Head Tap Keep-Ups

Learning Outcomes

Develop basic heading technique using the forehead.

Improve ball control, balance, and coordination.

Build confidence in soft heading movements.

Learn to keep the ball in the air with gentle taps.

Description Of Activity

1. Introduction to Heading (No Ball)

Students stand in place with soft knees.

Show how to use the forehead (not the top of the head).

Practice small jump and tap motions without the ball.

2. Individual Keep-Ups With Bounce

Give each student a ball.

Let them drop the ball, allow one bounce, and then head it upward.

Goal: tap the ball up gently and catch it.

Repeat for 510 attempts.

3. Continuous Keep-Ups

Students try to do 23 consecutive head taps using either:

One bounce between each tap (beginner), or

No bounce (advanced).

Encourage soft, controlled touches.

4. Partner Keep-Ups

Students stand 34 steps apart.

One partner tosses the ball gently; the other heads it back.

Switch roles after 57 turns.

Challenge: Can you head the ball back 3 times without dropping it?

5. Keep-Up Lane Challenge

Create a small lane with cones.

Students try to walk through the lane performing keep-ups (with bounce allowed).

Goal: reach the end without losing control of the ball.

Variations

Timed Challenge: “How many keep-ups can you do in 20 seconds?”

Height Challenge: Keep the ball below head height for better control.

Partner Circle: Stand in a circle and head the ball around without dropping.

Coaching Tips

Use soft or foam balls to prevent injury.

Encourage tapping with the flat forehead.

The neck should be firm; movement comes from the torso, not just the head.

Keep eyes open and focused on the ball.

Maintain enough space between students.

Equipment/Material Required

Soft footballs / foam balls / lightweight training balls

Cones for spacing

Open playing area