Overview
- Who it’s for: Every player, with a focus on defenders
- Numbers: 6–8 players
- Field size: 50m × 65m (or half a field)
- Gear you’ll need: Cones, balls
- Time: 15–20 minutes
Objectives
- Build defenders who win their battles in the air
- Sharpen positioning and reading the flight of crosses
- Train the legs and lungs to recover quickly right after a header
- Grow decision-making under physical contact
Setup
Players sprint from the halfway line toward the penalty area and fight for headers. You’re training defenders to read the ball, beat their man to it, and win it with their bodies.
１）Set two defenders on either side of the halfway line and have them ready to go
２）A server delivers a cross from the halfway line toward the penalty area
３）Defenders sprint in, beat their opponent to the ball, win the header, and clear it
４）After clearing, they recover quickly to the halfway line and get set for the next ball
５）Run several reps and check that decisions and movement hold up as fatigue sets in
See the coaching points & progressions
Visualize the movement on an online tactics board,
and share it with your players and staff.
⚽ See the full drill on TATIBO →
Free · No app required