Special Olympics Football Coaches Quick Start Guide Heading should be a pleasure, not a pain. Heading needs to be learned as well as all other techniques, as many goals will result from headers, and all outfield players will be required to head the ball many times during a game. Headers not only finish movements with a strike at goal, they also start movements by intercepting a pass and heading to a player on the same team or heading to a teammate to shoot at goal. It is also important for all players to be able to head the ball out of defense. For more drills, please see Football CD Skill Progression Shows no fear in heading. Attempts to head the ball. Looks at ball as it comes toward the head. Keeps eyes open as contact is made with the ball. Rocks onto back foot before ball arrives. Has ball make contact with forehead. Attacks through ball for power. Gets power behind ball, using the upper body and neck. Directs ball in correct, general direction. Directs ball with accuracy. Heads ball while standing. Heads ball while jumping. Heading Faults & Fixes Error Ball hits player’s head and goes in any direction. No direction in header. Player refuses to head ball. Correction Eyes must focus on ball. Place feet in correct position. Build up confidence. Drill/Test Reference Coach serves ball, ensuring that correct contact is made. Coach demonstrates correct timing. 1. 2. 3. Use a lighter ball Motivate Show correct technique Football Quick Start Guide – September 2004 45