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LOGINHeading from crosses
A high percentage of goals are scored from crosses into the penalty area, which is why it is crucial to practise attacking headers. Some footballers, especially young players, don’t like to head the ball. Use this session to teach your players the correct technique when running to meet a cross and heading towards goal.
What this session is about
- Scoring goals.
- Accurate and powerful heading.
What to think about
The following techniques need to be considered:- Move into the ball’s line of flight.
- Take off on one foot, and land on both.
- Use the arms for elevation.
- At the highest point of the jump, head the top half of the ball to direct it downwards.
- Strong neck muscles and an arched back equal power.
- Aim for the corners of the goal.
Set-up
Use a portable goal (or two poles placed approximately 3 yards to 4 yards apart, or up to 7 yards apart depending on the age of your players). Split you players into groups of three – one goalkeeper, one attacker and one server.| Warm up | Session | Development | Game Situation | Warm Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 10 minutes |
What you get your players to do
The attacker stands in line with the far post, 10 yards from goal. The server stands 5 yards outside the near post, and about 3 yards from the goal line. He throws the ball underarm to an area approximately 5 yards to 6 yards from goal in front of the attacker. The attacker runs towards the throw and heads the ball. The goalkeeper must stay on their line but try to make a save. After five attempts, repeat the drill with the server throwing the ball from the other side.The server can vary the delivery by throwing the ball overhead.
The server throws the ball for the attacker to head into the corner of the goal.
Development
The server now becomes a crosser, and stands 20 yards away from the goal to one side, and a few yards from the goal line. The attacker also starts 20 yards away and passes the ball diagonally to the crosser. He controls and crosses with his second touch, again to an area approximately 5 yards to 6 yards from goal.The attacker runs forward to head the ball past the goalkeeper. Repeat the drill for five attempts and then switch sides of the pitch.
Related Files
Core-110-heading-from-crosses.pdfPDF, 198 KB
The attacker passes to the server and then runs forward to attack the cross.
Game situation
Play 4v4 on a 30 yards by 20 yards pitch. Have two goalkeepers in the goals and a wide player operating outside each long touch line. They play for the team with the ball and are conditioned to have three touches before providing crosses (control, dribble, cross/pass). Goals only count if scored from headers. Goalkeepers can move off their line.
Teams use support players on the touch line to attack. Goals only count when scored with a header.
What to call out
“Accurate service please.” “Get above the ball and attack it.” “Keep your eyes on the ball.” “Accuracy first, power later.”Latest Issue
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