Free kick (U13-14 activity)
THE LAW
“Understand the ball must be still when it is kicked” • “Understand one player takes the kick” • “The ball can go in any direction”
Set up a free kick situation in front of goal, but not in the penalty area. You will need a player to take the kick. Put three defending players between the ball and the goal. They must be at least 10 yards away from where the kick is taken.
When you say “go”, the player takes the kick. Practice single free kick takers to start with then get your players to come up with clever ways to pass the ball around the wall like on the opposite page.
Whether the free kick taker chooses to pass the ball or shoot at goal, the important thing is to avoid hitting the players directly in front of him, as this may prompt a counter-attack.
Once the free kick has been taken, the kicker cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it.
The ball: must be stationary and the kicker must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.
How many players do I need?
We’ve used five here, but get all your players to have a go. Remember to change round your attackers, defenders and goalkeeper.
Laws of Soccer
Free kick Direct and indirect free kicks are awarded to the opposing team of a player guilty of an offence or infringement.
BALL ENTERS THE GOAL
if a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal is awarded.
if an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal kick is awarded.
if a direct or indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team’s own goal, a corner kick is awarded.
Until the ball is in play all opponents must remain:
At least 10 yds from the ball, unless they are on their own goal line between the goalposts.