Safe Heading Progression in Threes
A progression in groups of three for learning to head with the forehead, using a soft ball tossed by hand and a strict cap on repetitions. Students practice heading technique, directing the ball, and taking care of their own health.
How to play
- Teach the technique in 2 minutes: eyes open, mouth closed, neck firm, contact with the forehead, and upper body driving forward. Groups of three with one soft ball.
- Step 1 (3 min): A tosses underhand from 3 yards, B heads it back into A's hands, and C watches and gives feedback. Rotate every 4 headers.
- Step 2 (3 min): directional heading. A tosses and B turns the upper body to head the ball to C, standing off to the side, who catches.
- Step 3 (4 min): B heads the ball down through two cones 2 yards apart while C defends with hands only. One point per goal.
- Wrap-up (3 min): each group shares what part of the head they used and how it felt, and the teacher sums up the key points.
Rules
- Only head a soft ball tossed by hand, never a regulation soccer ball kicked with the foot.
- Maximum of 15 headers per student for the whole class; the observer keeps count.
- No jumping and no defenders up close: keep one foot on the ground.
- Anyone who feels discomfort or dizziness stops and tells the teacher right away.
Variations
Easier
Use a balloon or a very light foam ball tossed from 2 yards.
Standard
Soft ball tossed from 3 yards with return headers, directional headers, and the cone-goal challenge.
Harder
The header starts facing away, turns on the signal, and directs the ball to whichever teammate the tosser calls.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student heads from a seated position with the toss arriving at forehead height.
- Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell, call out first, and toss very softly from 2 yards.
- Medical restriction or fear of the ball: do the same task using a chest trap instead.
Learning goals
- Head the ball with the forehead while keeping the eyes open and the neck firm.
- Direct a header by turning the upper body toward the target.
- Value the safety measures that lower the risks of heading.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft balls: 9
- cones: 18
Teacher tip
Never swap the soft ball for a regulation ball, and stick to the header limit. Many students close their eyes and hit with the top of the head, so ask observers to watch for exactly that.
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