By : Aidan Byrne
One of the most important, yet least taught, skills in soccer is the art of heading. Over the past few decades, heading has come under much scrutiny, as some argue it can lead to concussions, the early onset of brain disorders, or impaired brain function and development in young children.
Even though controversial, heading remains a vitally important part of the game. Headers can lead to a game winner or can save a last-second shot inching toward the top corner to preserve that 1-0 victory. If you play or coach the game of soccer, you need to know how to head correctly or how to coach the technique correctly.
A number of key factors go into heading a ball correctly:
1. Timing: Timing is vital. If you do not learn to judge the ball flight correctly, chances are you will never get to the ball at the right time to make the proper contact. The ball may go over your head or even hit you in the face.
2. Technique: Technique is also very important, and you should use different techniques for different type of headers. I describe each technique below. For each type, remember to protect yourself. When heading, clench your teeth and prepare your upper body for contact.
3. Confidence: The real secret to good heading is having the confidence to do it. You must come to meet the ball-don't let it hit you. Keep your eyes focused on the ball and know exactly where you want to make contact. Have confidence you will beat your opponent to the ball.
Heading techniques
Defensive heading
Defensive heading normally involves the most power. It can be done from a standing position or at the highest point of a jump, which is why timing is important. The lower half of the ball should make contact with the upper portion of your forehead so when you power through the ball, it rebounds upward away from your goal toward the opponent's goal.
You will get the best results if you are squared up to the ball. This all sounds very easy; however, in a game, an opponent will almost always be challenging you to win the ball. This is where confidence plays an important role.
Offensive heading
Offensive heading is normally used in and around your opponent's goal and can also be done from a standing position or from a jumping motion. As with defensive heading, timing is crucial. Always try to head the ball downwards away from the goalkeeper by rising above the ball, making contact with the upper half of the ball with the upper portion of your forehead, and then making a downward motion with your upper body. Again, you will achieve better results if you can meet the ball square on.
Glancing
Glancing involves only the slightest of touches on the ball by using just a portion of your head. You are not looking to meet the ball fully as in defensive and offensive heading. It takes just a small touch to glance successfully. Glancing can also be done from a standing position or while jumping.
This skill is most often used by offensive players as they run across the goal. For example, a good header of the ball should be able to run across the goal toward the front post, receive the ball on the head from a cross, and glance the ball down toward the back post. If the ball were to be met square on the head as the player ran to the front post, it would likely go out for a goal kick.
Flick on
The purpose of the flick on is quick redirection. This throws the defense off and can cause confusion, hopefully allowing a teammate to score. It too can be done from a standing position or by jumping. The idea is for the ball to skim off the back part of the top of your head and redirect the flight of the ball in a speedy manner. Don't worry-you are not meeting the ball full-on, and it certainly does not hurt.
Typically, you will only use the flick on in a couple of circumstances; it can be a very effective tool in set plays. Most commonly, you will use it in offensive free kicks, corners, and throws. Attacking midfielders and forwards also use the flick on when trying to advance the ball up the field toward their opponent's goal.
Diving header
As the name implies, a diving header is dramatic and is a real crowd-pleaser. It is primarily an offensive goal-scoring technique; however, it can be just as effective as a defensive play. It is done by diving toward the ball and making contact with your forehead, either above or below the ball's center line, while you are horizontal in the air. For an offensive play, you should hit above the center line, and for a defensive play, you should hit below the center line. As with all types of heading, timing here is incredibly important.
CONCLUSION
Like anything else in soccer, players can only improve on a particular skill like heading with practice. Players should practice heading techniques safely on the training ground and then implement them in a game. Remember: more accidents and injuries occur when people try something in a game situation they have never practiced. Safety is always important, and players should always be prepared for every part of the game.
This article was written by Aidan Byrne. Aidan is a College soccer coach and a former professional soccer player as well as a collegiate All American. While coaching soccer, he places great emphasis on the strength and conditioning aspect of the game. He owns and runs a strength and conditioning business where he imparts his knowledge to young athletes and helps to improve their performance on the field. Check out his website at http://aidanbyrne.com Watch out for regular updates about soccer and soccer training.