Posting this in the hope of generating arguments against and debate rather than ridicule. Free taking is a huge part of the modern game perhaps to the detriment of scores from general play. You now regularly see frees scored from within the taker's own half. The amount of wasted by players lining up frees and travelling long distances to take long range frees is considerable. Would a rule requiring the fouled player to take the free address some of these issues? This rule would not apply to penalties. Less accomplished free takers may be more inclined to keep the ball in play rather than shooting for scores, less time would be lost to free taking routines and matches are more likely to be won by teams that are better able to score from play. Some issues would need to be ironed out such as what would be the position with technical frees eg over-carrying , picking off the ground etc. Could also encourage more fouling if the penalty of conceding a score is less likely. Madness or worth considering?
