Soccer Drills – Page 40

Movement off the ball

The players are in a numbers up keepaway exercise.

They are playing in a grid.

The ball is moving, but there still seems to be something wrong with the scene.

Then you realize, the players are all standing in the same area of the grid–there is no player movement.

This is a common occurrence in a numbers up exercise, but you don’t want to have a common team.

By making one adjustment, the coach should see a big difference in the play. Have the passer always move quickly to different space (even if another player is there) after making pass. He can follow the pass or just move to different space. Now the other players who are not receiving the pass need to move to different space to support the football or to make room for the passer to run into. This needs to happen on every pass.

Now your keepaway exercise should be more appealing to the eye and your
team’s ball possession should improve.

“If we do not want a challenge, distort the opponent’s
sense of location.” Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Overhead kick

There is nothing more impressive than scoring with an overhead kick.

It’s tough though. Once you master it, you’ll be able to get in a shot, even when you have your back to goal.

Or clear the ball when you are facing in the wrong direction.

Practice it on soft ground to prevent injuring your back, but don’t overdo it.

You won’t make clean contact every time and make sure you’re not just going for an overhead kick to try and impress!

Step One

Get into line with the flight of the ball and keep your eyes on it throughout.

This skill is all about timing.

Most of the time you will be attempting this trick, the ball will be coming at you fast from a tricky angle so a good connection is vital.

Don’t try and kick it hard, just kick it clean – the movement of your body will generate the power.

Step Two

Jump up leaving your kicking foot on the deck and using the foot that you will not be kicking the ball with to propel you upwards.

Begin to fall backwards, keeping your eyes on the ball.

As your body sinks towards the ground, your non-kicking leg will be rising into the air.

Your kicking leg may still be on the ground.

Step Three

When the ball is in ideal range, whip your kicking leg off the deck into the back of the ball bringing your other leg back down quickly.

At this point, your upper body should be almost horizontal to the ground.

If the ball is flying to high, your body is probably too upright. It is the scissor movement of your legs that creates the power.

Step Four

As you fall, stretch out your hand to steady your impact with the ground.

Twist your body sideways to avoid landing flat on your back. Use your arms to cushion your landing, but avoid landing on your elbows or your head.

An introduction to defending

The extract below is from a manual that will help you understand team and individual principles of defence. It also provides a selection of simple drills and games to help you communicate the key concepts to your players.

download the complete manual

Introduction

What you will usually see with younger soccer players is everyone going for the ball at once.

As the players get a little older the more aggressive steal the ball consistently from the less aggressive, and the less skilled, simply by running straight at them.

This works at the younger levels but as the players develop and the skill differential decreases this type of play actually becomes a detriment. Overly aggressive players who try to simply run down their opponents and strip the ball at the travel level often times find themselves missing completely and watching the backs of their opponents as they head down field.

This is not to say that aggressiveness is not important, merely to say that controlled play, especially on defense, is what we want to teach them at a young age so that they carry it forward with them as they progress.

What we need to get across to our youngsters is that defense, like the entire game, is dependent upon their teammates, as well as themselves, to do their job.

Concepts of Defending

You will hear the terms First Defender, Second Defender and Third Defender used in this manual and in any any coaching course that you take. The First Defender is the person nearest the attacking ball carrier. The initial job of the first defender is not to steal the ball, but to delay the opponent until his teammates arrive to help.

The Second Defender is the second person to arrive at the scene. The job of the second defender is to provide cover for the first defender. That is to cover up any mistake that the first defender might make.

When the second defender arrives on the scene, the job of the first defender changes from delay to pressure.

The job of the Third Defender is to provide balance.

Introducing the concept of teamwork

2v2 Basic Game

Team work starts with two. If players cannot solve the simple problems they face with a partner they will not be able to function in any larger team context.

Therefore, 2v2 in modified forms (different goals and rules,) offers them opportunities to learn how to work together in the four main moments. At this level the concepts of zonal play and man to man marking can be introduced. Players learn that, in a team, they can share responsibilities and are dependent on each other. They are constantly involved in the play, either with the ball or in a helping role, (sometimes by staying out of the way.) They can come up with their own plans and responsibility/ownership falls on “you or me.” Accountability is very clear.

