How to coach a flick on header
A flick-on header is used to direct the ball to a team-mate or into a dangerous area of the pitch. The idea is to keep the ball going in a forward direction over or around the defender when passing the ball is difficult.
A good soccer coaching tip to tell your players when they're learning to do a flick-on header it is to be looking into the sky and to use their forehead. Young players can also use the top of their heads.
Coach basic passing by flicking the ball on
Adding the flick-on header to your players’ soccer (football) skills enables them to play the ball in any direction off their head. The flick-on technique is often used in front of the near post when the ball is crossed from the wing, or on corner kicks. The ball is helped on its way into the danger zone, and it is very difficult for the goalkeeper to cut out this type of cross.
Use the speed of the ball to get power
The flick-on header does not require a lot of power; the idea is to use the speed of the ball and flick the header back off the centre of the forehead.
To coach this skill use four players, as in the diagram, a server of the ball, a defender, the heading player and a catcher behind him.
The position of the defender can change so he is in front or behind the flicker. Swap roles often so everyone has a turn at heading the ball.
Click here to order a copy of Perfect Defending, which has 67 soccer (football) drills to coach defending skills.
Click here for more basic heading drills.
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