How to Ricochet the Ball in an Indirect Soccer Free Kick

Ricocheting the ball in an indirect soccer free kick is an excellent strategy for sneaking in a goal on the other team. While direct soccer penalty kicks can go straight into the goal without touching anything, indirect kicks require that the soccer ball must touch at least one player other than the kicker to be legal. A simple ricochet off an opposing player can accomplish this requirement, but executing the move takes some finesse. Here's how to ricochet the ball in an indirect soccer free kick.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Set up the ball for the indirect free kick or penalty kick. Place the ball where instructed by the referee (you may have some leeway, for instance anywhere on the penalty box line).

2. Take note of the positions of the opposing players. Usually, there are defenders on the goal posts and a goalie in the middle of the goal box.

3. Look for teammates who may be prepared to run toward goal once you kick. A good strategy is to ricochet off an opposing player who will be close to one of your teammates, so if they block the goal your teammate has a chance to score off the rebound.

4. 
   Richochet the ball

   Kick the ball, aiming for an extremity or the head of an opposing player in front of the goal. You want to ball to glance off their bodies, but not be stopped by them (or, worse, allowed to go into goal without touching anyone).

5. React to the ball placement quickly to capture any ricochet out of the goal or a rebound. If a goal wasn't scored, try to regain possession quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Ricochet the soccer ball off an opposing player hard enough that it comes back in your direction and you can set up for a shot on goal.

Resources

• Ricocheting the Ball in an Indirect Soccer Free Kick

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