When heading for goal your first objective is to find the time and space in the penalty area to execute the header.

• Decide where you think the cross will land in the penalty box and time your run into that area to coincide with the cross.
• Try to lose your marker by pretending to start your run in one direction but actually move in another.
• Put lots of power into your header by striking the ball with your forehead and driving it downwards towards the goal.

Aim to meet the twin objectives of reaching the ball first and clearing it from the danger area.

• Stay behind your opponent until the ball is about to arrive then aim to get in front and reach the ball first.
• As you reach the ball, lean into the header making contact with the ball on your forehead to obtain maximum distance on the header.

The diving header can be spectacular and effective way of meeting low crosses which are flying in front of you.

• Watch the ball, throw yourself length, and aim to make contact with the forehead.
• Throw your arms out in front, keeping them below the height of your shoulders which will add momentum to your dive and allow you to power the ball towards the goal.

A common tactic is for attacking teams to position a player at the near post to flick on throw-ins and corners.

• The latest player should be positioned at the near post and he will attempt to head the ball backwards across the face of the goal, for in-rushing forwards.
• Attacking players should arrive late in the penalty area, just as the near post header has been flicked on.
• When defending a near post header, the defending team should place 2 men on the attacking player, one in front and one behind.