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For U12 to U14 players, how much heading practice does U.S. Soccer allow each week?

No more than 30 minutes a week, and 15 to 20 headers per player.

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  1. No more than 30 minutes ✔
  2. No heading at all
  3. As much as the coach wants

Why: Older youth players can head the ball, but U.S. Soccer limits practice to 30 minutes a week and 15 to 20 headers per player, so they learn the skill with fewer hits.

Huh, didn't know that: U.S. Soccer's guide says U11 players should not head the ball at all, in practice or in games.

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Why did the coach set a timer for heading drills? To keep everyone's head in the game.
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References

Answer: No more than 30 minutes. Older youth players can head the ball, but U.S. Soccer limits practice to 30 minutes a week and 15 to 20 headers per player, so they learn the skill with fewer hits.

  1. U.S. Soccer, Age group guide U13 to U14 www.ussoccer.com/us-way/player-development/environment/age-group-guide/u13-u14
    No more than 30 mins heading practice per week / no more than 15-20 headers per player per week
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. U.S. Soccer, Age group guide U11 to U12 www.ussoccer.com/us-way/player-development/environment/age-group-guide/u11-u12
    U12: no more than 30 mins heading practice per week
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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