A basic requirement in soccer is being able to handle both sides of 1v1. In 2v2 the players are constantly exposed to this moment. The difference between these situations is that in straight 1v1 the “game” is over very quickly and players “must beat” their opponent or they fail. This produces a high stress situation. 2v2 offers players the option of choosing the moment when to take on their opponent or simply keep possession of the ball. This lowers the stress level which can enhance the learning environment.

3v3 Basic Game

Bunch ball is a constant problem in youth soccer. This results from the players inability to maintain their shape. The distance and angles between the players is lost and, as a team, they are not able to work together efficiently. Since three players make the smallest shape, a triangle, 3v3 games in modified forms are an excellent way to introduce this concept. There are still lots of 1v1 opportunities and the basic lessons from 2v2 can be expanded and built on. 3v3 also guarantees that there is open space somewhere on the field.

Uneven Numbers Act as a Bridge

Going from 2v2 to 3v3, or 3v3 to 4v4 may prove to be difficult for some players. In this case uneven numbers can be a bridge to help them get across the learning gulf. One objective in these games is to help players learn how to use the new situations that larger numbers create against lower resistance. Do they use each other in the most team efficient manner? Do they take advantage of the opportunities presented in the game? Do the players recognize when they are numbers up and have that advantage? Do they understand how to adjust the game when they are numbers down? Games with uneven numbers can be modified, goals or rules, to help maintain a competitive balance.

Neutral Players

By using a neutral player, (they play for both teams giving each a numerical advantage when in possession, in the example above the yellow number 8 the players can get a basic grasp of ideas against less resistance. The coach can play this role so long as they are better then the players and don’t create a problem themselves. Since neutral players don’t have any defensive responsibilities they shouldn’t be overused.

Player responsibilities in 7 a side soccer

Youth soccer coaches need to explain to their players exactly what they are expected to do when their team is either attacking or defending.

The article below tells you what players in a 7 a side formation need to know.

When you have possession (when you are attacking)

The game plan during own possession is to move the ball downfield so that chances can be created (the build-up) and to score goals.

General Principles

Create as much space as possible, both width and depth;
Aim to get forward; keep possession, this is vital to the objectives of the game. So if you can’t pass the ball forwards easily, play square or back – don’t force a pass that isn’t really on. If you do, you’ll lose possession. It’s better to pass square or back and start again;
Try to maintain good team shape (formation).

Individual responsibilities

1. Keeper. Positions himself in relation to the defender. Restarts play (roll, throw kick). Act as central build-up player (an extra field player).

2. Full-backs. Position well apart, make the playing area as wide as possible. Play the ball to the attackers. If there is room move forward with the ball. Participate in the attack.

3. Central Defender. Position between attackers and full backs. Play the ball to the attackers or defenders who are participating in the attack. If there is space go forward with the ball. Take part in the attack. Try to score if the opportunity arises.

4. Wing (Outside) forwards. Position in relation to defenders to make the playing area as long as possible. Take the ball towards the opposition goal as quickly as possible, individual run, or pass to a teammate who has a clear run on goal. Take up position in front of goal to be available to receive a pass and score. Try to score.

5. Centre Forward. Position as far forward as possible (make playing area long), while still being in a position to receive a pass. Try to score, individual run or exchanging passes with a teammate. Go to goal.

When the opposition has possession (when you are defending)

The game plan is to disrupt the opposition build-up – win the ball back – stop the opposition from scoring.

How? Teach the principles of defending. Make the field of play as small as possible, depending on the strength of the opposition; move towards the ball (pressing), move towards own goal (fall back), Push towards the sideling (squeezing). Pressure the ball carrier. Mark closely when in the vicinity of the ball. Positional/zonal marking further from the ball. Stay useful as long as possible.

Note. The game plan will not be achieved if you foul, so avoid giving away free kicks.

Individual responsibilities

1. Keeper. Prevent opposition scoring. Position in relation to the ball, opposition players and teammates.

2. 2 and 4 Full backs. Prime task – DO NOT LET YOURSELF BE BEATEN; prevent opposition from scoring. Cover the opposing attackers. Help teammates, cover their backs. Win the ball.

3. Central defender. Prime task – DO NOT LET YOURSELF BE BEATEN; prevent opposition from scoring. Cover the opposition centre forward. Help teammates, cover their backs. Make the playing area as small as possible. Win the ball.

4. Outside forwards. Disrupt opposition build-up. Win the ball. Help teammates, cover their backs. Make the playing area as small as possible. Don’t let the player with ball pass you.

