Free kick soccer coaching drill with homage to Barcelona
Those soccer (football) coaches who don't get their players to practise free kicks should take some time to watch Barcelona. The Barcelona players have developed fast, creative, defence-splitting set-piece situations, which they use alongside the curling shot into the top corner.
When a free kick is given just outside the penalty area, the opposition often spends time arranging and positioning their wall while the attackers do the same. But how often do your players stand around and argue about who will take the free kick, then kick it harmlessly to the opposition?
Teams can make excellent tactical use of the set-piece situation. Your attackers can get into their positions and put what you have practised on the training ground into action.
This means telling your players to practise their shooting technique around a wall and also as a group where different routines are carried out. If you do it enough times in training, your players will be able to do it in a match. And they will enjoy trying out different moves, just like they see on the TV.
Run the soccer drill
- In the diagram, the free-kick taker passes the ball to his team mate, who has created space by moving off the defence.
- Your winger breaks off the wall and makes a run behind the defence. He receives the ball from the edge of the area.
- Tell your winger to cross low and hard into the six yard area.
- Have players running in to capitalise if the goalkeeper parries the ball into their path.
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