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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- 2026-09-01
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