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Defensive Headers for Counter-Attack

Train defensive headers and initiate counter-attacks.

Heading15-16U1813-14group7 players minimumstarstarstarstarstar5.0 (4)
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Equipment, Setup & Instructions
Equipment
  • Balls
  • Cones
  • Goal involved in practice
Setup
  1. Area: Section marked within the 18-yard box using cones
  2. Goals: One large goal on the goal line at the end of the 18-yard box
  3. Team Red: 4 red outfield players lined up across the box in their usual back-four formation, facing the coach
  4. Team Blue: 2 blue outfield players positioned inside the area facing the red defenders
  5. Coach: 1 grey coach positioned outside the box serving lofted balls into the area
  6. Equipment: Cones marking the boundaries of the designated section within the 18-yard box, balls for the coach to serve
Instructions
  1. The coach lofts the ball into the area.
  2. Defenders communicate and challenge to win the header.
  3. Upon winning the header, defenders quickly position themselves to start a counter-attack.
  4. Ensure all defenders engage and coordinate to neutralize the attacking threat effectively.
Coaching Points
  • Arch back and punch through the ball using neck muscles.
  • Maintain communication and eye contact with the ball.
  • Adopt a positive body shape; be light on your feet.
  • Strike the ball with the forehead, aiming for bottom half contact.
  • Keep eyes open and mouth closed upon header impact.
  • Differentiate between one-footed and two-footed jumps based on situation.
  • Use arms for balance; aim to head the ball high, wide, and long.
  • Generate necessary force to project the ball adequately.
  • Build confidence through correct method demonstration.
Variations
Make it harder:
1. Introduce a third attacker to increase pressure.
2. Reduce the defender count to three for added difficulty.
Make it easier:
1. Remove one of the attackers to reduce pressure.
2. Allow defenders to catch the ball before heading as an intermediate step.
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