Varane says: “This pathway reduces unnecessary contact at the youngest ages, when the brain is still growing, and then teaches the skill properly, step by step, with the right control.”
Varane says: “This pathway reduces unnecessary contact at the youngest ages, when the brain is still growing, and then teaches the skill properly, step by step, with the right control.”
This has to be one of the more difficult things to figure out. Some players, now, are showing signs of CTE, presumably from heading the ball when they were younger. But, when they were younger the ball was different and the game was played differently.
It might be that the way the game is played in 2026 with a 2026 ball that doesn’t absorb much moisture, headers are relatively safe.
Also, if you limit training headers when players are young, they may not develop the right technique, which means they’re in more danger if they have to do it later.
Maybe it makes sense to ban headers outright now, just to be safe. But, that’s a big call.
I believe it’s been shown to cause damage even with newer, lighter balls. What’s most significant is the frequency of heading. A couple times a week might not be a big deal. But, frequent impacts are going to cause damage.
Besides impact with the ball, heading also introduces more risk of hitting the head against another player. Those impacts can be bad.
It’s wise to just forbid it in youth leagues, especially the younger ones.