Heading Drills for Football

Heading is a real skill — attacking and defending. These heading drills build safe technique, timing and confidence, with age-appropriate guidance throughout.

A note on heading and age

Heading guidance varies by age, and many associations limit or remove heading for younger players. Always follow your local guidance and keep it age-appropriate — for young players, focus on technique with soft or light balls, or leave heading until they're older.

Drill 1: Safe heading technique

With a light or soft ball, players practise the basics: eyes open, mouth closed, attack the ball with the forehead, use the neck and body — not just the head. Technique and safety first, always.

• Use the forehead — the hardest, safest part.
• Eyes open, mouth closed.
• Attack the ball; don't let it hit you.

Drill 2: Attacking headers to goal

A server delivers a cross for players to head at goal. Coach heading down and towards the corners — a downward header is hardest to save.

Drill 3: Defensive headers to clear

Defenders head crosses away for height, distance and width — the opposite of attacking. Coach getting under the ball and heading through it.

• Attacking: head down and at goal.
• Defending: head high, far and wide.
• Time the jump — meet the ball at the top.

Coaching points

Keep it safe and age-appropriate at all times. Build confidence gradually with soft serves before progressing to real crosses. Never force a nervous player.

This touches on a sensitive area — always follow your national association's current heading guidelines for youth players.