Set Pieces : Kickoff

Up The Middle (or the Flank)
This is a nice set piece suitable for most ages that want a quick attack on the kickoff. It can be especially useful if you've just been scored against as the other team is still celebrating a bit. It requires one player who can make long accurate passes and 4 players with good upfield speed. The key is to get goal-side of the defenders and 'catch em with thier pants down.'

Offense: Players A, B and C are positioned tightly to put the ball in play. Forwards D and E are on the extreme flanks. Player A begins play by gently tapping the ball one full revolution (27" for you trivia buffs) to B and then sprints upfield. Players A, C,D, and E break into a full sprint upfield. Player B makes a back pass to F, who should be capable of making long, accurate passes.

Note: Remember by FIFA rules,the ball must roll forward of the midline and one full revolution!

Player F has several choices at this point. The flanks are much more likely to be open, but if A and C have managed to get goalside of most of the opponents and are marked loosely, then the obvious choice is to center the ball down the middle. He also has the choice of dribbling a short piece since he will not be marked immediately.

Defense: The opposing forwaards and midfielders need to be quick to cover and attack the ball when it's in the center circle. Especially if you've just scored a goal, you might find the team kicking off to be physologically down and 'lazy', in which case you be able to make a quick interception and turn a quick conter-attack.