⚽ Set Pieces
Wide Free Kick — Delivery and Movement
Wide free kicks at U12 are almost always wasted because the movers don't move.
Wide Free Kick — Delivery and Movement — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
A rehearsed, clearly-called routine everyone understands
◆Why this drill works
Wide free kicks at U12 are almost always wasted because the movers don't move. They stand still in the box waiting for the ball to arrive, which gives defenders time to mark. This drill trains the specific movement pattern: one player makes a run to the near post (the decoy), one makes a late run to the back post (the target), and the deliverer picks the runner. Three players with named roles, rehearsed until the timing is automatic. The same pattern then appears in match free kicks without the coach needing to call it.
▦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
- T stands over the wide free kick. R1 and R2 are in the box with defenders marking them.
- T raises hand — signal for runners to move. T begins 3-step run-up.
- R1 makes a sharp run to the near post. D1 follows.
- R2 times a late curved run to the back post, arriving as the ball crosses.
- T delivers into the back post zone where R2 is arriving — away from GK, away from D2.
- Rotate roles every 4 deliveries. Every player should take both the near-post and back-post run.
- Progression: add a third attacker who makes a run to the edge of the box for a cut-back option.
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- A rehearsed, clearly-called routine everyone understands
- Quality of delivery into a dangerous area
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 Wide Free Kick — Delivery and Movement suitable for?
This drill suits youth. Keep routines simple for younger players; older players can rehearse more sophisticated, disguised routines.
How many players do I need for Wide Free Kick — Delivery and Movement?
This drill works well with around 10 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 Wide Free Kick — Delivery and Movement take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.