Header
Playing the ball with the head in football, to shoot, pass or clear it.
Definition
A header is a technique in football where a player uses their head, rather than their feet, to make contact with the ball while it is in the air. Headers are commonly used to score from crosses, to pass to a teammate, or to clear the ball away in defence.
Timing a jump and meeting the ball cleanly with the forehead are the basics of an effective header. It is a valuable skill for both attackers and defenders, especially during set-pieces such as corners and free-kicks when the ball is delivered high into the box.
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Equipment
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Hockey stickA curved-headed stick used to control, pass and shoot the ball or puck in hockey.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Pickleball paddleA solid, flat paddle used to hit the perforated plastic ball in pickleball.
Skills
- HeadingThe skill of directing the ball with the head to pass, clear or attempt to score.
- PassingThe skill of moving the ball to a teammate accurately to keep possession and create chances.
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
Techniques
- HeaderA technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
- Inside-of-the-Foot PassThe most reliable short pass in football, played with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over a short to medium distance.
- Volleyball SetAn overhead pass using the fingertips of both hands to place the ball accurately for a teammate to attack.
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
Tactics
- Set-piece playRehearsed routines from a dead-ball situation such as a corner, free kick or throw-in used to create chances.
- Wing playAttacking down the flanks and crossing the ball into the box to stretch the defence and create chances.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Counter-attackWinning the ball and moving forward at speed to attack before the opponent can reorganise their defence.
- Possession playA patient football style that keeps the ball through short passing to control the game and tire opponents.
Positions
- Centre-backA centre-back is a central defender in football whose main job is to stop opposing attackers and clear the ball from dangerous areas.
- StrikerA striker is the main attacking player in football, positioned furthest forward with the primary job of scoring goals.
- GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
- CenterThe center is usually the tallest player on a basketball team, playing near the basket to score inside, rebound, and protect the rim.
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- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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