Heading in soccer is when players use their heads to hit and guide the ball. It is an integral part of the sport, and each player may do it between six and 12 times a match, on average.

However, there has been a lot of talk in recent years about whether heading causes concussions and other head injuries. The truth is that any physical activity, including heading, can lead to an injury, but learning how to do it properly, following safety guidelines, and practicing may help reduce the chances of you or your child getting injured.

What Is Heading in Soccer?

Heading is when a soccer player uses their head to contact, control, and guide the ball. They might do this to send the ball to another player, to change the direction of the ball on the field, to score a goal, or to prevent an opposing team from scoring a goal. Heading is more common for certain positions, such as midfielders and central defenders.

Pros like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Abby Wambach are known for making big plays this way. Even some youth soccer players put the skill to use during matches. However, rules are often in place for youth players that limit or prevent heading for those under a certain age. That age varies, but it often falls between 10 and 14 years old.

Is Heading the Ball in Soccer Dangerous?

Determining whether heading the ball in soccer is dangerous or causes concussions and other head injuries has been a hot topic in recent years. Some doctors say that the real danger is not necessarily head contact with the ball, but the head-to-head contact made when two players collide while attempting a header.

Although there is not enough research to draw a complete conclusion, doctors and other experts often recommend putting an age limit on the use of heading during matches. They also express the importance of learning proper techniques for all ages.

Concussions

Improper heading techniques can potentially lead to a concussion, which is a mild traumatic brain injury that typically causes short-term impacts on brain function. A player with a concussion might have symptoms like a headache, ringing in the ears, confusion, fatigue, nausea, and trouble with memory. They may even lose consciousness.

Up to 22% of all soccer injuries around the world involve concussions. Female players are at a higher risk than male players, particularly those in high school and college.

Subconcussive Injuries

Soccer players may also receive subconcussive injuries. These aren’t as severe as concussions, but they can still damage the brain. When players receive repeated subconcussive injuries, it can cause long-term serious damage like the neurodegenerative disorder chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Heading Rules in Youth Soccer

The best way to prevent injuries in soccer players of all ages is to teach proper technique and follow any official youth soccer rules. Many guidelines suggest the following:

• Players aged 10 and under should not practice heading under any circumstances.
• Players aged 11 through 13 should have limited heading practice.
• Players aged 14 and up can practice heading and use it during matches if they know the proper technique.

U.S. Youth Soccer rules prohibit heading in all U6 to U12 players. An important consideration is that younger players may not have enough neck strength for the move.

How to Do a Header in Soccer

One key to injury prevention is learning the proper soccer heading technique. Once a player is old enough to practice headers, it’s up to their parents and coaches to ensure they know how to do it properly. Stabilizing the head and neck is essential.

Proper Soccer Heading Technique

Steps for proper soccer heading include the following:

1. Keep your eye on the ball to ensure proper timing and communicate with your teammates to avoid a collision.
2. Keep your mouth closed and tuck your chin.
3. Bend your knees and bend backwards at the waist.
4. Use your arms, which should be at a 90-degree angle, to protect yourself.
5. Jump to meet the ball rather than letting it hit you.
6. Try to hit the center of the ball with your forehead, just below the hairline.
7. Use your entire upper body to create a force to push the ball with your head.
8. Keep your neck strong and stable and avoid bending it.
9. Keep your back and stomach muscles tight as well.
10. Keep your eyes open at all times.

Soccer Heading Drills

Once a player is old enough to use heading during matches, participating in drills during practice can help them sharpen their skills. Dozens of drills are available.

In one drill example, two sets of two players stand on opposite sides of a grid. One player serves the ball, while a partner uses heading techniques to attempt to get the ball past the opposite pair of players. You could also simply have the coach stand in the middle of a circle of players and toss the ball at each one. They will use a header to return it to the coach, who catches it and tosses it at the next player.

Tips for Teaching Headers as a Coach

As a coach, it’s important to follow all youth soccer rules when teaching headers to your players. This means ensuring that players know the following:

• How to prepare their bodies (mouth closed, eyes open, neck stable, etc.)
• How to gain power to attack the ball rather than letting the ball hit them
• Spend time during practice on heading drills and perfecting their techniques

It’s also important to stay aware of a player’s health. If you suspect a player has a concussion or any other type of injury, remove them from practice or the game immediately and seek proper medical treatment.

Heading Drills for Youth Soccer Players

Youth soccer players are often new to heading, and they may not be comfortable with drills that older players use. For example, some players might not be ready to head another player’s serve. In this case, choose drills that allow them to serve it themselves. The teammate who catches the ball must then do the same until everyone has had time with the ball.

Defensive Heading Soccer Drills

For a defensive heading soccer drill, line three players up: A, B, and C. Use cones for makeshift goals around players A and C. Player B serves the ball to C who heads it back toward player A. Player A then serves the ball to player C with player B becoming a passive attacker.

Heading In Soccer

Heading is an essential part of many soccer matches, but as with any physical activity, it can be dangerous. Ensuring players are old enough to participate using drills during practice, and coaching players to perfect their techniques can help make it much safer.

Join Northeast Rush to learn more about heading and other important soccer techniques to perfect your child’s skills on the field. NE Rush is the premier youth soccer organization in New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The organization prides itself on working with professional, full-time coaches from around the world.