Soccer Heading Practice Equipment
Attack every cross with confidence and dominate in the air with FORZA heading training equipment. Designed by our inhouse team to develop technique, timing and heading accuracy & power. Engineered for performance, longevity and with player safety front and centre. The FORZA Heading and Goalkeeper Training System allows quick-fire repetitive drilling. Featuring adjustable height settings, heavy duty steel construction and a stable weighted base, it's an excellent tool for developing timing and coordination for headers. Mitigate long term injury risk, with our Lightweight Heading Soccer Balls. They are approximately 40% lighter than standard match balls and feature a soft EVA foam core. The heading soccer balls allow players to practise heading technique with reduced impact. Complete your heading setup with our soccer tennis nets. Fun to use, yet highly effective, they allow players to combine heading practice with volleys and lofted passes. Plyometric work builds the explosive power behind a vertical jump that allows you to win more headers. Plyo boxes and adjustable hurdles are ideal for depth jumps and plyometric bounding drills. Trusted by elite clubs including Manchester United and Perth Glory, FORZA heading gear allows for safe and effective training.
![FORZA Lightweight Heading Soccer Ball [Size 3/4/5]](https://nwscdn.com/media/catalog/product/cache/h265xw265/f/o/forzaheadingfootball-08-newimage.jpg)
![Portable Soccer Tennis Net [3 Sizes]](https://nwscdn.com/media/catalog/product/cache/h265xw265/p/o/portable-procourt-football-tennis-net.jpg)
![FORZA Pro Portable Soccer Head Tennis Net [Adjustable Height]](https://nwscdn.com/media/catalog/product/cache/h265xw265/m/a/main1_7_7.jpg)
![FORZA Adjustable Training Hurdles [1.2m/1.5m]](https://nwscdn.com/media/catalog/product/cache/h265xw265/a/d/adjustabletraininghurdles-lifestyle03.jpg)
SOCCER HEADING TRAINING FAQs
At what age can kids start heading a soccer ball according to Football Australia?
From U12 upwards, heading is permitted in practice under Football Australia's guidelines, but it is not emphasised at U12 and U13. The coaching focus at those ages is on technique, introduced gradually with light or sponge balls and low-volume drills. From U14 heading is a full part of the game. State federations and clubs can apply stricter rules on top of FA's national framework, though this is relatively uncommon at present. There is no heading in practice or games for MiniRoos, which covers players aged 4 to 11.
Are lightweight heading balls safer for youth players?
Peer-reviewed research at the time of writing indicates that lighter, softer and lower-pressure soccer balls reduce the measurable markers and indicators of head/brain trauma, including 'head acceleration' and pupil/eye response to light. A University of Sydney study led by Dr Kerry Peek measured youth players heading four different balls and found that lighter balls produced linear head accelerations up to 59% lower than a regulation match ball. A separate study in adult male players found that heading a rubber ball produced smaller changes in the pupil light reflex than heading a regulation match ball, suggesting reduced brain impact. FORZA Lightweight Heading Soccer Balls weigh approximately 40% less than a regulation ball. They behave similarly to a regulation ball in flight, but the impact upon heading is significantly reduced. Whilst lightweight heading balls may mitigate risk, coaches should still follow Football Australia's guidelines for heading.
How do I practice soccer heading without a partner?
It is possible to practice heading alone by using the FORZA Heading and Goalkeeper Training System, although supervision is recommended and essential for children. The training system suspends a ball in the air at an adjustable height. Because the ball is suspended and not travelling towards the player at speed, head impact is greatly reduced. It is also possible to practice using any rebounder that angles upwards. We recommend keeping actual headers done during training to a minimum to mitigate any risk of head/brain trauma.
What size heading ball should I use?
Ball sizes for heading follow the same age guidelines as normal soccer balls. Size 3 suits players roughly aged 8 and under, size 4 covers players aged 8 to 12, and size 5 is used for players aged 13 and over, including senior levels. However, just as you can use a smaller ball in training to improve close control and coordination, you can use a smaller ball in heading training if you wish. A study from the University of Sydney concluded that using a smaller ball, which is also lighter, may help to reduce impact to the head. This is especially the case if the ball is a few psi under-inflated. Some coaches may use these findings to inform ball choice for heading practice, though the final decision rests with the coach and their competition's governing body.
How often should heading practice sessions be run?
Football Australia's guidance does not set a fixed weekly cap on heading practice at grassroots level. In the absence of a hard rule, many coaches follow the same principles the AIS and Sports Medicine Australia recommend — short, focused heading blocks, clear technique cues, and several rest days between heading sessions. A typical structured session runs a warm-up, static ball drills for technique, then dynamic heading in game-like situations. Using a lightweight heading soccer ball or a Heading Training System can help reduce head acceleration during practice compared with a regulation size 5 ball. There are also ways on and off the soccer field to improve heading performance and ability without actually heading a football. For example, build jumping ability with plyometrics, build neck strength (under supervision from a professional) and core power with medicine ball slams, and general strength with weightlifting.