The Standard Header

The most used heading technique in soccer is the standard header. Regardless of your position you will always need to use the standard or defensive heading (as it is called sometimes) technique in a soccer match (Unless you don’t want to mess up your beautiful hairstyle :-) When performing a standard or defensive header you need to arch your back, collect enough power and hit the ball with your upper forehead.

A standard header can be very effective in situations where you need to push the ball in the back of the net, pass or redirect a flying ball or as a defensive clearance. The key to learn this heading technique is to hit the ball with your forehead just underneath the ball. This will make it possible for your head to move upwards so you can attack the ball easier Do not be afraid to hit the ball, in fact, if you are afraid, the ball will hurt much more comparing to attacking the ball with determination and force.

When heading the ball upwards you should remain your eyes below the ball, so when your forehead hit the ball try to move your head upward quickly. Keep in mind also using your legs as they are an important part of the standard heading technique. By using them right, you will be able to head the ball with more power which will cause the ball to fly higher and longer.

A pretty fun and useful drill for beginners (but even if you are an experienced soccer player)is heading the ball over a tennis or volleyball net. If you don’t have any of mentioned you could also use some other type of net, for example fishing net, it would be just fine.

Since you must head the ball upwards to get it over the net, this drill will help you increase your standard heading abilities. You will also learn how to control the ball and practice on your timing.

You may think that tall soccer players will always have good header abilities but this is not the whole true. You don’t need to be 2 yard tall to be great at heading. In fact, the most important factor in heading is not how long you are, instead it is the technique.

To become a good header you must be prepared to practice many hours but also to have a big portion of patience. One of the most skillful heading today is the Real Madrid center back Fabio Cannavaro. He is not tall but his determination and ability to hit the ball with force is what makes him to one of the greatest player in the world in the category Great Heading Players