Performing a diving header in soccer

A diving header requires that you propel the body in the path of the ball. Your arms must be stretched forward to protect you from injuries when landing on the ground. Many soccer players find the dive being most difficult part of this technique. But don’t worry after reading this article you will know exactly how to do.

When heading the ball you must use your forehead. This part of your head is flat and hard which will make it possible for you to control the ball better. Beside that you will also be able to hit the ball with greater power comparing to the other parts of your head. It is important to keep in mind that you should not be afraid of heading the ball, instead hit it with power and you will not get headache, I promise.

You may find it difficult to learn the diving technique properly. To help you overcome this barrier you can practice by putting a low hurdle down, for example a large bag, a couple off twigs or some teammate crouched down(Of course if you can find a volunteer). Try to jump over the hurdle without hesitating. After that, try the same thing with a teammate serving the ball which will force you to jump over the hurdle to head the ball.

When talking about this technique of diving I always think of my first diving header practice. I was like 11 years old and it was my second or third practice with a real soccer team. This day, the coach told us that we will practice on heading but also diving. Hmm, I was confused because I didn’t know what he was talking about, I mean diving with your head doesn’t seem any logical to me.

So to get a clue of what was going on I was watching some teammates perform it before me and it doesn’t seemed to be any difficult. Well, I was wrong… When one of my teammates performed a cross into the 18 yard box I performed the greatest diving of all time, but instead of heading the ball I missed it completely and landed into the biggest slop of all time. Do I need to mention that this story made me famous? : - )

Don’t worry if it takes long time to master this technique. Keep in mind that this is the hardest heading technique to learn comparing to other heading methods. Good Luck