong and so it's important for the coach to step in and coach this in front of the whole group if needs be. Sometimes the wrong technique may be performed as a one-off, however, if this is repeated then the coach should use the coaching process for that group, including demonstrations and rehearsals to make sure they learn effectively.