Football · Heading · Crossing

Attacking headers from crosses

Players attack a served cross and head it down at goal, with low reps and a size-appropriate, lighter ball.

SHNGK
Start / 4
Time
10 min
Players
4–10
Age
U13+
Area
Penalty area
Equipment
1 full-size goal6 light size 4 balls4 cones

Setup

  1. Check your local heading guidelines first; keep it to 5 headers per player in the session.
  2. Use a light, size-appropriate ball. A goalkeeper in goal.
  3. A server stands wide, level with the six-yard box. Headers queue 14 m out, central.

How it runs

  1. The server throws the ball underarm into the near-post area; the header runs in and heads at goal.
  2. Once the throws are clean, the server switches to a short lofted kick.
  3. The header jogs back to the line; the next player goes. Swap the server every round.

Coaching points

  • Eyes open and mouth closed; watch the ball onto your forehead.
  • Attack the ball with a run; don't wait for it to hit you.
  • Head through the top half of the ball to send it down.
  • Use your arms for balance, not to push off others.

Common mistakes

  • Closing the eyes and letting the ball hit the top of the head.
  • Standing still and letting the ball drop onto you.
  • Heading it up and over the bar.

Say it: “Eyes open. Attack it. Head it down.”

Make it harder

  • Add a passive defender at the near post.
  • Alternate near-post and far-post serves.

Make it easier

  • Serve from close range, straight in front, by hand.
  • Use a softer, lighter ball.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.