📋 Session Plan
U13 Set Pieces — Throws & Free Kicks
A 75-minute session covering the two most-overlooked set-piece sources — long throws and direct free kicks. Patterns, technique, decision-making.
A 75-minute session covering the two most-overlooked set-piece sources — long throws and direct free kicks. Patterns, technique, decision-making.
Two-touch constraint from minute 4. The communication rhythm of this drill carries directly into the set-piece work where calling teammates matters.
Standard 16×16 yard square. Add the called-skills element from minute 4. Players warm without specific set-piece focus — that comes next.
First half of the technical work. Run all 4 phases. By the end, the squad should know the near-post throw routine and have at least 1-2 throwers who can deliver into the box.
Second half. The two attacking patterns (direct and indirect). Run all 4 phases. Different routines from the throw work but similar pattern-recognition demand.
Free 5v5 with one rule: every restart from the attacking half is either a free kick or a long throw (coach's call). Forces lots of set-piece reps under realistic match conditions.
Question: 'Which routine felt closest to working in matches?' Senior youth answers reveal which patterns have transferred.
Clear demonstrations and high energy. Keep the session moving with minimal queuing, and reinforce one or two key coaching points rather than overloading players with information.
Players standing in queues (set up enough stations to keep everyone active) and the session running too long on one activity (keep blocks tight and move on while engagement is high).
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Coaches tip: Post-session recovery nutrition matters as much as the drills themselves — MaxiNutrition's recovery range is built for exactly this.
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Building conditioning between sessions at home? DeerRun UK's home treadmills make it easy to keep up cardio work off the pitch.