Is height important if you want to head the ball?

[sloth]

??

 

[0-Tibsy-0]

Depends how high the ball is..?

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Well, it's one of the major factors, the others (though are there are likely more) being timing, positioning, leap/jump height, determination/aggression etc.

In of itself it's rarely enough, but it gives you a notable advantage over those that don't have it

The poll responses are a bit simplistic in truth

 

[Spurs_Bear]

I've cast my vote @sloth

 

[Geyzer Soze]

Head the ball, no. My 8 year old heads the ball pretty well.

Win the ball. Quite possibly.

 

[SargeantMeatCurtains]

Dawson is the BEST

 

[JUSTINSIGNAL]

Tim Cahill

 

[Japhet]

Gary Mabbutt.

 

[CowInAComa]

Off course it is. All things being equal the taller guy has an advantage.

'All things' being timing, technique etc.

a 6'2 Tim Cahill beats Tim Cahill.

 

[Capocrimini]

Peter Crouch, so tall should win the majority of high balls, but never did.

 

[Mullers]

Size doesn't matter.

 

[weststandvoice]

In blow football, being short has got be an advantage.

 

[fuzzylogic]

Oblivious hight has an advantage, but a lot to do with it is timing. I am 5 10 and was full time with a Scottish team but I was really good in the air

Timing and positioning are key, if you drop back a couple of yards when the ball is in the air then attack it you will win most headers

 

[Mr Pink]

Yes, without doubt.

Anyone under 6ft1 is at a serious disadvantage according to the latest research.

People who are taller can leap better, their timing is better and all this is completely linked to being taller.

I have no problem with this either, even though I top out at a mere 5ft3.

 

[parklane1]

Peter Crouch, so tall should win the majority of high balls, but never did.

This, for his size he was crap in the air.

 

[Shanks]

Height can help, but no more so than technique, power, agility etc etc.

I'm lanky as fuck (6'7), not particular great in the air (defensively speaking), although not bad attacking wise.

 

[Lufti]

Strange thread, I can't imagine this gets discussed much

 

[night-watchman]

In general yes - but then Tim Cahill has the best attacking header I have ever seen, and he is hardly a unit or huge height presence, so it shows the art can be mastered without a height advantage (although I suspect Cahill may be a unique case). Timing of jump and runs plays a huge factor.

*This thread should probably be in General Football

 

[ravo]

Timmy Cahill says no.

Height helps, but must be combined with timing, heading ability and vertical leap.

 

[Locotoro]

Chimbomba!

EDIT: I've just learned that Chimbonda is 6"0 (appearances can be deceptive)

Having said that, anyone who has watched Basketball will agree its not the height that makes the difference, its the leap