The difference between a set-piece and a free kick is mainly the scope of the inclusion。A free kick is a set-piece, and a set-piece consists of a free kick. Set-pieces include centre circle kicks, corners, penalties, goal kicks, and free kicks.
Free kicks are divided into direct free kicks and indirect free kicks. Direct free-kicks can be scored directly on goal, or the ball can be passed to teammates for tactical coordination. Indirect free-kicks, on the other hand, cannot be taken directly at goal, and if a direct shot is scored, a goal kick is awarded to the opponent. In the case of a free kick, if the ball is kicked into your own goal, the score will be void and the referee will award a corner kick.
Indirect free kicks are awarded based on the goalkeeper not taking the ball out after 6 seconds, the goalkeeper dropping the ball in the box and then picking it up with his hand, the goalkeeper receiving a teammate's non-header return ball with his hand in the box, and the goalkeeper receiving a teammate's throw-in with his hand. Deliberately obstructing an opposing player while the ball is not within reach.
Direct free kicks are usually awarded to the same criteria as penalty kicks. For example, if the opponent handballs, tackles, pushes, or trips your own players, your team will usually get a direct free kick. If the foul area is in the box, it becomes a penalty.