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.”
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.