Head from Floor
Endurance Soccer Drill
There may be times when a player is on the floor and they are required to challenge for a header. This session places the player in such a situation so they regain an upright position as quickly as possible and head back to the server.
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| x 1 for every 2 players | None | Enough to mark out the grid | None |
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X = 15 Yards Y = 5 Yards |
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None |
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Players start opposite each other 15 yards apart. One player has a ball. |
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The player without the ball runs towards the server. They then drop to the floor, either in a tackle or by sitting. They must then regain an upright position as quickly as possible and head the ball back to the server. The throw from the server should occur just as the player is regaining their upright position. This allows time for the ball to travel and for the player to be prepared. There is no point throwing it with the player still on the floor and the ball just going past them.
The heading player must seek to head the ball back to the chest or feet of the server. In order to achieve this they should assess the flight and get in line with the ball early and be prepared to jump if required. Once they are in line with the ball they should watch the ball onto their forehead, ensuring their mouth is kept closed. They should then move forward to meet the ball, using the muscles in their back and neck for power. The amount of power obtained will be dependant on the body shape they adopt. They can be square or sideways on. A sideways on stance allows for the body to be arched further back and can therefore come forward to meet the ball with more velocity.
Once the ball is headed back they return to their original position before completing the whole sequence again.
Alternate server after every 5 headers.
This session is not entirely appropriate to Astroturf due to the sand and the fact the player has to go to ground. If performing on Astroturf, take care.