Bargallo's Direct free

As a reminder, follow these steps:

Take a look at the video.
Read and contemplate the analysis.
Match the analysis with the video.

We're delving into the WSE Champions League group phase third game between Barça and Barcelos, which concluded with a 3-1 victory for Barça. This victory marks a clean sweep for Barça in all their games so far.

Video Link: Watch Here

The Direct Free is at Minute 1:20

This time, I'll be focusing on Bargallo's Direct free. Although it's a shorter analysis, it's equally important. I highly recommend slowing down the video to 0.5 speed to appreciate this lesson on body orientation.

Before diving into the Direct analysis, let's establish a crucial point. When facing a goalie, it's essential to distinguish three distinct areas: Stick side, middle, and glove side.

Very first move

Bargallo, Barça's shooter, initially feints a shot towards the middle. Why? Bargallo employs a hook technique. If Conti, Barcelos' goalie, doesn't overcommit, Bargallo will have an easy goal. However, if Conti does overcommit, he'll be forced out of his comfort zone.

Positioning

Notice where Bargallo positions himself to face Conti. The greater the distance between the shooter and the goalie, the better. This provides the shooter with a wider angle, reducing the goalie's coverage.

Siding

Next, Bargallo selects a side (stick side or glove side). Opting for the stick side, Bargallo moves in that direction, prompting Conti to adjust his position. Conti's saving style mirrors Girao’s Portuguese aggressive style.

"Dribbling"

Once Bargallo compels Conti to guard the first post (the stick side in this instance), Bargallo deceives with the ball while adjusting his skates towards his forehand, making a slight movement.

Execution

With his head up, Bargallo notices Conti's overextension and halts his fake movement towards the forehand, orienting his body (both shoulders and knees) towards Conti. He shifts the ball to his backhand and executes a quick flick shot to the first post, top corner, securing the goal.

Highlights:

Faking a Shot: This tactic forces the goalie to make an early decision, giving the shooter control of the action. From this point onwards, the keeper is reacting to the shooter's lead.
Choosing a Side: By forcing the goalie to shift to one side, the shooter creates space on the first post. If the goalie doesn't execute this movement effectively, there will be space on the second post.
Pause: Bargallo takes his time to assess Conti, searching for openings.
Body Orientation: Bargallo's body orientation is his sole tool for deceiving Conti—nothing else is needed.

The order of what Bargallo does are the perfect steps to execute a Direct Free:

Faking, Siding, Positioning, Dribbling, Executing

P.D. Positioning and Siding usually are at the same time