Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): Free kick attacking and defending

Direct Central free kick (AT & DF)) (25 mins)

Area - Half field 

After dynamic exercises, Split the group into two teams to work on defending/attacking.

Attacking - For central free kick there should be two player on the ball as this will keep the opponents guessing on whether you will use an in-swing or out-swing cross.

Defending - Quickly back to the shape ready to clear the ball, man to man marking, communication with the player to create the wall - Four player on the wall.

Two points for clearing the ball outside the box into wide areas and three points for clearing the ball to a team mate who can dribble the ball over the halfway line

• Two players in a position to receive a clearance and counter attack.

Coaching points - Attacking : specific runs, timing of area, delivery areas, end product

Defending : GK communication with the player on the outside of the ball, no turning backs/jumping in wall - step forward and end up to present the body and increase chances of blocking, no gaps in main wall, tallest players in wall

Free kick from wide (25 mins)

Area - Half field

Attacking - Free kick from wide angle - take your time, be creative, quality crossing required.

Defending - Quickly back to the shape ready to clear the ball, man to man marking, communication with the player to create the wall - Four player on the wall.

Two points for clearing the ball outside the box into wide areas and three points for clearing the ball to a team mate who can dribble the ball over the halfway line

Coaching points - Attacking - This attacking set up offers a variety of solutions but requires analysis from the players to choose the best option, options in swinging cross, out swinging short pass to drive line and cross on the ground, all player should good in air, specific runs, timing of area, delivery areas, end product

Defending : GK communication with the player on the outside of the ball, no turning backs/jumping in wall - step forward and end up to present the body and increase chances of blocking, no gaps in main wall, tallest players in wall