5. Centre forward. Cover the opposing central defender (he is expected to come forward). Win the ball. Help teammates, cover their backs. Make the playing area as small as possible. Don’t let the player with ball pass you.

How to teach the laces kick and driven pass

Ages: 6+; Materials: Cones, bibs; Players: 4+

The laces kick (a.k.a. instep drive) and the driven pass are very similar in terms of technique. The primary difference is that, in the driven pass, the player typically will want to keep an eye on play and has less of a need for added power on the pass. As a result, the player usually will not run through the pass or add any type of snap to the pass.

On the other hand, when a player wants to take a very hard low, shot like a penalty kick, additional power is needed. Also, smaller players will often need to add a significant follow-through to most shots in order to get enough power. Some coaches opt to teach the laces kick and the driven pass in the same practice. This is fine, as long as you have enough time and as long as you are careful to distinguish for players when each technique will be most useful.

Individual Work

Start with players, each with a ball, seated on the ground. Point out the big bone that runs along the inside laces of the foot. This is the hardest surface of the foot, and is the area which they will use to make a laces kick. Have them toss the football up in the air, and try to hit the ball solidly in the centre with the big bone of the foot.

Now, put them in pairs. One player will bend over and hold the ball with the hands, while the other player works on the foot position needed to make the big bone of the foot come into contact with the centre of the ball. Players with big feet often have to turn the foot sharply to the side and turn the knee inward to get this optimal contact. Furthermore, as they continue to grow, they may need to periodically redo this exercise to find the correct foot position, so coaches should not overlook the need to do this if a player suddenly becomes unable to do a low shot after having prior success.

Next, work on the correct distance for the plant foot. One of the most common problems with young players is a tendency to put the foot too close to the ball, which makes it almost impossible to make good contact with the ball. Tell the players to leave plenty of room for their hips to swing, because they will get power from the swing of the hips/legs.

Finally, work on the proper approach to the ball. Put the player at an angle to the side of the ball, usually around 35 degrees, and back at a distance that he will need to take 3 steps to reach the ball . Note that a right-footed player will step L, R, and then put his L foot beside the ball. As the non-kicking foot is planted, the kicking leg is drawn back; the ankle of the kicking foot is locked with the toe down; and the knees of BOTH legs are bent so that the knee of the kicking foot comes over the ball as contact is made with the ball.

Coaching Note: Do not skip the phase of checking out the proper foot positioning. It is critical that the players be allowed to experiment with the positioning which feels “best” to them and they will automatically feel when they are making solid contact. The coach can make the rounds and to check each player while they are experimenting with their foot position.

Once both partners have tried this basic positioning, put partners across from one another at a distance of about 30 feet, each player with a ball, lining up the partners so you have two lines of players who are facing one another. Get some parents/assistants to shag errant balls and let the players work on their kicks. To maximize touches, allow both players to go at the same time and allow players on one side to use any ball which comes their way. While they are working on these skills, walk around and correct technique as necessary.

Common problems are:

Erratic shots caused by failure to lock the ankle/foot.
Tip: to get players to lock the ankle with the foot in the ‘down’ position, encourage them to curl their toes into the bottom of their boot.
Shot not staying low, caused by foot position too low on the ball or by putting the plant foot too far behind the ball.
No power on the shot, caused by poor leg swing or improper position of plant foot.
Stubbed toe, caused by poor run angle and/or failure to bend leg of kicking foot and/or failure improper foot angle.
Tip: cut the bottom off of a styrofoam cup and use the use the inverted upper half as a kicking tee); shorten the tee as the player improves
Lifting the head, which causes the ball to become air-borne or the shot to be erratic.
Tip: get the players to focus on a particular panel of the ball and “watch their foot hit the ball”.

Once the players have learned the basic mechanics of the shot itself, they are ready for the next stage, which is to teach the follow-through. In order to impart the maximum power to the ball, the player must continue to run through the shot, ending in a high-kick worthy of a can-can dancer, with his head/nose almost coming into contact with his kicking leg. To do this, it is easiest to practice the move without the ball. Simply put the players on the field and tell them to select a spot which represents the ball such as a mound of grass or a spot marked on the dirt. Have them start their run so that their foot will go over the spot; and then practice leaping through the contact with the ball so that they go over the spot and land on their kicking foot.

