Here’s a really simple way to control the ball to pass or shoot and it is the heading skill that can be mastered through free soccer drills. A variety of soccer exercises are involved in the proper execution of this skill.
Which part of the ball should be kicked? Both are equally important : Which part of the head applies force and What force do other parts produce. Answering these questions correctly will help the player to hit the ball where he wanted to.
For example, if players want to head the ball towards the ground, they’ll strike the ball with the downward motion of the forehead. The amount of force that a player should use on the ball is determined by how far the ball must travel after contact.
The most suitable heading techniques, during soccer practice, are determined by the position of the ball and the position of the player with respect to each other. For example, players in the defensive third generally head the ball high and wide , away from the goal.
And the same differs for the midfield players for they head the ball accurately to the attacking players.
To head the ball, the players should overcome the fear of being hit by the ball in the face. It is necessary to address this concern by using a sponge type ball, free soccer drills uses it.
A Slightly larger and a lighter ball, like a beach ball , is preferred to reduce the fear. To teach the heading progression, a Soccer coach should position the players on their knees to ensure proper balance of the lower body. Gaining balance from the lower part of the body helps the players to concentrate on the action of the upper body.
Once they start feeling comfortable striking the ball with their heads, they can move to a standing position. These skills from the soccer coaching help the players to realize the contributions of the lower body in the heading.
Then comes the tapping of the ball with a other player, first in a fixed position then in motion. When the coach feels that the players are confident, the players are encouraged to jump and then head the ball with a one-foot take off. Challenge them by offering heading drills with subtle and game-like defensive pressure.
One can never deny the fact that refining heading skills will add more structure to the game and will develop intentional play.
Do you know why one should incorporate free soccer drills because it doesn’t use the ball initially? Without the ball, the players gain confidence in their moving skills. Players should be challenged with the ball only when they are competent with the moving skills.
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About the author
Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players’ skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: How to coach soccer.