This article by soccer-expert presenter Tony Moss originally appeared on
ESPNSoccernet.com

Heading
In the recent England international versus Croatia the following ‘common practice’ occurred. Beckham crosses from the right and Michael Owen drifts in between two defenders to head the ball past the Croatian goalkeeper. Another Beckham cross, another Michael Owen goal – coincidence? I don’t think so.

Heading the ball in the game is a rarity for most players but it is still a vital skill, as Michael Owen showed. Other great exhibitors of this skill i.e. attacking heading, are Hernan Crespo (Argentinean International), Christian Vieri (Italian International) and Duncan Ferguson (Scottish International). All have demonstrated to the highest level the skill of attacking heading.

Managers see the importance of this skill too, notably when players score, for example, Trevor Francis (former manager of Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday) enthused about the heading technique of one of his players when he stated: “His header was right in the corner - it was unstoppable.” Note the choice of words: “In the corner”, “unstoppable”. Words that indicate the managers appreciation of good technique.

However, heading is not just an attacking part of soccer, it is also an important aspect of defending. Defenders must be able to head the ball successfully to prevent opponents from scoring. Great demonstrators of this are players such as Tony Adams (Ex-Arsenal and England) and Paulo Maldini (AC Milan and Italy). Heading the ball clear from danger and preventing an attacker from scoring or preventing a goal scoring opportunity should not be underestimated. It is a skill of the highest quality.

So let's look more closely at this skill of heading the ball! A skill that is not replicated in any other sport. How important is it to learn to head the ball in youth soccer and how should it be taught?

At a young age players rarely, if ever head the ball in a game. This however does not mean that heading should be neglected, on the contrary early introduction to the technique of heading is vital to develop player confidence in this unusual aspect of the game. Like all aspects of technical development heading does need to be addressed. It should be addressed early in a young players development BUT at the young age use SOFT balls or even balloons to help the player develop the technique. Using soft balls also helps address medical worries raised about heading a football at a young age where concerns over injuries to the head and neck have been discussed. If you have concerns over this consult medical advice.

I have seen many practices/drills that help develop the technique of heading. However, so often the main ingredient of introducing heading to children is missed- correct attitude. What do I mean by this? Well, as stated before, heading a ball is a very UNUSUAL thing to do. No other sport I can think of users their head in this way. Therefore children will find the experience strange.

An article by Sports Coaching Competences for Teachers Initiative (an education website) puts in correctly when they state:

Experience of working with primary education students in football courses shows that many dislike heading the ball. This is mainly because they have no previous experience of this skill. Consequently, the fear element is great. Because they tense up to play the ball, they find it uncomfortable. Self-feeds are essential at the start to reduce fear. If necessary a soft ball may also be used in the early stages to reduce anxiety. Heading practices should be short with alternatives offered, i.e. some who are happy heading the ball may be encouraged to do so, others may change back to passing the ball with their feet for a few feeds then back to heading etc. Importance should be placed on ensuring that the students know how to assist children in developing the skill of heading, rather than on them being able to do it effectively themselves.

This statement is absolutely correct and the views expressed are vital components in developing the skill of heading amongst young players.
This week, soccer-expert.com applies this philosophy to its chosen show.

Heading

Key points discussed in the show:

Keeping your eye on the ball
Timing
Being Positive
Use of the forehead

Derek Broadly from soccer-expert.com writes:

“Footballers need to use their Heads”

This statement is twofold as one refers to the tactical thinking of the game; the second sends the fear down the spines of parents of young players across the world.

The art of heading comes from being taught the correct technique when it is appropriate in the development process. Far too often heading is introduced far too early to young players and as a result of poor practise the fear is installed thus making it a difficult topic to return to. Heading in the British professional game is vital both from a defending and attacking aspect as the ball is often crossed into the penalty area with varying speeds and heights however, those coaches that work in the 6-11 age groups of boys and girls football will rarely see the ball get above head height and yet, they spend hours each season teaching the skill.

The soccer-experts team will demonstrate the specific practise to the art of heading, when it is the appropriate time and level for the player to understand the benefits of this very difficult skill.

The type of equipment needed to start the process is vital, a balloon is the ideal toy for the very young to understand the concept, moving onto a sponge ball/beech ball before a more realistic ball can be introduced. The shows will demonstrate realistic practise that can be implemented using these different types of balls that will give players the confidence to master the skill that can be a match winner at either end of the field.