Soccer Set Pieces

Free Kick Second-Ball Drill

Soccer drill for set pieces training sessions

Teams practise attacking loose balls and clearances after a free kick delivery into the box.

18 minDuration
12 playersGroup size
IntermediateDifficulty
Final thirdSpace needed
Balls, cones, goalEquipment

What This Drill Improves

This soccer drill is best for intermediate players who need focused work on set pieces. It works well with 12 players and can be adjusted by changing the space, pressure, or scoring rules.

Setup

Set up a wide free kick. Attackers occupy penalty area and three players wait around the edge.

Instructions

  1. Server delivers into the box.
  2. Defenders clear toward the edge zone.
  3. Edge players attack the second ball and shoot or recycle.
  4. Reset and rotate delivery side.

Coaching Points

✓ Edge players should be balanced and ready before the clearance.
✓ First contact on second ball should be forward if possible.
✓ Do not all crash the six-yard box.

Common Mistakes to Watch For

  • Players losing focus on the main coaching point.
  • The drill area being too large or too small for the group.
  • Progressing the drill before the basic pattern is clean.

Progressions: Make It Harder

→ Add live counter-attack if defenders win cleanly.
→ Edge player must shoot first time.
→ Vary delivery depth and angle.

Regressions: Make It Easier

Start without defenders, then add pressure once the movement pattern is clear.
Allow extra touches until players understand the timing.

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