Be on Your Toes and User Your Arms When Heading a Soccer Ball

by Dave
(Birmingham, U.K)

Many players are actually not aware that using their toes is highly crucial for soccer heading. The reason is that you will be able to jump at least 20-30% higher then what you would do if you were standing on your heels. You don’t have to stand on your toes on the same way like a ballerina does, but you should at least try to be 5 inches off the ground.

This is one of the main reasons for why shorter players are able to win heading duels against much more taller opponents. They simple jump on their toes which boosts them with more power in their jumps. But, jumping on your toes is not a guarantee for maximum jumps. You have to use your arms as well.

Your arms will also boost your jumps with more power and you can use them to increase your balance and also shield yourself from your opponents as well. However, do not use your arms to push your opponents at the side. Don’t even think that the referee will miss that. You may even earn yourself a yellow card if you do this several times in a row.

The referee will generally allow little physical contact but as I said, do not push your opponents with your arms. These are my 2 cents about heading in soccer and if you use them properly I am sure that you will be able to improve your heading skills.

/David