As with corners and throw-ins, free-kicks are a major source of goals at any level of the game. There are many reasons for this which have already been discussed in the introduction to this article. However, it is always useful for a coach to remind his players. Firstly, the attacking team has no pressure within a ten yard vicinity of the ball and is playing a stationary ball which is easier to strike compared to one that is moving. Equally important are the large number of players who can be brought forward into pre-planned positions to make timed runs and make the best use of their own particular individual skills, e.g. defenders with good heading ability.

It may be important to mention from which types of foul free-kicks are won. For example direct free-kicks arise from kicking, striking or tripping (and any attempt to) an opponent, handball, pushing or holding an opponent. Indirect free-kicks may result from offside, illegal obstruction, dissent or a goalkeeper taking too much time to release the ball. Although it is extremely useful to win free-kicks, coaches should not encourage players to deliberately look for the foul by cheating or diving. Free-kicks will come naturally from positive play such as an winger taking on a full-back or a defender fouling a centre-forward when making a heading challenge for the ball.

How and where a free-kick is taken depends on whether it is direct, indirect and the position on the pitch. It also depends on both the positioning and concentration of both teams, for example if the opposition defence is out of position the free-kick can be taken quickly to take advantage of this. It is true that when the referee gives a free-kick, players concentration may lapse and a quickly struck kick can exploit the situation. Furthermore, players do not always have to wait for the referee to blow his whistle as he may only need to make a sign. Players who have been fouled should attempt to get back on their feet as quickly as possible to play the ball and look for an opening. To see an excellent example of a quickly taken free-kick by Borussia Dortmund which catches the Bayern Munich defence in disarray - click here to visualise the action.

When a free-kick is given just outside the penalty area, the opposition often spends time arranging and positioning their wall and pays less attention to the kick taker. Again, this may be a very good moment to try and shoot unexpectedly. Otherwise, teams can make other excellent tactical use of the break in the game. If they are under pressure, this short pause can be used to slow the game down and reorganise the team. Likewise, the pause may be used to put into action a tactical ploy by allowing players the time to get into their positions and to mentally rehearse the movement.

The coach should ensure his team regularly practice all free-kicks situations, whether individually - e.g. practising shooting technique around a wall or as a group or team where different routines are carried out. Free-kicks must be systematically practised until they become automatic. Players should be chosen and designated roles according to their individual physical and technical skills. Timing and technique are both essential. A fine example of a pre-rehearsed free-kick routine by Juventus FC which led to a goal is demonstrated below (Figure 2). Simply place the mouse cursor over the image to animate the action.

Fig 2: Free-kick goal by Juventus FC 1) Del Piero plays the free-kick into Zidane who has created space by moving off the defence. 2) Zambrotta breaks off the wall & makes a run behind the defence. He receives the ball from Zidane. 3) Zambrotta crosses low and hard first-time into the 6 yard area. 4) Trezeguet finishes.

There are various tips to ensure success when taking free-kicks. Always keep free-kicks simple. If there is the chance of a shot, take it. Reduce as well to a minimum the number of actions before getting the ball into the penalty area. Fitting the free-kick to your players strengths is also important. A team with players who have strong aerial ability will benefit from the ball being played in at heading height to dangerous areas just in front of the goal. The free-kick should also take advantage of your opponents weaknesses, perhaps the goalkeeper struggles with high balls into the area or the fullback may be easily beaten for pace by a winger played in behind him from a quickly taken free-kick.

Always make sure that the weather conditions are taken into account. A wet and slippery pitch may be used to the teams advantage as the goalkeeper can encounter problems in holding onto the ball. The position on the pitch where the kick is taken is important, some tactical ploys will work in one area but not another due to for example, a lack of space or too tighter angle.

Direct free-kicks from just outside the penalty area (in the D area) provide a good chance to score. The opposition usually build a wall to block part of the goal. The goalkeeper will often position himself to cover the part of the goal not covered as well as to block any shot that is chipped over the wall. Attacking players can work on obscuring the goalkeepers view by standing next to the wall and in front of the keepers. These players must also follow any shot in to look for any rebounds. They should only move when the ball is kicked and stay close enough together to prevent the keeper seeing the ball through a gap.

