Coaching Youth Soccer - Free Kicks

When coaching youth soccer free kicks, it is essential that soccer coaches know the different types of free kicks. In soccer there are two types of free kicks: 1) a Direct Free Kick and 2) an Indirect Free Kick. As a youth soccer coach, it is important to know the difference in the two types of free kicks. When taking a direct kick, a goal can be scored directly with the first kick; however, an indirect kick can only be scored with a second touch by another player that touches the ball before it goes into the net.

It is important as a soccer coach to notice the referees signals which notify us whether the free kick is a direct or indirect free kick. If the referee only points in the direction of the infraction without raising his hand, this signals to the coach that the free kick is a direct free kick. However, if the referee signals the infraction with one hand raised above his head, this indicates the free kick is an indirect free kick and the referee will only lower his raised hand once the ball has been touched by a 2nd player on the field.

Both direct kicks and indirect free kicks are taken from the spot of the violation and opponents must be at least 10 yards away from the ball. Except for free kicks that are closer to the goal line than 10 yards and in this case they must be on the goal line. The ball must be placed stationary on the ground before the ball is played. If the foul occurs within the player's own penalty area, the ball must travel outside that area before it is in play.

Some types of free kicks include: free kicks from infractions on the field (watch for the referees signals to determine whether it is indirect or direct free kick), the penalty kick (direct free kick), the corner kick (direct free kick), and the goal kick (indirect free kick). There are various strategies to each of these kicks which will be discussed in later postings.

As a soccer coach, make sure you know whether your next free kick is an indirect or direct free kick. Check back for strategies and plays for various free kicks and set plays.