Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): 2 G Defending Free Kick ( Out Swinging)

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Defending wide free kick ( Out swinging )

My philosophy is to set up as shown.

1 player standing 10 yards from ball, 2 if theres 2 opposition players on the ball.

Forward level with ball .

1 player in hole

5 markers spread across edge of box and 2 players on the edge of the box ( one of these may go to the opposite side if opposition put a player in the shaded arae above )

The roles and responsibilities of the players are as follows.

1Goalkeeper. His role is to keep the defenders at a good distance from goal to give himself a chance of coming the collect the cross. His starting position should be on the front foot and making sure the taker is aware if the delivery is too close to him he will come and catch or pinch the cross. ( out swinging , he will be slightly more advanced as there will be a bigger distance between him and the defenders.)

2. Player standing in front of the taker. His role is to palce himself in line of the expected cross to give the taker a problem as the cross may not be driven and would have to be flouted which could give the goalkeeper more chance of coming for it. .Also put himself in a position so the cross would be delivered further away from the goal. ( out swinging he will be more advanced and a step to his right trying to get in line of the natural shape of the deliver from the taker .)

3 Player in near post hole: This is the biggest role, the player should be comfortable heading the ball and have good awareness of whats around him. He is there to clear any low or short cross. Positioning himself not too far beyond near post , but in a postion where any opposition player cant get across the front of him. ( out swinging, he will try and be a yard or so more advanced giving the attacking players bigger distances to cover.)

4 5 6 7 8 . All in line across edge of box. These 5 players are responsible for dealing with the attacking runs of the opposition . Ideally players 5 6 and 7 will be both centre backs and another bigger and defensive player. They can only take thier line off the position of player 3in the hole. They have to be brave in hold a defensive line and communication is vital in doing this. ( players 4 5 6 7 and 8, they will all move a few steps higher away from the box and slightly wider but this will depend on attacking players. One of our players may have to go down the opposite side to deal with any opposition player who may look to recieve a pass down the line )

9 and 10 Edge of box Both players are on the edge of the box, being first to the ball if it is cleared. They are also in a position where they would have to track any late runners into the box. These players are normally the weaker in the air and able to counter attack if given the opportunity. ( both player will move the identical distances as the line of defenders behind them. This will make sure they keep the same shape and in a position where they will afeect opposition players who do not go into the box.)

11 Starting level with the free kick He is in a position to affect the taker and stop any short free kick being taken, also then will start to try and find space so when the ball is cleared or caught by goalkeeper he is in a good position to counter attack. ( His position doesnt really change if its an in swinging or out swinging corner)