Free kicks and the 10 m mark

Setup

1. Ball on the 10 m mark (second penalty mark). Kicker A1 behind it; a goalkeeper on the line.
2. Two attackers (A2, A3) and two defenders (D1, D2) behind an imaginary line level with the ball, at least 5 m from it and outside the penalty area.
3. The goalkeeper stays in the penalty area, at least 5 m from the ball.

How it runs

1. Block 1, 10 m kicks: on the whistle, A1 shoots. No wall is allowed.
2. Nobody else moves until the ball is kicked, then attackers follow in for rebounds and defenders clear.
3. Every player takes 3 kicks; keep a score of goals.
4. Block 2, fouls one to five: free kicks from 12 to 14 m with a two-player wall 5 m away. Take them within 4 seconds.
5. Swap the defending pair every 5 kicks.

Coaching points

• From the sixth team foul in a half, every direct free kick has no wall.
• Foul beyond the 10 m line: kick from the 10 m mark. Foul closer, outside the area: choose the mark or the spot of the foul.
• The kicker must shoot, not pass. If it comes back off the post, they can't touch it again until another player has.
• Pick a corner before the run-up and don't change it. Power and placement low beat a looping shot.
• Followers: start on the line, go the moment it's struck, aim for where a parry lands.
• Defenders: get goal-side of the followers as it's struck; clear wide, not across goal.
• With a wall, take it within 4 seconds of the referee signalling, or it's a turnover.

Common mistakes

• Followers crossing the ball's line before the kick, which can mean a retake or a free kick to the defenders.
• Changing the target at the last step and scuffing it.
• Everyone watching the shot and nobody following in.
• Slow wall free kicks that run the 4 seconds down.