It may be useful to have two players standing next to the ball as the opposition will be unsure of who will take the kick. The two players can set of running and approach the ball at different angles, one acting as a decoy. Try to have a left and right-footed player standing over the kick (to cause even greater confusion) and make sure the decoy player runs slightly in front of the ball to screen the other players shot at goal. As defending teams may bring most of their players back to defend, the attacking team can afford to send many men forward. These attacking players whilst following shots in to capitalise on any rebound, are there to pressure and increase the difficulty of the defenders job by positioning themselves in space.

The shooting player has the choice of playing the ball over, under and around the defensive wall using chipped and swerving shots. This requires good technique and knowing which is the best type of shot for the particular situation. When setting up a practice session, the coach should always use a full-size penalty area. At the beginning, the coach may only want to introduce a wall to work on the movement and positioning of the attacking players in the wall and of those standing over the ball. The team must work on placing themselves to block the goalkeepers view and develop various decoy runs (running angle, screening the shooter...). More attacking and defending players can be introduced later on. The coach must also concentrate on making sure his players follow the shot in and observe the shooting technique.

Free-kicks are often won in positions around the side of the penalty area. In this situation, due to the angle, shooting directly may not yield as much success as a well played pass behind the defence. Although players such as Roberto Carlos from Brazil, can strike the ball with pace and accuracy and may score directly or create a second chance as the goalkeeper may not be able to gather the ball. If a shot is to be struck directly, keep it low and hard and aim at the corners of the goal.

Otherwise, a well hit pass into the near-post area and to the back of the defence will always cause problems, especially as it may be spinning and bouncing and be difficult to clear. Furthermore, the goalkeeper often stands more towards the back-post area. Often in this situation, the defence does not cover the space to the outside of the wall (see Figure 3 image below). A short pass can be played and the player can then cross immediately or get to the goal-line and cut the ball backwards across goal. It can also be useful to have a couple of attacking players positioned on the edge of the penalty area in order to capitalise on any half-clearances.

Fig 3 - Free-kick taking advantage of space outside the defensive wall

A flighted ball to the back-post as shown below should not be neglected. This can often catch defenders out, especially if the technique and timing is good. Here figure 4 shows that at the far-post, the ball is played dangerously back across goal after a well-flighted cross.

Fig 4 - Free-kick to back-post

Keeping the free-kick simple and accurate is important. The other attacking players must be determined to challenge and be first to the ball. When setting up practice sessions, both the kick and the timing of the movement must be perfected. If need be, start off with no defensive players. Practice the kick from both sides of the pitch and introduce different movement patterns. The coach should observe the accuracy of the kick, the movement, ability and determination of the attacking players to be first to the the ball.

As mentioned earlier, the location of the kick is extremely important. If an indirect free-kick is won in your own defensive zone, the player taking the kick must weigh up the risks of playing the ball forwards where possession maybe lost or sideways/backwards which may be safer. A long kick should be taken only when sufficient attackers are available and in positions where they create width and depth. Free-kicks won in midfield areas maybe be played directly into the penalty area or played short to build up the attack. The direction of play may be changed and other attackers should try to get behind their opponent without being caught offside. These above points for indirect free-kicks can be practised in training by the coach stopping the game and awarding a "surprise" free-kick to observe player performance. On the whole, the action should be simple, positive and without too much risk.

Indirect free-kicks won in the penalty area merit special attention. If the kick is to the side of the goal, the ball should be played into a more central area to improve the angle. As the opposing team may draw all 10 outfield players back onto the goal-line the ball may be played backwards to allow more space and time to place the shot which should be aimed over the heads of the players or perhaps kept low to pass underneath any defenders who jump. The player striking the shot should observe the position of the goalkeeper and place his shot elsewhere in the goal. The player passing the ball may want to lift it into the air to make it more easier for the shooter to play it over the defenders heads. When attempting these tactics in training, the coach must analyse and make sure all the above points are put into practice by his team.

