Skills & drills for women’s football

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What it looks like

Heading » Diving header

How?

The diving header involves getting both feet off the ground and a jumping towards the ball. You should be almost horizontal as your forehead makes contact with the ball. Generally, take off is from only one foot, because the diving header is usually attempted on the run. By looking in the direction in which the ball needs to go and ensuring that your head is over the ball, you should be able to keep the ball’s trajectory low and accurate.

Why?

“Diving headers are often used at the near post during a corner kick or scramble where the attacker is trying to get in front of her defender. The advantage is that it allows a player to get on the end of crosses which would otherwise be unreachable. If the ball is low or dropping, but cannot be kicked, a diving header is a good option.”

Tips & drills

This skill requires almost suicidal bravery, so be warned!