Army asked a couple of games ago why when we get a free kick, even just over the half way line 2 players stand by the ball, Why do we need to do this ?

The other thing I have noticed is free kicks and corner kicks, why (which happens most of the time) play the ball to the side of the box (or far post for corners) generally trying to get it onto Mee or Tarkys head who then heads it into the middle of the area, surely its 50 50 whether Mee/Tarky gets a good head on the ball and then 50 50 that the direction of their header reaches another Claret player, correct me If I'm wrong but would it not be better to put the ball straight into the danger area ? I would like any serious answers if anyone has any, thanks.