Otherwise, for indirect free-kicks awarded just outside the penalty area the principles mentioned earlier for direct kicks apply as well. The only real difference being that a shot can only be made after the ball is touched by another player. The first touch should mainly aim to improve the shooting angle. Players can be placed in front of the kicker to hide the his intentions and leave the goalkeeper little time to see the ball when it is struck.

To see various examples of attacking free-kicks - click here.

Players often lose their concentration when the ball is cleared out for a throw-in. Defenders may feel their job is done and it is at this moment that the attacking team must take advantage of this lapse. The throw should be taken quickly by the player nearest the ball to exploit any space available. Exceptions may occur when a throw is won in the teams own defending third (so as not to lose possession) or in a deep attacking position where a long throw into the penalty area may be used in preference. Likewise, it is generally better to throw forwards but the individual situation will dictate the throw. If for example, a simple and safe throw back to the goalkeeper is on in a deep defensive, then players should not hesitate.

Thus, throw-ins need to be practised in the defending, midfield and attacking thirds of the pitch. In defensive areas, maintaining team shape is important as if the ball is lost, players need to be in positions to defend. The team will also need to choose between playing it safe - pass back to the keeper or along the back four to maintain possession or perhaps playing it immediately upfield where there is a greater risk of losing the ball.

In midfield areas, teams should aim to take the throw quickly and to try to exploit any defensive weakness/space or a play it short to slowly build up play. Likewise, in a deep attacking position, a quick throw may take advantage of a defence which is still getting into position and allow for example,a cross to be made or a winger to attack a fullback in a one-on-one situation. In this position, a long throw into the penalty area may also prove beneficial.

Fig 5: Midfield throw-in situation - Here, the player throws the ball forwards down the line. Space is created by Red moving towards the thrower and dragging the fullback forward with him. The other players offer dummy runs to disguise the actual intentions of the thrower. Note that the thrower should immediately support the player now in possession or get back into play quickly.

It is important to respect several rules when taking a long throw. Of course, every team should have at least one player capable of this type of action. Push many attacking players into the penalty area to put pressure on opponents and into positions where they will be most dangerous (regardless of playing position). It is useful to throw the ball into a player with good heading ability who can flick the ball into central and far post areas. Players should be positioned in and around the 6-yard box. When the player flicking on the makes contact, the other attackers should accelerate towards goal to attack the ball. Positioning a player in front of the goalkeeper to block his view and path to the ball is also useful. The throw itself should be hard and at a height where it can be headed on into the near post area. To see an excellent example of a successful long-throw in an international women's match, click here.

Generally, when taking throws, the coach should encourage one or two players to get free at the same time. Players may try to switch positions and open up space by dragging defenders with them. The player receiving the ball should take up a position not too close to the thrower as this will hinder both the throw and controlling the ball. The throw must also be played in such a way to allow easy control and prevent the defender from intercepting or dispossessing the attacker. The player taking the throw should enter back into the game as quickly as possible to offer the option of a return pass if the other players are tightly marked. Figure 6 below shows a variation to practice on a long throw-in. The player at the near-post switches position and the other players make choreographed runs to get on the end of the flick-on. One player stands in front of the goalkeeper to block him.

Fig 6 - Long throw-in variation

When practising throws, the coach may want to start of with small-sided games and with no defenders. Once the attackers are comfortable with the various tactics, these can be implemented in full-size 11-a-side games. Throws should be taken in all the different areas and from both sides of the pitch. The coach must also observe various points:

- Does the nearest player to the ball take the throw, play it forward (or as positively as possible) and as quickly as possible ? Does he get back in the game quickly and offer himself as another option ?
- Is there plenty of movement, space and options created by the other players ? How is this space exploited ?
- Is the throwers technique good and allows the receiver an easy control and pass ?
- For long throws, does the speed and trajectory of the ball allow the near-post player to flick it on ?
- Again for long throws, observe the player flicking the ball on - starting position, movement to meet the ball and the quality of the flicked pass. Finally, analyse the support play - creation of space, timing of movements in relation to the throw/flick-on and do the players attack the of the goal zone areas to get on the end of the throw to shoot.

To see various examples of attacking throws - click here.

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