How Risky Is Heading the Ball in Soccer?

Dr. Brett Berner
5 min readOct 18, 2024

Soccer, known as football in many parts of the world, is a beloved sport played by millions. One of its distinctive features is the ability to use the head to control and direct the ball. However, as research advances, the question arises: how risky is heading the ball in soccer? This blog post delves into the potential dangers associated with this common technique and explores the growing concern about concussions in soccer.

The Mechanics of Heading in Soccer

Heading the ball is a fundamental soccer skill for passing, shooting, and clearing. When appropriately executed, players use their forehead to contact the ball, redirecting it with force and precision. The technique involves:

  1. Tracking the ball’s trajectory
  2. Positioning the body correctly
  3. Making contact with the forehead, not the top of the head
  4. Following through with the motion

While proper technique can minimize risks, the repeated impact of the ball against the head raises concerns about potential brain trauma.

Short-Term Risks of Heading

The immediate risks of heading a soccer ball include:

  • Headaches: Players may experience mild to severe headaches…

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Dr. Brett Berner
Dr. Brett Berner

Written by Dr. Brett Berner

Upper Cervical Chiropractor in Lutz, FL. Schedule a complimentary consultation: text CONSULT to 813-578-5889 or www.foundationschedule.com