Throw and head

Setup

1. Check your association's heading rules first. Many limit how much heading young players practise, and some don't allow it below U12.
2. Use a light or soft ball, not fully pumped up.
3. Pairs stand 4 m apart, one with the ball.

How it runs

1. The thrower tosses the ball gently underarm, to the header's forehead height.
2. The header steps in and heads it back into the thrower's hands. Five headers, then swap.
3. Next round, head it down to the thrower's feet. Stop at 10 headers each for the whole session.

Coaching points

• Eyes open and mouth closed; watch the ball all the way onto your forehead.
• Meet the ball with the flat part of the forehead, just below the hairline.
• Move your upper body forward through the ball - you head the ball, the ball doesn't hit you.

Common mistakes

• Shutting the eyes and letting the ball land on top of the head.
• Throwing too high or too hard - it should be an easy, soft serve.
• Doing too many. Count the headers and stop at the limit.