⚡

Technical

Free Kick Technique

Master set pieces and become a dead-ball specialist.

Free kicks are one of the few moments where you have time to think, plan, and execute without immediate pressure. Whether you're curling it over the wall or driving it under, free kick technique can be learned and refined. This guide covers approach, striking technique, generating curl and dip, and decision-making on free kicks.

Key Points

1Place the ball carefully - small adjustments matter
2Pick your spot and commit - don't change your mind mid-run
3Strike across the ball for curl, through it for power
4Practice from the same distances you'll face in matches
5Study the goalkeeper's positioning before you shoot
6Keep your technique consistent - build muscle memory

Training Drills

✓Free kick practice from different angles and distances
✓Shooting over a wall (use mannequins or teammates)
✓Curling free kicks into top corners
✓Low driven free kicks under the wall
✓Free kick routines with a teammate (dummy runs, lay-offs)
✓Filming your technique to identify technical flaws

Learn From the Pros

Lionel Messi - genius at curling free kicks into top cornerCristiano Ronaldo - knuckleball technique, unpredictable movementMegan Rapinoe - clinical from set piecesDavid Beckham - textbook technique and consistencyJuninho Pernambucano - arguably the greatest free kick taker ever

Ask FootballGPT

“How do I curl a free kick like Messi?”

“Should I aim for power or placement?”

“How far should my run-up be?”

“What part of the ball should I strike?”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get the ball up and over the wall?

Strike the bottom half of the ball with your instep, and lean back slightly. Your plant foot should be slightly behind the ball. Follow through upwards. The ball will naturally rise. Practice distances - from 18 yards you need less height than from 25 yards.

How do I make the ball curl?

Strike across the ball with the inside of your foot, not straight through it. For a right-footed player curling right to left, strike the right side of the ball and wrap your foot around it. Your body position opens up slightly, and you follow through across your body.

How long should my run-up be?

Long enough to generate power, short enough to stay accurate. Usually 3-5 steps at an angle. Too long and you lose control. Too short and you lose power. Find what works for you through repetition, then stick to it every time.

How often should I practice free kicks?

Dedicate 10-15 minutes per week minimum if you want to be your team's taker. Take 20-30 free kicks per session from match-realistic positions. Keep track of your success rate. You should be hitting the target 70%+ and scoring 20-30% in practice.

Expert Advisors

⚽

General Player

All-round player development

🏆

The Pro

Professional/elite player development

⚽

General Coach

All-round coaching

free kick techniquehow to take free kickscurl a free kickfree kick drillsscore from free kicksknuckleball free kick

Get Personalised Free Kick Technique Advice

Ask the Player Advisor for a training plan tailored to your level and goals.

Try FootballGPT Free