The glancing technique is ideal when you are under pressure and don’t have time to receive and put the ball under control.

Game Example

To give you a hint of what I mean, I want you to consider this example; let’s assume that your team is awarded with a corner kick. You are standing about 5 yards from the post closest to the corner arc.

Suddenly, the ball is flying towards you; however your scoring chances are pretty low because you are almost in line with the post.

Instead of wasting a goal scoring opportunity you are letting the ball deflect off your head and another teammate that is better positioned scores. This situation comes up in soccer more often than you might expect.

It can also make you look like a better team player instead of someone that feels like they have to make every shot or they’re just not playing soccer. It really is a team sport, you know!

Performing The Skill

When performing it you should try to use the center of your forehead and not the side of the head. To produce deflection on the ball you need to turn your head just before impact.

The amount of deflection depends also on the angle that your head is turned at.

So, how to perform it? Well, let’s see…

1. First of all, you need to identify the speed and path of the ball.

2. Second, try to take one or two yards towards the ball.

3. Once the ball arrives, simply deflect it with your forehead and follow through. So, if the ball arrives from the left you will perform a follow through to the right and vice versa.

4. This technique is similar to a standard header. However, in this case you are not arching your back to generate power on the ball. Instead, you are just letting the ball deflect off your head.

Variation

To add more difficulty you may involve jumping before heading the ball. However, if you are new to soccer, I suggest you strongly to start by learning the basics first. Good luck with your practice.

If you’ve mastered this technique, try to take it the next level in difficulty. Challenging yourself only helps you get stronger.

To add more difficulty, you can add in jumping before the ball. Yet if you’re a newcomer, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the basics before you move on.

Summary

The main point that you always need to remember is that you must practice consistently and continuously in order to get better. Believe In yourself, and the rest will fall into place.