Indirect Free Kick — Two-Man Routine
The indirect free kick is awarded constantly in grassroots football but rarely drilled.
◆Why this drill works
The indirect free kick is awarded constantly in grassroots football but rarely drilled. This drill installs two routines (direct shot and dummy-and-shoot) so the team always executes intentionally rather than improvising. The discipline of calling the routine before executing is half the work — most grassroots teams waste indirect free kicks not because they lack the technique to execute them, but because nobody has decided in advance who does what, so the moment arrives and turns into confused improvisation. Having exactly two rehearsed routines, rather than one, also matters: defenders who see a team run the same free-kick pattern every time quickly organise against it, so the dummy option exists specifically to keep the direct shot dangerous by making defenders hesitate over which threat to close down. Practising the wall organisation on every single rep, not just occasionally, builds the habit of getting the defensive shape right under time pressure too, since a poorly organised wall gives away exactly the kind of easy goal this drill is trying to create at the other end.
◇Variations and progressions
- Third routine — for older or more advanced groups, add a third disguised option (a short lay-off into a third runner) to widen the defensive uncertainty further.
- Call and switch — occasionally call one routine, then switch to the other at the last second, testing whether the two takers can adapt under pressure.
- Live wall — progress to a wall that's allowed to jump and move (within the rules) rather than standing passively, closer to match conditions.
- Angle rotation — cycle through free kicks from the left, right, and central positions so both routines are rehearsed from every realistic angle.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- Place ball at various angles 20–25 yards out.
- Routine A — Direct: first player drives ball at wall side. Second player calls 'MINE!' and redirects into far corner.
- Routine B — Dummy: first player runs over ball. Second player shoots first-time from behind.
- Set up 4-player wall at correct distance using cones. Practise wall organisation each rep.
- Final 5 reps: add passive GK. Strikers must aim away from GK's starting position.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Quality of delivery into a dangerous area
- Timed movement to attack the ball, not standing still
- Quick execution before the defence organises
- A convincing dummy run that genuinely holds the defender's attention
Correct when you see
- No clear routine — call and rehearse before the set piece
- Poor delivery wasting the chance
- Static players — set pieces need timed, deliberate movement
- A sloppy wall set up too slowly, giving the opposition an easy discipline point
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Free Kick Mannequins | Realistic wall practice. | Check price → |
| Value | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Dead-ball reps. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Pop-Up Goals (pair) | Target practice. | Check price → |
As an Amazon Associate, SimpleDrills earns from qualifying purchases. Prices shown on Amazon at time of click.