US Soccer guidelines limit heading before age 11-12. Attacking heading is about placing the header on goal. Soft ball, low volume (5 reps). Power and placement matter. The header is trying to score, not just clear it.
What you need: 1 soft ball, 2 kids (passer and attacker), a goal marked with cones.
Setup: Goal is 12 feet away. Passer is on the side with the ball. Attacker is in front of goal, 8 feet away.
How to run it:
- Passer crosses the ball high and firm to the attacker.
- Attacker watches the ball come (See).
- Attacker times their jump and positions themselves.
- Attacker heads the ball on goal with power, using the forehead, aiming for the top corner.
- Do 5 header attempts per attacker.
What to watch: Is the attacker timing the jump or starting too early?
If they’re struggling: Passer throws instead of kicks. Easier to head.
If they’ve got it: Passer crosses faster. Add a defender who pressures the header.