Adapted from Football Academy
The right way of heading the football is with your forehead. This is the hardest and flattest part of your head, and it will give you better control over where you want to make the ball go as well as giving greater power. If you touch the front of your head, you will realise that the surface is quite flat, but the top of the head is curved, so the front is a much better surface for controlling where the ball will go. The front is harder as well; if you use the top of the head, you will probably get a headache!
Be sure to watch the ball carefully. The most common mistake is taking your eyes off the ball or even worse to shut your eyes before you head the ball. It is not possible to get into position or to time the header correctly if you do not watch the ball. Even more experienced players can fall into the trap of not watching the ball. They can be put off by other players around them, or be so conscious of where the goalkeeper is when trying to score a goal that they watch the keeper instead of the ball.
Notice that Hong heads the ball with a smooth motion of the entire upper body. He is well balanced with knees bent, and his neck, back and trunk are in a straight line. He leans back before the ball arrives and then uses his neck, shoulder and stomach muscles to get power into the header.
Positioning is important. The proper method is to get in line with the ball before it comes down, so that you are in the best position, and have time to balance yourself before the ball arrives. Don’t let your head sway or your body go floppy. Your neck, back and trunk should be in a straight line.
Be positive. You should be heading the ball rather than the ball heading you! In other words, you should attack the ball rather than just letting the ball hit you. Decide where you want the ball to go before you head it. Don’t just go for the ball with no thought about what you want to do with it.
Do not try jumping headers at this stage. It is important to get the basics right first, and you can add the jumping header to your talents later. When your feet are firmly on the ground, your legs can be used to push your trunk upwards at the ball when you are heading.
