HOME Soccer Drills Heading

Soccer: Attacking, jumping header

Great drills and practices thank you. Have used to great success for...

Steve, Clayesmore Prep School

DESCRIPTION

A progression from the attacking header drill.

The jump adds extra power and purchase to the header and means the player can meet the ball in the air earlier that if they didn't jump.

COACHING POINTS

Make sure the header is driven into the hands of their partner and not looped into the air like with a defensive header.

READ MORE

READ LESS

OFTEN USED WITH...

Attacking heading:

One feeder throws the ball up for the other player to try and head, back between the feeder's legs.

The feeder needs to stand with their feet apart and react quickly to the return header.

The heading player should keep their feet moving, being ready at all times to head the ball back with power.

Technique video

Defensive Header - On the move:

One player throws the ball to the other player's head.

The throw should be slightly in front of the heading player so that they need to meet the ball in the air.

The returning header should also be slightly long, meaning the catching player needs to back track slightly in order to catch the ball.

Technique video

Attacking header:

Both players start on their knees with one player feeding an accurate throw for the other player to attack.

It is best to begin practising this drill on knees and progress to the standing up position when players feel more confident.

Heading

Defensive Header - 3 Player Relay:

Defensive header relay.

3 players with one ball. Front player of the 2 players throws up the ball to the heading player, after the player throws the ball he has to try and close down the heading player.

The player heading the ball has to head the ball over the approaching player to the 3rd player waiting to catch the ball.

Technique video

503768

1011

SIGN UP NOW FOR FREE

search our library of 500+ soccer drills
create professional soccer coaching plans
or access our tried and tested soccer plans

Football

MORE Heading DRILLS

/drills/ Soccer/ Heading /categoryDrills_21.jsp

JOIN SPORTPLAN FOR FREE

search our library of 500+ soccer drills
create your own professional coaching plans
or access our tried and tested plans

Football

LATEST FROM THE BLOG

Banish Your Coaching Nightmares with Sportplan

Save yourself a scare this Halloween and ensure your session runs smoothly. No chaos, no fright, just structure.

October 30th, 2025

Cam Hughes

The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour: What To Expect

As the Lions tour approaches with their first tour game this Friday against Argentina, we look ahead at what the fans can expect to see from both sides as the tour in Australia approaches...

June 18th, 2025

Cam Hughes