Coaching Note: Some players who are worried about stubbing their toes may be afraid of an exaggerated follow-through. For these players, it is sufficient initially if you can get them to run through the kick and land on their kicking foot.

Now, put the players back into their two lines. Because of the increased power, and the need to run forward, have the two lines alternate on doing these kicks and leave plenty of space so that nobody gets hit by a shot, Let the players see how much extra power is achieved by the follow-through.
Small Group Work

Of course, in an actual game, there will be very few situations where the player actually can take the time to place the ball and then take a careful run-up. As a result, players need to learn to control and shoot balls that are coming in from the front, from the side, or from behind them.

Divide the players into groups of 3, and put players in a long grid about 30 feet by 40 feet. Make two narrow cone goals at one end to imitate the corners of the net with a “keeper” stationed several yards behind the goals so that he can more easily shag balls which come through the goals. Have one player as a shooter and one with 3-4 balls as a server. Start with service of a ball coming from behind the shooter by having the server about 15 feet to one side and slightly deeper than the shooter. Server rolls the ball so that it will cross the path of the incoming shooter about midway to the goals. The shooter must take one touch to control the ball and then take a laces shot at either of the cone goals. After 3-4 shots, the players rotate positions.

Repeat, with balls coming in square by putting server about 20 feet wide of the shooter and about midway to the goals, and have him roll the ball out as the shooter starts his run. Again, the shooter tries to control with one touch and put the ball into position to make a laces shot with his second touch. Rotate after 3-4 shots.

Repeat, with balls coming in from the front by putting put server about 20 feet wide of the goals on the goal-line and have him roll the ball so that it intersects his path about midway to the goals. Rotate after3-4 shots.

Now, repeat the entire exercise again with the server becoming a lazy defender who just jogs slowly towards the shooter to add a bit of extra pressure on him after the serve. Rotate players after each sequence of balls (back, side, front) has been completed. Finally, end with shooters dribbling their own balls in, and the extra player acting as a lazy defender to apply some minimal pressure.

Coaching Note: If players are having difficulty, the coach may opt to delay square and front-coming balls for a later date. This is especially true of younger players, who may not have the ability to accurately judge or time these balls, either from the service or shooting sides of the equation. If you run into this problem, limit your initial drill to balls passed in from behind recruit parents to help as servers when you are going to work on other types of service at a future practice. When the slight-pressure rotations have been completed, turn the drill into a contest. To prevent sabotage by poor service, have the contest between the shooter and the keeper. Then put the servers into their own groups for their own contest, using the others as shaggers and servers. See how many goals can be scored in X tries, perhaps around 9-10 each, divided into the types that you’ve practiced.

Now, divide the groups up so that the top scorers are in one group; the middle ones in another; and the lower ones in the last group. Run the contests again, making a mental note of strength levels of the various shooters.
Large Group Work

Divide the players into 2-4 evenly balanced teams (good/average/poor shooters) and run some relay races or have some contests. Use your imagination about conditions. Ideas include:

Put players in 2 lines about 40 feet out from goal. On your shout of “go”, first player dribbles and shoots with laces kick. If he misses, and shooting high counts as a miss, he must run and tag the goalpost before running back to tag hand of next player on team. If his shot goes in, he can run back and tag hand of next teammate in line. If you do not have even numbers, let one member of the team run twice. First team to finish wins.
Create distance lanes, and see which team has the most balls that land in the farthest lane out.

Have a penalty kick contest.

Play for points. Teams are in two lines, about 40 feet out from goal, and will alternate shooting. Coach has all balls, and teams take turns in shooting on balls served by coach. Team with most points wins.
Similar to last drill, except players have balls. Coach stands in between the groups; players serve balls into coach, who lays them back out to the incoming player for a shot.

Scrimmage

Because you’ve already made balanced teams, you can proceed to a regular scrimmage at the end of the contests. Alternatively, you can allow the winning team to decide how to end the practice, and let them choose the ending game. Periodically, repeat this practice during the seasons to continue to work on shooting balls which are coming in from various angles.

Almost all players enjoy shooting work, so these sessions are good to include after several hard practices.

How to teach the slide tackle

What is a slide tackle?

The slide tackle is usually used when the attacker and defender are running in the same direction and the attacker’s threat is such that the defender must stop them immediately…
a word of warning!

Mis-timed or poorly executed tackles can result in free kicks (or penalties) against your team and….

lead to yellow or even red cards against your players and…
cause serious injury to an opponent or the player themselves.

