How To Head A Soccer Ball

Every serious soccer player should know how to head a soccer ball.  Soccer is the world's most popular sport, and heading a soccer ball is an important part of this game.  The most successful, and most popular soccer players are experts at heading a soccer ball.  The following are the steps for you to also be able to do it as well.

1. Keep your eye on the approaching ball.   When the soccer ball is coming toward you at eye level, it is best to look at the ball to ensure your chances of heading it correctly.  Consider the angle the ball will take after it makes contact and where you want it to go.  When you head a soccer ball, you can either have it reverse direction, have it take an angle in relation to where you are, or have it bounce down or up depending on your preference.  With practice, you can determine which way the ball will go once you make contact.
2. Jump or meet the ball at the appropriate level.  Adjust your body to get within eye level of the approaching ball.  You may have to jump, stoop, or in some cases just stand still.  Continue to stare down the ball to increase chances of heading the soccer ball in the right direction.
3. Strike the ball with your forehead.  This step is the most important in the process.  You must hit the ball correctly your forehead above and between your eyes.  When you head a soccer ball in this location, you have a greater chance of controlling the rebound from your forehead. 

With practice, you can head the ball in many directions in relation to you.  You can hit the ball unexpectedly in almost any direction and sometimes even over an approaching defender.  Heading a soccer ball is important.  Some many repetitions of practice may be necessary, but the reward makes you a better soccer player.