Soccer Heading Practice Equipment
Use specific soccer heading training equipment to provide and enjoy safe and effective heading training sessions. The FORZA range of soccer heading training tools includes lightweight soccer balls, plyometric boxes & adjustable hurdles for improving maximum jumping height, heading training systems with suspended balls to improve timing and accuracy, plus much more. At the core of the heading equipment range is the pioneering lightweight heading soccer ball. Available in sizes 3, 4 and 5, the ball is significantly lighter than regulation balls in the same size but behaves in a similar way during flight. The heading ball is lighter and softer, and designed to reduce head impacts when training headers. The training system is ideal for solo practice, and with the balls suspended, the impact is reduced significantly compared to a ball being thrown or kicked to a player to header. Always work within the guidance issued by the relevant soccer and youth soccer governing bodies when it comes to heading a soccer ball.
![FORZA Lightweight Heading Soccer Balls [Size 3/4/5]](https://nwscdn.com/media/catalog/product/cache/h265xw265/f/o/forzaheadingfootball-08-newimage.jpg)
![FORZA Pro Portable Soccer Tennis Net [Adjustable Height]](https://nwscdn.com/media/catalog/product/cache/h265xw265/m/a/main1_7_7.jpg)
![FORZA Adjustable Training Hurdles [4ft/5ft]](https://nwscdn.com/media/catalog/product/cache/h265xw265/a/d/adjustabletraininghurdles-lifestyle03.jpg)
SOCCER HEADING PRACTICE EQUIPMENT FAQs
Are lightweight heading balls safer than regulation balls?
Most likely, yes, but coaches and players still need to adhere to best practices in regard to heading practice to minimise head trauma. Peer-reviewed research indicates that lighter, softer and lower-pressure soccer balls reduce head acceleration during heading. Whilst actual trauma to the brain was not measured, the reduced acceleration does indicate a reduced impact. Another study found lighter balls reduced head accelerations up to 59%. FORZA Lightweight Heading Soccer Balls use a soft EVA foam core and weigh around 40% less than a regulation ball. They move like a regular soccer ball in flight but impart a reduced force at contact. Lightweight balls are a useful tool for building heading technique - but they are not a substitute for following age-based heading restrictions set by Football Canada and provincial associations.
What age can kids start heading a soccer ball in Canada?
Football Canada and most provincial associations follow the guidance that heading should not be part of practice or games for youth players below a certain age, with progressive introduction from around U12 upward. Coaches should always work within the guidelines set by their specific provincial or local governing body, which can vary. Where heading is permitted, the recommendation is often to use short, focused technique work using lightweight and soft balls.
How does the FORZA Heading and Goalkeeper Training System work?
The FORZA Heading and Goalkeeper Training System suspends a soccer ball at an adjustable height. Because the ball is stationary rather than travelling toward the player at speed, head impact is significantly reduced. It's built for solo practice on jump timing, contact point on the forehead and technique.
What size lightweight heading ball do I need?
Ball sizes for heading practice follow standard soccer ball sizing. 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 up including senior levels. FORZA Lightweight Heading Balls are available in all three sizes. Some coaches also use smaller balls in training to develop close control and coordination, or to further reduce impact for younger players building technique.
Can jumping and plyometric equipment help with heading?
Yes. Winning heading duels in games is as much about jumping ability, body positioning and single-leg landing control as it is about the header technique itself. Using plyometric boxes can also help players to control deceleration/descent after jumping and heading a ball - which in turn reduces the risk of injury. FORZA Soft Foam Plyometric Jump Box Sets and Adjustable Training Hurdles support jump training without a ball. Combined with heading technique work using lightweight balls or the Heading Training System, this rounds out a full aerial-training programme without adding heading volume.
Are the soccer tennis nets in this range used for heading practice?
Yes, but soccer tennis nets are usually used to practice a combination of aerial control, flighted passes and heading. Soccer tennis - using a low net and playing volleys back and forth over it - is one of the most popular game-based drills for building heading, volleying and quick-touch technique.