⚽ Set Pieces
Indirect Free Kick — Two-Man Routine
The indirect free kick is awarded constantly in grassroots football but rarely drilled.
Indirect Free Kick — Two-Man Routine — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Quality of delivery into a dangerous area
◆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.
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶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.
✓Equipment checklist
- Balls6
- Cones12
- Bibs8
✦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
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
★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 → |
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?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Indirect Free Kick — Two-Man Routine suitable for?
This drill suits U13–U14. Keep routines simple for younger players; older players can rehearse more sophisticated, disguised routines.
How many players do I need for Indirect Free Kick — Two-Man Routine?
This drill works well with around 12 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does Indirect Free Kick — Two-Man Routine take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 19 minutes to run it — about 22 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.