Video analysis of 100 matches in male semi-professional football reveals a heading rate of 5.7 headings per field player and match.

Introduction: Heading is an integral part of football and frequent media reports and previous studies about potential danger of heading and head trauma in football fuelled discussions. Epidemiological data and video analyses regarding headings situation and associated head injuries are still missing in male adult professional football.

Methods: In a prospective cohort study in the male fourth German football league, 100 official matches of the 2015-2016 season were assessed by video analysis and a standardized protocol.