Week 49

Outcomes

• ✓Players can deliver a corner kick to a target zone with consistency.
• ✓Players can make timed runs from a corner kick to arrive on the ball.
• ✓Players can take a quick throw-in to maintain possession under pressure.
• ✓Players can defend against a corner kick by marking opponents in the box.

Equipment

• 14 cones
• 8 bibs
• 8 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Each player with a ball, 15×15 yd grid.

   How to run it: Players dribble freely. On 'Corner!', every player stops their ball on the nearest line and mimes the approach and delivery of a corner kick — three swings, focusing on the body shape of an inswinger. On 'Throw!', they mime a correct throw-in.

   • ›Corner run-up: curved, not straight.
   • ›Throw-in: both feet on the ground, ball released from behind the head.
   • ›Correct technique must be automatic — practise the mime until it is.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Corner kick delivery practice. Pairs at each corner flag, balls beside the flag.

   How to run it: Player A delivers corners aiming for a cone target at the near post, six-yard box, and far post. Player B retrieves. Five deliveries each target, then swap. Focus on consistent delivery, not power.

   • ›Near-post corners: bend toward the goal with the front foot.
   • ›Far-post corners: slightly flatter and longer.
   • ›Six-yard box: flighted to arrive at head height for a runner.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Full goal with keeper. Corner-kick routine: two runners — near post and far post — one blocker in the box. Corner taker at the flag.

   How to run it: Three-rep routine: both runners hold position until the corner taker raises a hand, then make simultaneous runs. Rotate roles every four reps. Progress: add two defenders who mark the runners.

   • ›Timing: start your run as the taker's plant foot hits the ground.
   • ›Near-post runner: pull away from your marker before re-engaging.
   • ›Defender: stay goal-side — don't follow the dummy run.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 5v5 (+keeper) on a 40×30 yd pitch. Every out-of-play situation is restarted with either a corner or a throw-in — no goal kicks. This gives maximum set-piece practice in a game context.

   How to run it: Normal game rules. Emphasise quick, practised set pieces. Coach awards a bonus point for any goal or chance created directly from a set piece.

   • ›Quick throw-ins catch defenders unprepared — use them when possible.
   • ›Corner routines: signal the delivery before taking it.
   • ›Set pieces are free opportunities — take them seriously.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 6v6 including keepers, 45×35 yd, two full goals.

   How to run it: Free match. All restarts are live and fast. Coach counts the number of set pieces each team converts into a shot on goal and announces at the end.

   • ›Every set piece is an opportunity — be ready to execute.
   • ›Defending set pieces: communicate and mark early.
   • ›Keepers: command the box on corner kicks.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Players near the corner flag, light stretching.

   How to run it: Shoulder and wrist stretches (for throw-ins). Coach asks: 'When is a quick throw-in better than a slow one?' Collect answers. Close with the idea that set pieces give you a free moment in the game.

   • ›Quick restarts catch teams transitioning — exploit that.
   • ›Prepared set pieces create goals that require zero chance.

Outcomes

• ✓Players can deliver a direct free kick on target from 15–18 yards.
• ✓Players can run a two-player free-kick routine to create a shooting opportunity.
• ✓Players can receive a goal kick under pressure and play forward.
• ✓Players can defend a free kick by forming a defensive wall and holding shape.

Equipment

• 14 cones
• 10 bibs
• 8 balls
• 2 full-size goals
• 2 keepers

Run of show

1. 1. Arrival Ball Mastery

   8m

   Set up: Free kicks from different positions in the 15×15 yd grid at a small goal. Players take turns from three different angles.

   How to run it: Each player takes two free kicks from each position: straight-on, slight left angle, slight right angle. Focus on striking the ball cleanly rather than power. Count how many each player puts on target.

   • ›Non-kicking foot beside the ball, locked ankle through the strike.
   • ›Choose a corner before you run up — commit to it.
   • ›Strike through the centre of the ball for a flat, true flight.

2. 2. Dynamic Warm-Up

   10m

   Set up: Free-kick wall drill. One team forms a three-player wall 10 yards from the ball. Kicker tries to find the corner. Wall jumps on contact.

   How to run it: Rotate kickers and wall players. Five kicks each side of the wall. Progress: add a goalkeeper who must time their dive with the wall's jump.

   • ›Wall: jump together, no gaps — hold hands if needed.
   • ›Kicker: aim for the side the keeper is not covering.
   • ›Keeper: pick your side and commit — don't move too early.

3. 3. Technical Practice

   15m

   Set up: Two-player free-kick routines from 18 yards. Full goal with keeper and a three-player wall. Two attacking players take the free kick.

   How to run it: Three routine options: (1) one player steps over the ball while the second shoots straight; (2) short pass to the side for an angled shot; (3) dummy run with the shooter going the other way. Teams practice all three.

   • ›The dummy step over must be convincing — sell the fake.
   • ›Short pass: weight the pass perfectly — shooter needs one touch.
   • ›Change the routine each rep so the wall cannot predict.

4. 4. Skill Game

   15m

   Set up: 5v5 (+keeper) on 40×30 yd pitch. All fouls result in free kicks. Coach introduces liberal fouling decisions to create many free-kick opportunities.

   How to run it: Normal game with many free kicks. Coach awards a bonus point for any free-kick goal that used a two-player routine. Wall formation is required on every free kick within shooting range.

   • ›Free-kick taker: pick your routine before placing the ball.
   • ›Wall: organise quickly — gap on the keeper's far side.
   • ›Keeper: direct the wall verbally — they protect your near post.

5. 5. Small-Sided Game

   17m

   Set up: 6v6 including keepers, 45×35 yd, two full goals.

   How to run it: Free match. Coach emphasises goal kicks: keepers must restart from the ground (no hand throws) and the team must receive under pressure. Short or long goal kick are both valid choices.

   • ›Short goal kick: team-mate shows close, receives, plays out.
   • ›Long goal kick: target player competes for the ball in the air.
   • ›Pressing team: press the short option, cover the long.

6. 6. Cool-Down & Review

   5m

   Set up: Players in a circle, light stretching.

   How to run it: Hamstring and hip stretches. Coach asks: 'Name one thing that makes a free kick dangerous and one thing that makes it safe for the defending team.' Both answers discussed briefly.

   • ›Dangerous: disguise, pace, accuracy, team-mate movement.
   • ›Safe to defend: predictable, slow, no runners.