What to tell your players about slide tackling

1. Watch the ball

When an attacker is running at you with the ball, it’s difficult not to concentrate on her body movements. Doing so, however, could cost you a tackle.

More than a few flashy forwards have tricked a defender out of her socks while only nominally touching the ball. Such situations, however, can be avoided by keeping your eyes on the ball. If someone is trying to dribble by you and she’s coming right at you, you’ve got to watch the ball. No matter where the attacker’s body moves — she can go right, she can go left — the ball always sits still.

2. Don’t tackle unless it’s necessary

The best place for a defender to be is on her feet, not on the ground, and so one should resist the temptation to leap at an opponent’s ankles every time the opportunity presents itself. It’s better to contain the forward and prevent her from penetrating. You should also try to work with your fellow defenders to close off the attack without direct confrontation.

If you are the last line of defence, it is particularly important to remain upright. If your slide-tackle fails, your opponent’s path to the goal will be clear.

Any time you dive in, there’s a chance of you getting beaten. Even if you do dive in and get the ball, it can always bounce or deflect off your opponent and get past you.

3. Wait for your opponent to separate from the football

As long as your opponent has the ball at her feet, he’s in control and a slide tackle could be suicidal. Wait for her to knock it ahead two or three feet before tackling.

If you tackle when it’s at her feet he can knock it away from you or dribble past you.

Timing is the crucial ingredient, both for safety and effectiveness. But the quality of the timing is elusive. If you don’t have the right timing, your opponent is going to run right past you.

Note: Developing timing requires constant practice, but it is not really something you can do in practice. Kids always want to practice slide-tackling, but be content with demonstrating the technique. The more they play, the better they’ll get at it.

4. Be decisive

Every time a good defender player tries to complete a tackle, he takes the attitude that he is going to get the ball. That’s the way you have to think.

Mentality is important, especially at the highest level where the difference between success and failure can be confidence. Players can’t hesitate, or they’ll be beaten.

When you decide to go down, you have to go down. You can’t think twice about it. If you go into a tackle halfway, you can get hurt. Decide 100 percent that you are going, and then go.

Knowing when to go requires instinct built through experience, and it requires the ability to read the game. All these come with match practice.

5. The angle of attack

Do not attempt to slide-tackle an opponent from behind or from the front. It’s dangerous and almost always results in the referee calling a foul or even a straight red card. The only way to safely slide tackle someone is at an angle.

Alternatively, while racing alongside an opponent, wait for her to separate from the ball. Then step into her path, between her and the ball. Step right into her line. Now you’ve got the ball, and you can shield it. Chances are, she’ll trip you or foul you because you’ve cut her off.

Protect Yourself

The first law of slide-tackling concerns safety. It begins with shinguards. Full guards may not be as comfortable as smaller models, but defenders don’t really have a choice. Nor do they have a choice once the decision to tackle has been made. Don’t take it easy! You must go all out.

The mechanics are important. Tacklers should keep their leg unlocked with a slight bend. Then when you get to the ball, extend your leg through it. Make sure you get the ball right on your shoelaces and swing your leg through it.

Get The Ball

If you don’t get the ball your goalkeeper will most likely be picking the ball out of the back of the net in a matter of moments. Make sure you get the ball.

Coach your players to:

Approach from the side and tackle across the path of the opponent – REMEMBER, THE TACKLE FROM BEHIND HAS BEEN OUTLAWED

Decide early whether to knock the ball out of play or ‘hook’ it to win possession
Be decisive and committed
Tackle using the leg furthest from the ball and keep it slightly bent
Tuck the leg nearest the ball underneath the backside and ideally slide on the outer thigh
Kick through the ball, or get the ball on the shoelaces (instep) and swing the leg around in a wide sweep to ‘hook’ or trap the ball with the foot
Meet the ball solidly and make contact with the centre to top half of the ball so it doesn’t roll over the foot
GET BACK UP as quickly as possible, whether the tackle has been successful or not

How to teach heading

There are two important aspects of good heading technique:

Accurate contact with the ball: Contact with the ball should always be made with the forehead area. From time to time, a player may use the top of their head to flick the football on from a long flighted pass or throw-in. The eyes should always be open (at least until impact) and fixed on the ball and the body positioned in line.

The player’s mouth should be CLOSED!

