Soccer players who can use their head to direct the ball accurately and consistently are valuable to their team because it gives them a degree of explosiveness and versatility. Goals can be very hard to come by in a soccer match, and a player who can head the ball with authority gives his team a viable offensive threat.
Setting Up a Teammate
When a high ball comes into the offensive side of the field and you win a battle for the ball by using your head, you can send the ball quickly to a teammate to set up a goal-scoring opportunity. When a header is struck properly, it is accurate and powerful. Use the upper portion of your forehead and clench your jaw to avoid injuries to your teeth, mouth and gums. Using your head to make a pass can give your team clear offensive possession of a ball that the defense might otherwise win.
Defensive Equalizer
The fullback or sweeper who uses his head consistently can help his team prevent the opponent from getting possession and scoring opportunities. This not only can make life easier for your goalkeeper, but it can demoralize an opponent who wants to use the header as a key part of an offensive strategy. Instead of setting up a teammate with a goal-scoring opportunity, the fullback comes in and heads the ball in the opposite direction to change the pace of the game.
Shot On Goal
A soccer player who can head the ball directly on net has an excellent chance to score goals after corner kicks or other set plays. The advantage to heading a shot on goal is that it is much quicker and more sudden than a shot delivered with the inside or outside of the foot. When you head a ball, you don't have to settle the ball after accepting a pass. You redirect it in one motion, making it very difficult for the goalkeeper to react and make a save on a well-struck shot.
Momentum Transfer
A header often results in a play in which one team takes possession from the opponent or a good scoring opportunity becomes an outstanding one. This regularly results in a transfer or upgrade of momentum. Heading the ball well takes tremendous skill. A team that has players who can head the ball with precision and power can turn the pace of a game around and take charge of the match.
Putting It to the Test
U.S. Women's soccer star and pro player Abby Wambach has made the header a nearly unstoppable piece of her scoring arsenal. Wabach uses her size and strength to dominate the game, and when she goes up and over the defense, she has the ability to take control. "Right now, it's almost impossible to mark Abby Wambach," Boston Breakers coach Tony DiCicco told the "Boston Herald." She's "just on another level above anyone else. We saw it in the World Cup and we are seeing it in the league. These are good defenders, but there is just no ability to stop her when the balls are served into her head."
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