Heading

Using your head has various meanings in football. One of the biggest myths in the game still persists today, namely that players who frequently head the ball have lower intelligence. Since the 90's it has been scientifically proven that there is no link between heading and intelligence. Instead, the scientists concluded that young and untrained footballers are more prone to injure their head when performing techniques which they have not yet mastered. Thus, heading the ball with proficiency is crucial for all players.

How to head a football
The first thing that you must understand is that the ball should be struck with the upper part of your forehead. This part of the skull will not injure or hurt, because it is comprised of only skin and thick bone. One of the most difficult obstacles in learning how to head the ball is overcoming the natural fear which discourages you from propelling your head straight at a flying object. Don't allow the ball to hit you. You charge at it!
Young players tend to close their eyes when heading the ball. By doing so, you can't see where the ball is and you can seriously injure yourself. You also need to keep your eye on the part of the ball that you want to head. Hitting it below its equator will cause it to rise while striking the upper part of the ball produces a downward header.
The force, which you apply to the ball, should not come from your neck muscles. Bending backward your entire upper body and propelling your head forward will produce far more power. Before heading the ball, you should adjust to its flight by taking a succession of short shuffling steps. This helps you avoid tilting to the side after you have leapt in the air.

Different methods of striking the ball

Standard header To head the ball with a good amount of power you'll need to arch back and swing your head forward. When heading in this way, you must keep your shoulders leveled and perpendicular to your aim. Contact should be made with the center of the forehead.
Diving header In this technique, you must propell your entire body in the path of the ball. Your arms have to be stretched forward for protection on landing.
Glancing header When executing a glancing header, you must turn your head in direction of your aim. This motion redirects the oncoming ball.
Flick header On flick headers, you are actually making contact with the back of your head. As you arch backward, you will direct the ball behind yourself. This technique is useful mainly because of the surprise factor.