Cushion Heading in Pairs
Per the FA Heading Guidance (2024 update, applicable for the 2026–27 framework), heading practice is reintroduced at U12 with strict volume limits (no more than 1 session per week including heading; max 5 headers per player per session at U12).
◆Why this drill works
Per the FA Heading Guidance (2024 update, applicable for the 2026–27 framework), heading practice is reintroduced at U12 with strict volume limits (no more than 1 session per week including heading; max 5 headers per player per session at U12). This drill is the canonical low-impact technique introduction: cushioned tosses to a partner who returns with a directed header. No jumping, no contested aerials, no power. The goal is technique establishment — head meeting ball with eyes open, neck and shoulders engaged, attacking the ball not flinching from it. Players who don't want to head can pair off and play first-touch volleys instead — never compulsory. Coaches should count headers out loud as the pair works through their reps, since it keeps the volume limit visible and shared rather than left to memory. Because the toss is slow, high and predictable, this is also a good moment to check technique closely — eyes open through contact and a firm (not rigid) neck are far easier to coach here than in any contested, game-realistic setting.
◇Variations and progressions
- Directional target — the tosser stands to one side of a cone and the header must be aimed back past the opposite side, adding a directional element within the same low-impact format.
- Three-player rotation — add a third player as a second receiver so the header must be directed to a specific partner, still within the same 5-header limit.
- Volley-only group — run a parallel station for any players opting out of heading, using the same cushioned-service pattern with a first-time volley return.
- Seated start — begin kneeling or seated for the first two reps to isolate the neck and timing before standing up to the full technique.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- Players in pairs, 4 yards apart. One ball per pair.
- Tosser: gentle underarm toss aiming at partner's forehead — slow and high.
- Header: feet planted, eyes open, head meets ball at the hairline. Neck firm, shoulders square.
- Direct the header back into the tosser's hands.
- 5 headers each, then swap. Total 5 headers per player per session — that's the limit.
- Players who don't want to head: pair off and do volley first-touch instead.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Scanning before the ball arrives to know where to take it
- Cushioned touch that kills the pace of the ball
- Receiving on the half-turn to play forward quickly
- Eyes open and attacking the ball rather than flinching from it
Correct when you see
- Stopping the ball dead when a directional touch was needed
- Heavy first touch letting the ball run away
- Closing the eyes or turning away just before contact
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