Free Kick Variation I

The attacking team is positioned at the level of the 18-yard line. The exercise is practised on one half of the field toward one goal. Right midfielder H positions himself in a half-left position to take the free kick. The balls are with him. The two forwards are positioned in the penalty area between the penalty spot and the penalty area line at the same height. Right centre back C stands centrally and slightly set back between the two forwards. Left centre back B and right central midfielder G are placed at the level of the penalty area line, slightly to the right toward the arc of the penalty area. Right outside midfielder E is positioned in the central area behind, and player A moves into the space behind player H. At the level of the halfway line stand fullback D and left central midfielder F. Player/Position legend: Base formation GK = Goalkeeper A = left fullback B = left centre back C = right centre back D = right fullback E = left outside midfielder F = left central midfielder G = right central midfielder H = right outside midfielder I = left forward J = right forward

Player H strikes the ball with his right foot sharply and with plenty of curve, like a half-high or high free kick shot toward the far corner (far post) or toward the near corner (near post). With H's wind-up, the attacking players start their runs. Forward I and forward J cross toward the near post or the goalkeeper respectively. Forward I not only runs toward the goalkeeper, he also has the option of running toward the free kick taker to execute a quick or short free kick. Player C sprints to the near post, B runs toward the area between the 6-yard box and the penalty spot, and player G toward the far post. Right outside midfielder E is positioned in the central area behind, and player A moves into the space behind player H with the options of overlapping to then cross or, after a back pass, switching play to the other side. At the level of the halfway line stand fullback D and left central midfielder F. After each free kick, everyone returns to their original positions and the next round starts. Practice first without defenders to develop automatisms. Later add defenders and of course practise from both sides.