Is Heading Safe for Kids?

by Ed Davis
(St. Paul, MN)

Is Heading Safe for Kids?

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Aug 20, 2012
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by: Ed Davis

My kids are girls in 10U.

I have read much information about the damage by heading during this time when brains are under development. At this age, they usually are developing the core team and foot-to-ball skills. Heading is so advanced compared to these core skills, which actually WILL help win the game for the team. Teaching and promoting heading at this age just seems to be wasted time with some major negatives to the kids.

I expect some parents to be upset with my position to not use heading in my game strategies. I wanted some additional material to from more experienced coaches.

Ed
Aug 20, 2012
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by: Coach Al

HI Ed-
There are many studies with sound evidence showing brain cell loss when heading a soccer ball. However, there are also studies stating kids are exposed to similar brain cell loss and damage by watching tv.

That said I would not train repetitive headers with kids. I would, however, teach how to appropriately head the ball. This is brief and not very log. Heading the ball is a special talent one will learn with time. Forcing a young player who is hesitant and not ready to head a ball is dangerous. Every kids will develop that skill in time when they are confident in doing it. Most of the damage when heading a ball is when they are timid in the approach and collide with other player.

They should always have eyes open and ball in view in the approach before execution of header. At execution I recommend open eyes but it is up to players comfort. What age is the child or group?

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