Can we prepare young female players for heading in football? The feasibility and acceptability of HeaderPrep

This study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of a novel program designed to prepare players to learn heading in football (HeaderPrep). Fifty players from four different girls' teams (under-11, under-12, under-13, under-15) and five coaches completed the program over six-weeks followed by completion of an evaluation survey. Our findings suggest that the program enhanced players' confidence in heading the ball. Additionally, both players and coaches observed improvements in heading skill development. Most players (84.4%) also stated they would recommend HeaderPrep to others and found it fun. HeaderPrep may be a feasible introduction prior to starting formal heading training in football.
© Copyright 2025 Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Elsevier. All rights reserved.

Bibliographic Details
Subjects:
Notations:sport games junior sports
Tagging:Kopfball
Published in:Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
Language:English
Published: 2025
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2025.05.014
Volume:28
Issue:11
Pages:894-899
Document types:article
Level:advanced