Header
A technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
Overview
A header lets a footballer play a ball that is above waist height without using the hands, whether to attack a cross, clear a danger or knock the ball to a teammate. The ball is met with the flat of the forehead for accuracy and control.
Timing the jump and keeping the eyes on the ball at contact are central to a clean header.
How to do it
- 1Track the flight of the ball and position yourself under it.
- 2Time your jump so you meet the ball at the top of your leap.
- 3Draw your upper body back slightly to load the movement.
- 4Snap forward to meet the ball with the flat of your forehead.
- 5Angle your forehead toward your target as you make contact.
Key points
- Meet the ball with the flat of the forehead, not the top of the head.
- Attack the ball rather than letting it hit you.
- Direct the ball by angling the forehead toward the target.
Where it’s used
Sports that use header:
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Movement patterns
- JumpThe plyometric pattern of projecting the body off the ground through explosive triple extension and controlling the landing — the core expression of lower-body power.
- SlideA slide is a controlled, low-friction skid of the body or foot along a surface, used to brake, extend reach, or hold a line, where managed friction and a lowered centre of gravity govern the movement.
Skills
- HeadingThe skill of directing the ball with the head to pass, clear or attempt to score.
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
- PassingThe skill of moving the ball to a teammate accurately to keep possession and create chances.
- DiggingThe volleyball skill of controlling a hard-driven ball low to keep it in play.
- CatchingThe skill of cleanly securing a ball travelling through the air or off the ground.
Tactics
- Set-piece playRehearsed routines from a dead-ball situation such as a corner, free kick or throw-in used to create chances.
- Wing playAttacking down the flanks and crossing the ball into the box to stretch the defence and create chances.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Counter-attackWinning the ball and moving forward at speed to attack before the opponent can reorganise their defence.
- Possession playA patient football style that keeps the ball through short passing to control the game and tire opponents.
Equipment
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Hockey stickA curved-headed stick used to control, pass and shoot the ball or puck in hockey.
- Golf clubA shafted club with a specialised head used to strike the ball around a golf course.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
Playing surfaces
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Technique
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-07-09
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