US Soccer guidelines limit heading before age 11-12. Defensive heading means clearing the ball away from goal. This is low-volume, soft-ball heading. Five reps per attempt. The header is under pressure to clear it, not score.
What you need: 1 soft ball, 2 kids (one attacker near goal, one defender), a goal marked with cones.
Setup: Goal is 8 feet away. Attacker stands near the goal. Defender lines up 5 feet away.
How to run it:
- You toss the ball high toward both kids.
- Defender jumps and heads the ball away from goal, clearing it to the side or back.
- Attacker also tries to head it. Defender wins and clears it.
- Do 5 header situations per defender.
What to watch: Does the defender head it hard and far? Or weak and short?
If they’re struggling: Toss easier balls. Let the defender get clear heading opportunities.
If they’ve got it: Toss with more pace. Attacker actively challenges the header.