Attacking Free-Kick: Layoff & Strike

Rehearse a worked free-kick to beat a wall: a disguised lay-off that opens a shooting angle for a first-time strike.

A central free-kick just outside the box with a mannequin wall. Two players over the ball: one to roll, one to strike.

1. Player 1 steps over or rolls the ball square to Player 2.
2. Player 2 strikes first time into the corner, using the new angle around the wall.
3. Vary it: a direct shot, the lay-off strike, or a disguised pass into the box.
4. Rehearse from both sides of the goal.

• Sell the routine — make the direct shot look likely first.
• Roll the ball into the striker's stride, not under their feet.
• Strike across the keeper into the far corner, low.
• Have a runner gambling on the rebound.

• The layoff is too far from the striker or too close — one rolled ball into the strike zone.
• The striker telegraphs the routine by lining up too obviously — disguise the approach until the last second.
• The wall and keeper aren't realistic — give the defending players incentive to block it.

• Add a live keeper and defenders.
• Add a third option (pass into the box).
• Strike first time only.

• No wall.
• Closer to goal.
• Allow a touch to set before striking.

• The strike must beat the wall around the outside.