Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Heading

Technical Practice (10 mins)

Organisation (Practice Layout & Transition)

This Practice is set for 12  Players (this can be adjusted with more or less Players by adjusting
dimensions)

Equipment for full session

Cones x12

Flats x 12

Balls x 6 (spare with Coach)

2 poles/Markers

2 x Goals.

Setup

Total dimensions of area required is 46yd x 26yds this is for Technical, Skill & SSG.

Cones set opposite 20 yds apart with a flat 2 yards from the cone inside the area.

Players bibbed on arrival 6 red and 6 blue in readiness for skill and SSG.
Spare footballs located outside grid by coach who will put a ball in if one goes astray.

Instructions:

 Players to set up in pairs 1 from each colour bibs.

Players in Red to jog across to the flat, player in purple will throw the ball in the air for player to Head back.

Player in red returns to starting point and goes again.

This will be in 2 minute cycles then players change over roles.

Coach to observe from centrally allowing opportunity for Group
and 1 to 1 Intervention.

Mechanics - Heading

1. Eyes Open,

2. Head ball with Forehead,

3. Use Neck and Lower Back Muscles for Power,

4. Arms out for balance and protection,

5. Feet shoulder width apart/one in front of other and on Toes.

Progressions and Regressions.

Progression - Flat to be moved back so header is a larger distance.

Regression - Player doesn't throw ball just holds out for player to practice mechanics

Skilled Progression (10 mins)

Skilled Session (15mins)

Used the same size area that has previously set up. Place two poles approx. 10 yards in front of each post.

Cones and flats from previous practice can be removed

Instructions

Players to be in their groups either side of a Goal.

Player from red will run out, move around pole/Marker, when arriving in are player from their team throws ball up and player attempts to score.

This part of the practice will be unopposed.

This alternates teams every time.

Adaptations (Progressions & Regressions):

Regression removal of GK

Mechanics - Heading

1. Eyes Open,

2. Head ball with Forehead,

3. Use Neck and Lower Back Muscles for Power,

4. Arms out for balance and protection,

5. Feet shoulder width apart/one in front of other and on Toes.