How Quick Free-Kicks Open Opposition Defences

Free-kicks are given so you have an advantage over your opponents - make sure your players are prepared to make the most of them. One way to do this is by catching the opposition off their guard, says David Clarke.

A quick free-kick often results in a goal

This is how it works in the diagram:

1. The ball is played quickly out to the player unmarked on right-wing.

2. The winger dribbles towards goal.

3. He then crosses the ball into the penalty box.

4. The attacking team is first to the ball and scores

With a little vision and a quick pass, the defense is caught sleeping and is unbalanced with the left-back out of position. The quick pass from the free-kick allows the winger to capitalize on the poor marking. He plays in a hard, low cross which his attacker is quicker to than the defenders.

The defending team has lost concentration

At a free-kick teams must keep their concentration to make sure that no opposition players are left free in space. In the diagram the lack of concentration is punished.

The attackers have taken the initiative

The ability to make the most of opportunities shows how important it is for teams to sometimes play free-kicks quickly (be aware of attacking possibilities) and to capitalize on a defense that is caught unawares.

Key coaching tip: It’s simple - tell your players to be first to the ball at free-kicks.