Foam Soccer Balls vs Volley Balls to Practice Heading

[Anonymous]

My DD just turned 11 and wants to practice heading the ball at home.

Is it better to use a foam soccer ball vs a volley ball? Which is softer?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD just turned 11 and wants to practice heading the ball at home.

Is it better to use a foam soccer ball vs a volley ball? Which is softer?

Thanks.

Just use a normal size 4 ball... if you're tossing the ball to her (not taking driven corner kicks at her head), there is no reason to practice with a "soft" ball.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD just turned 11 and wants to practice heading the ball at home.

Is it better to use a foam soccer ball vs a volley ball? Which is softer?

Thanks.

Just use a normal size 4 ball... if you're tossing the ball to her (not taking driven corner kicks at her head), there is no reason to practice with a "soft" ball.

Depends on the kid. Some players start with a fear of the ball. Some don't. For a fearful player, starting with a volley ball can be useful to help them develop confidence while they master the right technique. The worst thing for a player to do is cringe in anticipation of contact with the ball, instead of aggressively striking through it.

The player should move on to a normal ball quickly though so they get used to the timing and power required.

Here's a really good video showing some basic drill for beginners to use when learning how to head the ball properly. The instructor wasn't a bad header of the ball herself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eFt5pqeE9M

[Anonymous]

Use a game size ball. Tossing it in the air isn't going to cause brain damage.

[Anonymous]

Everything in life is risk/reward. Just have her practice with her normal game size (u12) 4 ball. Is there a chance she gets a concussion ? Sure but the odds are against it. Just have her work on heading the ball with the right technique (pause LOL). That will make the odds even more in her favor against injury.

[Anonymous]

Rethink this at 11

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Use a game size ball. Tossing it in the air isn't going to cause brain damage.

Agreed. Most concussions come from contact anyways.

[Anonymous]

I decided to completely deflate a size 4 ball and used it instead. I limit her heading practice to 5 minutes. She’s still 11 so I don’t want to take any chances. She mostly does corner kicks for her team now so she doesn’t head the ball at all in games.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Use a game size ball. Tossing it in the air isn't going to cause brain damage.

That is not ture. Soccer IQ has a chapter on that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I decided to completely deflate a size 4 ball and used it instead. I limit her heading practice to 5 minutes. She’s still 11 so I don’t want to take any chances. She mostly does corner kicks for her team now so she doesn’t head the ball at all in games.

Not a terrible idea. And if you are that worried about it, maybe it is worth the foam ball for peace of mind.

[Anonymous]

Also, you could get a concussion headband for when she does use it.

[Anonymous]

I did a little research on concussion head bands. There were two separate studies done, one by Virginia Tech and another from Washington University that completely contradicted each other. My coach also said it was not effective. With it being around $60 each, it’s a cheap investment but I wonder how uncomfortable and hot it will be to wear when the weather is around 90 degrees.

PS. When the ball was very deflated, it was very soft. She enjoyed heading the ball and was without fear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did a little research on concussion head bands. There were two separate studies done, one by Virginia Tech and another from Washington University that completely contradicted each other. My coach also said it was not effective. With it being around $60 each, it’s a cheap investment but I wonder how uncomfortable and hot it will be to wear when the weather is around 90 degrees.

PS. When the ball was very deflated, it was very soft. She enjoyed heading the ball and was without fear.

What I can tell you beyond the studies is purely anecdotal BUT I know some kids who had concussions, and after wearing the headband, years later, they haven't had any. And I'm talking situations where they should have. I can tell you it's brand dependent. Some really work; some don't. So research what you by. Storelli as an overall brand has quality products, but I haven't specifically looked at their headbands. However, it's a cheap investment, and like safeguards with long socks, they can get used to it.

Nothing to rush out and buy, but something to consider if your concerns grow as she does.

[Anonymous]

Of course she should learn proper form with a ball that won’t hurt her before moving on to one that might. Can’t believe how many posters are answering this question incorrectly.

[Anonymous]

If you’re using foam stuff they’ll still be afraid of the ball, they know it’s not the same after all, they’re kids, not idiots. Use a normal ball, don’t chuck it at them, don’t send driven crosses at them, just work your way up until they feel comfortable. Let them head the ball out of your outstretched hand, toss it up into the air underhand to let them attack it, use yoga mats to work on diving headers. Have fun with it, get them to try and always use their forehead, and keep their eyes open through the strike.