Free Kick Practice

Description

Practice direct free kicks from various positions around the box (central 22 yards, wide left 18 yards, wide right 18 yards). Focuses on technique over the wall, around the wall, and driven low. Also covers indirect free kicks with a layoff combination.

Setup

Full goal with GK. Set up a 3-player wall at 10 yards from the ball (use mannequins if available). Practice from 3 positions: central (22 yards), left side (18 yards at an angle), and right side (18 yards at an angle). Take 5 kicks from each position.

Coaching Points

• +Over the wall: strike the bottom of the ball with inside of foot, aim for dip
• +Around the wall: strike the outside of the ball for curve, target the far post
• +Low under the wall: if the wall jumps, drive it hard and low
• +Run-up: 3-4 steps back, slight angle, approach the ball on a curve
• +Indirect: quick layoff to the side, second player shoots first time

Progressions

1. 1.Add a 4th or 5th player to the wall
2. 2.GK sets the wall and defends for real
3. 3.Practice indirect: player stands over the ball, rolls it sideways for a teammate to shoot
4. 4.Add match pressure — if you miss, you owe the GK a sprint

Equipment

Skills