Purpose: To learn proper heading technique.

Procedure: Two players stand 10 feet apart and head the ball back and forth to each other. They establish a rhythm of one-touch head with the ball describing a shallow parabola in its flight. The emphasis is on striking the ball with neck muscles contracted so that the striking surface firmly contacts the ball. The eyes remain open (although they'll reflexively blink at contact) and the mouth closed.

Coaching Points: Vary the distance between the players and ask them to vary the angle of heading.

Variation: To develop more feel for the ball, an alternative exercise is for the player to receive the ball with the head on the first touch and then head back to the partner on the second touch. Individual head juggling also develops the feel for the correct contact point and increased confidence in heading.

For drill animation, CLICK HERE.