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Skill · heading

Heading (age-appropriate)

Meeting the ball with the forehead safely — for older players only.

Watch a professional do it — UEFA Training Ground has this skill on video.

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How to do it

  1. 1 Watch the ball all the way.
  2. 2 Attack it with your forehead, not the top of your head.
  3. 3 Use your neck and upper body, eyes open, mouth closed.
  4. 4 Head through the middle of the ball to direct it down.

How to practise it alone

Gently, from a soft throw, with an older group only. Younger players do not head the ball — that is deliberate. 'Good' is contact on the forehead, ball going down.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the ball hit you instead of attacking it.
  • Closing the eyes.
  • Using the top of the head.