How to Win Soccer Headers

Soccer heading or the soccer header can be done in many ways. Gonzalo Segares of the Chicago Fire is guest coaching in this Online Soccer Academy soccer training video to teach us how to win a soccer header in a one versus one situation. 

Gonzalo has been a part of the Chicago Fire Soccer team a long time and he is one of Major League Soccer's (MLS) toughest defenders. 

Part of being a great defender is knowing how to win a header against an attacker. This technique can also be applied to attackers trying to win a header against defenders too.

Key Points: 

Key point #1. Jump First -- You want to be the first to the ball
Key point #2. Get your Arms up for protection -- Be careful not to foul though 
Key Point #3. Be propelled up -- By having your arms up when the attacker jumps they will usually jump into you. If your arms are up, they will jump into your arms, pushing you up and pushing them down. 
Key Point #4. Be confident you are going to win the header, don't doubt yourself

Exercise Player Can Do: 

The attacker tosses the ball up in the air. The defender jumps first to win it, the attacker jumps second. Make sure there is a little contact between the players. The defender wins the header and heads the ball away. Repeat 5 times, then switch. 

What Player Could Be Doing Wrong:

If you are not getting good power on your header it is probably because you are jumping to early. Make sure you head the ball at your highest part of the jump. You want to jump first, but not to early.

This Video Covers: 
How to Head a Soccer Ball - Soccer Defense Techniques - Defensive Soccer Drills - Soccer Defense Drills - Soccer Defense - How to Defend in Soccer - Soccer Defender