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What is U.S. Soccer's heading guideline for players 10 and under?

No heading at all, in practice or in games.

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  1. No heading in practice or games ✔
  2. Heading in games only
  3. Up to 30 minutes a week

Why: U.S. Soccer says players 10 and under should not head the ball at all. It is part of its Recognize to Recover program to protect young players' brains.

Huh, didn't know that: U.S. Soccer's age group guide for U11 also lists no heading in practice or games.

The dad joke
Why did the young player bring a ball to the library? To use their feet, not their head, for once.
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References

Answer: No heading in practice or games. U.S. Soccer says players 10 and under should not head the ball at all. It is part of its Recognize to Recover program to protect young players' brains.

  1. U.S. Soccer, Age group guide U9 to U10 www.ussoccer.com/us-way/player-development/environment/age-group-guide/u9-u10
    No heading in practice or games
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. U.S. Soccer announces Recognize to Recover (2015) www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/12/us-soccer-announces-recognize-to-recover-player-health-and-safety-program
    heading the ball be prohibited for children 10 and under
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. U.S. Soccer, Age group guide U11 to U12 www.ussoccer.com/us-way/player-development/environment/age-group-guide/u11-u12
    U11: no heading in practice or games
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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