Set Pieces - Free Kick

Tee It Up!
This play is designed specifically for a Direct kick in or near the penalty box. It requires 3 or 4 players and is simple enough to be executed by almost any team.You will need one accurate passer, one player that can foot trap well and one that can spank it in the net! Deception and speed is the key!

Offense: Players A and B are near the ball in position to take the free kick. C is near the middle of the field, as unmarked as possible. Player D is 5 -7 yards behind C. One a cue, A runs to take the kick, but instead fakes the shot and moves upfield, near-post of the wall. Player B follows quickly and makes a sharp, accurate pass square to C whose only job is to trap the ball leaving it motionless for D. Player D, who was timing the pass, takes the shot on goal. Player A is now in position to look for any near-post rebounds and D will follow up to look for rebounds on the far-post.

Variation: A variation of this, especially if D moves too soon and the Defense realizes the play, is for C to make a quick one touch pass back to A on the near post.

Variation: If your playing small-sided youth games and can't commit 4 players that far upfield, you can opt not to use the initial fake by player A. Instead have B move to the near-post after the pass.

Defense: Tallest players should be near-post of the ball. Getting the wall set up quickly is key. The wall should cover the near post while the goalie sets up far post. Don't let the wall crumble by the deception of player A!