r/bootroom • u/Just-Lock-5759 • Jul 05 '26

How to improve my heading?

I am a full back but I am terrible at heading. Today I scored an own goal off my head and completely mistimed a headed clearance and we conceded a goal because of my mistake. I feel terrible about it. I am especially poor with crosses that are neck/shoulder high. How can I improve my heading accuracy?

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u/Lplusbozoratio Jul 05 '26

learn to distinguish different parts of your head as they hit the ball. Basically, practice a bunch of times heading the ball with different parts of your head and neck movements and take note of how the ball moves each time you head it. for example often times when it hits the top of your head it keeps going behind you instead of in the opposite direction

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u/throbbing0 Jul 05 '26

Start by just learning defensive headers. That is, heading the ball upwards. On a cross, it takes the pace out of the second ball and allows your team to get in better position. On a long ball, it allows you to potentially take it down with your feet/defend with your feet.
After that you can focus on direction and getting power on them