Wide Free Kick

Objective

• -Deliver a wide free kick with accuracy
• -Make smart near-post and far-post runs
• -Finish from crosses and loose balls

Setup

1. 1Set a wide free kick spot 10-15 yards from the touchline.
2. 2Place attackers in bibs across the box and defenders in front of goal.
3. 3Use cones to mark a wall line and three attacking run channels.
4. 4Keep one coach with spare balls at the free kick spot.

How to play

1. 1The coach rolls or passes the ball to the taker for the free kick.
2. 2The taker delivers into the box, using any agreed service.
3. 3Attackers attack the delivery, and defenders protect the goal and clear.
4. 4Play on for second balls until the ball goes dead.
5. 5Reset quickly and swap the taker after a few deliveries.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Hitting every ball the same
• -Running too early
• -Watching the ball instead of attacking it