Attacking Free Kicks

◆Why this drill works

Free kicks within 25 yards of goal are some of the highest-value attacking moments — and they're routinely wasted at grassroots. Most U13 teams have one player who 'takes the free kicks' and one routine ('hit it hard'). This drill gives a team three repeatable options: direct shot, short layoff, and a tactical pattern. The decision is the taker's based on distance, angle, and defensive setup. By session 2, the team has options it didn't have before — and the routines aren't predictable enough for opponents to defend.

▦The drill in three phases

▶How to run it

1. Set up: full goal with GK. Place a free-kick spot 22 yards from goal, central. Position attackers and a defensive wall (use cones or 2-3 defenders).
2. PHASE 1 — Walk through the three options (4 min). Option A: direct shot — taker strikes around or over the wall toward the goal. Option B: short layoff to a player just behind for a second-touch shot. Option C: pattern — pass to a player at the edge of the box who plays it on. Walk through each option at half-pace.
3. PHASE 2 — Pure shooting (4 min). Each attacker takes 3 direct shots. Coach the technique: head down, plant foot 6 inches beside the ball, hit through the lower half for power or the inside for placement. Goalkeeper is active.
4. PHASE 3 — The layoff option (4 min). Taker plays a short pass back to the layoff player. Layoff player takes one touch out of their feet, then shoots. Quick, disguised, often catches GK and wall off-guard.
5. PHASE 4 — The pattern (4 min). Taker plays a forward ball to an attacker at the edge of the box; that attacker plays first-time to a runner inside the box for a finish. Pattern requires timing — runner starts the moment the taker's foot moves.
6. PHASE 5 — Live free kicks with all three options (2 min). Add full defensive setup. Taker chooses one of the three options. Defenders try to react. The decision-making under pressure is the closing test.

✓Equipment checklist

✦Coaching points