Heading is an increasingly common technique used in association football to control the ball for passing, shooting and clearing purposes. This action can be performed from either a standing, jumping or driving position and is vital for defensive players clearing balls from their backfield; midfielders winning crucial battles in midfield; and attackers nodding balls past goalkeepers and scoring goals. Unfortunately, repeated heading has also been linked with long-term brain health risks; therefore many governing bodies have issued guidelines restricting exposure to this activity.
Development of these guidelines was inspired by rising concerns regarding the potential long-term repercussions of football heading and its protective strategies, but evidence is limited by a lack of objective measures of heading frequency during training or matches, an inability to generalise findings to amateur or recreational players, subjective self-report data collection methods and selection bias in studies where those who believe they have cognitive problems participate [15].
As it can be challenging to determine the ideal level of header exposure for footballers, with most research focused on professional cohorts (such as UEFA Champions League players) it is necessary to implement comprehensive strategies for reducing long-term brain health impacts associated with football headers.
This narrative review seeks to identify and compile key evidence that can be used in developing future heading guidelines. As part of its aim, this narrative review highlights the significance of having a coaching framework set in place in order for players to attain heading proficiency (including teaching them how to receive the ball on their forehead before heading in games), placing more emphasis on SSGs as well as restricting number of headers per week in training for those completing more headers during games as strategies to decrease risks of injury.
Rules regarding deliberate head contact must also be implemented and taken seriously, while consideration must be given to player playing position, level of experience, heading technique proficiency and neck strength when designing tailored training programs for them. Furthermore, it should be stressed that multidisciplinary teams consisting of health professionals, researchers, coaches and players be established in order to guide future implementation and evaluation plans that promote brain health protection.
Passing Accuracy
Passing accuracy is a core skill of footballers that enables them to send the ball where it needs to go: into space for their teammates or across the field to a player they don’t yet know or even into their net. To achieve excellent levels of passing accuracy, players need excellent balance and coordination.
As a great passer, you must be able to touch the ball with two fingers. By using your thumb and index finger to control it while simultaneously extending two other fingers for additional support and gripping capabilities requires exceptional dexterity which can be developed through repeated drills such as 1v1 dribbling or shuttle runs. In addition, try to dribble both feet simultaneously for improved footwork!
