Head/Catch Game

Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot

The Head/Catch Game is a listening-and-reaction game that doubles as light heading practice. The coach tosses the ball and calls a command, and players must fight the instinct to do what the throw suggests. It is a perfect change of pace for U6-U12 groups - use it as a reward, a breather, or a laugh at the end of practice.

Find similar exercises in our heading drills collection or filter by age with drills for U9 teams.

Setup

• Have the team form a circle around the coach, everyone facing inward.
• Only the coach needs a ball.

How It Works

1. The coach tosses the ball gently toward a player's head, as if inviting a header, every single time.
2. As the ball travels, the coach shouts either 'HEAD' or 'CATCH'.
3. On 'HEAD', the player must head the ball back; on 'CATCH', the player must catch it and hand or toss it back.
4. Anyone who performs the wrong action sits down; only standing players stay in the round.
5. The last player standing wins, then start a new round.

Coaching Points

• Keep tosses soft and consistent so the challenge is the call, not the throw.
• Speed up the calls as the round shrinks to raise the pressure.
• Watch for good heading form even in a silly game - eyes open, forehead contact.
• Above all, have fun with it.

Variations

• Play opposite rules: 'HEAD' means catch and 'CATCH' means head - this twist causes hilarious mistakes.
• Add another body part such as 'THIGH' or 'CHEST' - keep the options simple.
• Let a player take over as the caller for a round.