Set Pieces

Free Kick & Dead Ball Practice

Strike a dead ball with technique and repeatability

Set Pieces
Shooting
Crossing

Free Kick & Dead Ball Practice is a 15-minute set pieces drill for 4-16 players, suitable for Under 10 to Adults at intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones, full goals, poles. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.

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Set Pieces
Shooting
Crossing
Skill Practice
Intermediate
Advanced
Full Squad
Agility Kit
Youth Friendly
Adult Suitable
Goals Needed

Duration

15 min

Players

4-16

Pitch size

Attacking third

Ability levels

Intermediate / Advanced

Pitch diagram

Pitch set-up: Free Kick & Dead Ball Practice123Attacking third

Free Kick & Dead Ball Practice — Marked area · Attacking third

Step 1 of 4Each player takes three direct efforts from each position.

  1. 1. Each player takes three direct efforts from each position.
  2. 2. Then rehearse two indirect routines with runners.
  3. 3. Score the group's total on target.
  4. 4. Rotation: Rotate takers through each position.
  • Cones mark the area
  • Dashed lines = zones / thirds
  • Ball
  • Poles to dribble / run through
  • Dotted arrow = rotation between repetitions
  • Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble

Objectives

  • -Strike a dead ball with technique and repeatability
  • -Practise direct and indirect routines
  • -Build a reliable set-piece routine

Setup

  1. 1Place balls at 20-25 yards in three positions.
  2. 2Mannequins or poles as a wall, keeper in goal.
  3. 3Rotate takers through each position.

Coaching instructions

  1. 1Each player takes three direct efforts from each position.
  2. 2Then rehearse two indirect routines with runners.
  3. 3Score the group's total on target.

Coaching points

  • -Consistent run-up and plant foot placement
  • -Strike across the ball to bend, through it to drive
  • -Follow through towards the target
  • -Runners hold their timing until the taker signals

Common mistakes

  • -Inconsistent approach angle
  • -Leaning back and lifting the ball
  • -No plan before stepping up

Where this drill fits

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