How Do You Coach A Heading Drill In Kids Soccer?
Younger children can be fearful of heading. The best way to get them over their fear, and also ensure safe heading, is to teach proper technique. Give every player a ball. Have players throw it into the air, head it once and then catch it. Make sure that players head the ball with the forehead and that they keep their eyes open and their teeth closed. Have them throw the ball up, head it twice and then catch it. Have players continue doing this until they can head the ball up to six times. See how many times in a row players can head the ball without catching it, going for their own personal record. Try a heading ladder, singly or in pairs. This is similar to the “Keepy Up” Ladder (see “Coach a Ball Control Drill in Kids’ Soccer,” under Related eHows), except that a catch is substituted for a bounce. Have one player throw the ball to a partner, who heads it back. The next time there are two consecutive headers, then three, and so on up the ladder. Advance to having players try to head