To direct the ball downwards, the forehead must make contact with the top-half of the ball. The side of the forehead can be used to glance headers on and the middle for more direct power headers. In a stationary position, the power comes from the legs, back and neck. The player “rocks” backward and pushes his body forward to meet the ball.

Attacking the ball: As mentioned earlier, this is an extremely important technique. To put power into a header, this requires successful co-ordination of different forces. To gain power, a player can run and jump off one leg to meet the ball. This requires good timing of the run as well as anticipation of where the ball will be placed. After take off, the upper body arches backwards and this momentum produces a snapping action where the body is propelled forward.

At the same time the neck is extended then snapped forward in synchronisation with the body to strike the ball with maximum power. The ball must be struck at the top of the jump, if the player jumps to early, he will touch the ball on the way down and lose all power. The ability to run and jump is useful in winning the ball in a crowd of players and should be practised to ensure perfect synchronisation of the action.

It is important to mention the technique for flicking the ball on which is often neglected by soccer coaching books. This technique involves jumping for the ball to play (or continue) it in more or less the same direction where it was played from.

Many teams will play a long flighted pass from the back to the centre-forward who will try to win the aerial challenge and flick the ball on to a team-mate running behind him. This requires good timing and the ability to jump high. The player jumps in the same way as mentioned earlier but drops his head slightly forwards before making a backwards flicking movement with the head to strike the ball (usually with the top of the head) and keep it moving forwards.

To build up heading technique, the coach may want to start with simple practices such as encouraging players to juggle the ball with their head. Gently throwing the ball in the air so the player can head it back to the thrower or to players positioned around the receiver (the receiver can be static to begin with then try attacking the ball) will allow the player to gain in confidence before moving onto more complex techniques. Once the basic technique has been acquired, then differently flighted balls can be played into the player to test and improve his ability (e.g. crosses to be headed into the goal or high balls to be cleared).
soccer coaching – heading the ball soccer coaching – heading the ball 2

Now it’s time for a little practice:

Progression 1: Set up in threes, two balls per trio, players in a triangle with about 3-5 yards between them. Working player receives underhand lobs alternately from partners. Lobs from partner A must be headed up to partner’s head; lobs from partner B must be headed to partner’s feet. Run for a minute and switch working player. Coach corrects the basics as above; emphasises good service. This progression may be too advanced for younger players, who tend to do better by learning one specific skill at a time (e.g., heading downward).

Progression 2: Move players farther apart (about 5-7 yards), and put one ball down. Player A serves underhand lob to B who heads to C. Player C serves A who heads to B, and so on. The difference here is that players are getting a ball coming from one direction and heading it in a different direction as opposed to the simple back-and-forth in the basic work. Emphasise moving entire body to enable powerful headers to be struck with the forehead. This progression, and the progressions which follow, probably will be too difficult for players under about age 10-11.

Progression 3: Groups of four children with two balls, players in a diamond with approx. 5 yards between players. Single working player receives underhand lob serve, locates a player without ball (other than server), and heads to her. Next lob comes immediately. This results in the working player having to deal with balls from a variety of angles, identify a target, and perform the header. As players improve, increase distance and allow non-working players to move around.

Progression 4: 6 players plus coach and assistant (or a couple of parents), each with a ball set up on the outside of an area about 20×20. Working players stand in the centre of the area. On “start”, working players make eye contact with outside player and run to them, receive underhand lob for attacking header, defensive header, leaping header, and diving header for more advanced players. The heading player continues round the outside of the server and re-enters the grid to look for another server with ball. Run for a minute and then have players switch roles.
Large Group Work

Put several players around the edges of a large circle, with about 2-3 players inside circle. All of outside players have balls. Inside player asks for service, then heads ball back to server, and moves to another server. Swap out and inside players after 5-6 headers.
End game

Option 1 (for younger players): Play a 4 v 4 game, but any goals scored by heading the ball count as 2 points. Alternatively, count ANY header as a 1 point. If you taught headers and chest traps consecutively, you might count either a chest trap or header as a goal.

Option 2 (for players 11+): Set up a field 30×40 yards with small cone goals, divide into two teams with different colour bibs and play “toss-head-catch” as follows: Sequence MUST be a “toss” followed by a “head” followed by a “catch”. Object is to move down field and score with a header. Ball is ‘lost’ if a player goes out of sequence or the ball is not caught from the header or the header is not done correctly.