For Coaches
Complete heading sessions, team drills, set-piece routines, and defensive coaching points.
Session Plans
Ready-to-run blocks for different ages and time windows
15-Minute Warm-up15 min
- Neck activation and posture checks
- Balloon or foam-ball contact reps
- Partner tosses at low speed
- Directional finish with two target zones
45-Minute Technique Session45 min
- Dynamic warm-up and neck bracing
- Static forehead-contact blocks
- Jump timing from hand service
- Crossed-ball attacking headers
- Review and low-volume cooldown
90-Minute Advanced Session90 min
- Movement prep and landing mechanics
- Power headers from varied service
- Defensive clearances under pressure
- Aerial duel constraints
- Set-piece game with second-ball reactions
Youth Intro Session30 min
- No-pressure flight tracking
- Body shape and eyes-open cues
- Light ball or balloon contacts
- Heading alternatives and safety rules
Team Heading Drills
Group exercises for match-realistic heading practice
Cross-and-Finish Rotation20 min · 8-14
Wide players serve controlled crosses while attackers rotate through near-post, central, and back-post runs.
- Demand curved runs, not standing jumps
- Coach contact through the forehead
- Add passive then active defenders
Clearance Channel Game18 min · 10-16
Defenders score by clearing headers into wide target channels rather than straight back into pressure.
- Head high and wide
- Recover shape after first contact
- Track second balls immediately
Aerial Duel Boxes15 min · 6-12
Pairs compete in small grids for served balls with legal body positioning and controlled contact.
- Win space before the jump
- Use arms for balance only
- Land safely and play the second ball
Set Piece Training
Corner kick, free kick, and throw-in heading routines
Near-Post AttackCorner
One runner attacks the near-post zone while a screen creates separation from the marker.
Setup & Positioning: Server aims waist-to-head height at the near-post corridor; second attacker crashes central rebounds.
Back-Post Power HeaderFree Kick
A delayed runner attacks behind the defensive line for headers back across goal.
Setup & Positioning: Start outside the defender's sightline, hold the run, then attack the far shoulder.
Defensive First ContactDefending
Back line prioritizes clean first contact and wide clearances from corners and wide free kicks.
Setup & Positioning: Assign zones, match runners, and reward clearances into safe spaces rather than central areas.
Defensive Clearances
Train your back line to dominate in the air
Central Defender Cues
- Read the server before tracking the ball
- Attack forward, not straight up
- Clear high, wide, and away from goal
Fullback Cues
- Protect the back post early
- Head down the line when possible
- Recover body shape for the second phase
Goalkeeper Communication
- Call early and loudly
- Define keeper ball vs defender ball
- Reset the line after every clearance
Pressure Management
- Do not duck under contact
- Use legal shoulder position
- Land balanced before the next action
Looking for individual drills?
Browse the heading drill library with detailed instructions, coaching points, and progressions.
Browse Drills Library