Setting up a wall for a free kick

Virtually half the goals scored in the Premiere League are scored from set pieces: corners, throwings, free kicks etc. If we own the opponents at free kicks we win more matches. Simples!

The diagram above shows the keeper (red dot) lining up the wall. The second player in the wall is placed inline between the near post and the ball. It is important to place another player outside this line so the ball cannot be bent around the wall into the near post.

The number of players in the wall is determined by the position of the ball on the pitch. See the other post http://sru13.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/how-many-player-in-wall-at-free-kicks.html

Another very important player is lined up to stop the shot to the far post area. He may not be in contact with the wall depending on the position of the ball.

Practice, Practice, Practice.

Experts have done research into what makes a person world class at what they do. Are they born with the talent or is it something anyone can achieve?

Sports stars such as, Beckham, Federer, Murray, Tiger Woods, Gerrard, Messi, and Bale, have one common trait. They all have is the desire to practice and improve every day. The researches have found that to get to a world class level it takes 10,000 hours of quality practice. Thats Quality practice not just practice.

Now, I am not suggesting we try and put 10,000 hours in, but improvements will be made by training well as often as possible. Make sure you try to perfect your technique and knowledge of the game through good quality practice as often as possible.

Who knows where it might take you!! Alex Ferguson used to say that David Beckham was the first on the training ground and the last off it.

You might not remember this game but England needed to get a draw against Greece to qualify for the world cup finals or they were out. This was the last game in the qualifiers. At least a draw or they were out. Watch the video to see what happened.

Top attacking players - Looking forward to seeing this guy play for Spurs this year. Erik Lamela

How to play at center forward

How to play striker

How to play as a winger

How to play attacking midfielder

Attackers are the first line of defence

Moving to receive the ball.

This drill will be a common drill used in training and warm ups before matches so make sure your familiar with it.

Key points

1. The two players without the ball should be along the line that the ball is on creating a V shape or triangle.
2. Players should face inwards to watch play at all times. Use a side ways movement to achieve this not a running motion.
3. A maximum of two touches should be used.
4. Allow the defender to come closer to you before passing the ball. This will mean the opponent has less time and a greater distance to run to close the next player down.

Brilliant explanation of the 4-3-3 formation and how to play it. Great Video!

Use your mouse to pause the video and read the captions he's put on. I love this video. Simple but very informative.

One of the best coaching points I have ever heard. A must watch for every player.

Listen to this coach talk to these players about the importance of everyone in the team closing the ball down.



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Have a look around before you get the ball.

This video shows you how the Barcelona players know where they are going to pass before they get the ball. It then shows you how Messi uses his body to pretend he is going one way and then goes the other.




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Make attacking runs

Watch this video for advice on making runs into the channels.

Defensive, Midfield and Goal Scoring Header

How to head a football.

Drill to improve one touch passing

Transitions in Football

How defend has a team

Attacking at corner kicks

It is important to attack all the areas of the 6 yard box and around the penalty spot when the cross comes in.

One player attacks the near post area.

One player attacks the center of the net.

One player makes a curved run to attack to longer ball at the far post area.

Two other players attack the areas either side of the penalty spot.

You should be taking a running jump and meeting the ball at the highest point that you can get to.

David Beckham's coach at LA Galaxy explains in this video.

Prevent your opponent from turning