Way of hitting a football (6) Crossword Clue
Answer: HEADER (6 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Way of hitting a football" with 6 letters is "HEADER". A header is a way of hitting a football (soccer ball) using the head, typically to pass, clear, or score a goal. It is a crucial skill in soccer that requires precision and timing to control the ball effectively in the air.
Why “Header” Fits
The clue asks for a 6-letter word describing a way of hitting a football. The answer, HEADER, fits perfectly:
- Way of hitting a football: In association football (soccer), a "header" is a technique where a player strikes the ball with their head, most often used to pass, shoot for goal, or clear defensively.
- Distinct skill: Headers are executed from various positions—standing, jumping, or diving—and are fundamental to both attacking and defending play.
This single word answers the clue both in specific game context and in general technique.
The header is a core move in football:
- Origin and use: Headers have been integral to the sport since its rise in popularity, adopted by players for aerial control and scoring opportunities.
- Applications: Off crosses, corners, and free kicks, headers frequently result in goals or vital defensive stops. Notable footballers have built reputations based on their prowess in heading the ball.
- Risks and technique: Recent discussions have highlighted safety concerns and proper technique to reduce injury risk, but the header remains an essential part of modern football.
“Header” bridges the clue’s requirements for method, skill, and sporting tradition.
In quick crosswords, clues like “way of hitting a football (6)”:
- Target concise nouns for sporting actions—“header,” “volley,” “chip.”
- The answer length (6) matches "header" precisely, which is a common fill for both sports and general crossword grids.
- When clues specify the action (hitting) and the object (football), the answer is usually the standard term for execution.
Spotting the sports context, technique, and enumeration quickly leads to “header.”