Heading can be challenging to teach. In a regular game there might not be too many opportunities. To stand and head a ball back and forth becomes a bore. In this game there are two teams of two. Each has a goal to attack and defend. In this diagram the orange team is in possession. The server stands on his line and serves, two hands underhand, to his teammate who heads to blues goal. Both blues are goalkeepers and must keep one foot on the goal line, (they can take step one step forward.) When blue saves the ball they become the attackers and orange are the defenders. This repeats until a goal is scored. Attack, save and counter attack. Variations; allow any combination of headers from the attackers, the defenders can head a shot directly back at the attackers goal while it is undefended, change the location of the service. The game builds to a very fast pace and is a good lead in to throw, head, catch.
Technique. Heading. Getting to proper angles. Good contact. Attack the ball.
Insight. Where is a good place to head the ball? What are the advantages of playing quickly? What are the disadvantages?
Communication. Can the defenders read the attackers intentions and work together to stop them? Can they combine effectively on the counter?
This game is not soccer. Too many techniques and situations are missing. Is it soccer strange? There is a ball, a teammate, opponents, direction and boundaries. Both teams must attack and defend. There is competition, there will be a winner. The stress level builds enough to help develop concentration. The soccer problem is heading in general, at goal specifically. There are enough elements that this game is soccer like. And it is fun.
Click on the image to see some scenes about the heading game from the "Street Soccer" DVD in a Real Time video.
Order an online copy from TotalVid.com here.
Passing game - video
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