How to head a football
By Pablo M- Share Post Email
Often a skill neglected in football training, learning how to head a football increases your chances of scoring when it matters in a game. While a player height is an important factor, players of all shape can be equally effective in the air if they use the right header technique.
Key points to remember when heading a ball:
- Keep eyes open. When you see the ball flying to you, it is tempting to close your eyes. Having your eyes open gives you better chances of having a clear connection with the ball.
- Hit the ball with your forehead. It is the thickest and widest part of your skull. The contact surface is bigger, therefore you hit the ball with more power and control. You can also hit the ball with other areas of your skull, but it is limited to very specific situations (e.g.: top of the head to flick the ball over a defender).
- Tell your teammates that you are going for the ball. Collisions often occur due to teammate’s failure to communicate whose ball it is prior to it being played. This can result in serious injuries.
- Use your whole body to reach high and push through the ball at contact. You bend your legs and push up, lift your arms to gain height, arch your body back before contact, etc.
Follow these simple tips and you will improve your heading and perfect your technique, which ultimately means more power and more accuracy. Watch the video below for a demonstration on how to head a football correctly.
For in depth football training and to support us, visit our sponsor’s website.
Pablo Matamoros
I am a software engineer with 25+ years of experience across diverse industries. I've climbed the corporate leader over the years, which has some benefits but means I moved away from my love for tinkering with technology. So, I build the odd website or application to keep learning and stay in touch with technology. FootballTechniques allows me to combine my programming knowledge with my passion for football.
To find out more about my professional experience, visit PabloMatamoros.com
10 drills to improve ball control
Ball control is the most important skill in football. This post goes over a variety of drills to develop your ball control.
5 Common Mistakes Newbie Football Players Make
Discover 5 mistakes newbie football players make and learn how to avoid them. These actionable tips will improve your skills, decision-making, and [...]
5 football dribbling moves all players should know
There are many fancy moves in football, but you only need to master a few simple skills to protect the ball and open opportunities for your team. [...]