When it comes to set pieces, you want to know the importance and how to execute. Where to aim, how to make runs, defend and more. These are important moments in the game due to the high goal scoring rate.
Some of the best teams score the majority of their goals from set pieces.
Explaining set pieces
The terms set piece is used in soccer/football…
It’s a situation where open play had been stopped due to a foul or ball going out of bounds. Therefore, the set piece starts a new “play”.
Usually these come from a free kick or corner…
Both of these are when most goals are scored, whether it is a direct or indirect kick.
Arsenal [from 2024-26] brought innovation with how they operate from corner kicks. Watch Video
2 types of free kicks:
- When it’s a indirect you’ll either see 2 players at the spot of the kick, where one will tap the ball for the other to shoot.
- Direct free kicks only require one touch, which is a shot on goal.
Direct free kicks
Indirect free kicks explained [7 situations where a ref would give one]
The other set piece situation will be from a cross that can be headed or kicked in. Usually because the spot of the kick is too far away for a shot.
Where to cross the ball or shoot
During most set pieces you will see players aim at the back post or in the very middle about 6-8 yards from the goal.
Aiming the cross or pass at the near post is also dangerous [good] because the receiving player can finish or flick the ball on.
Although, hitting it back post is also great. Those players are hard to see until the ball gets to them, making the keeper have to react quick.
You don’t always have to cross or shoot! Setting a teammate up for a shot is another option.
Learn the importance of a quick restart like this – Tigres vs Fulham U19s – video.
How to make runs on set pieces
The defenders set where the off-sides line will be.
So most attacking players start off next to them because one the ball is kicked the defenders retreat towards their goal because the ball should be played into the space in behind.
You should aim to pk area or the back post, so the runs should be made at those 2 spots.
If the ball is played to the back post, the player receiving can either shoot or play the ball back across the goal. In this case, the players at the opposite side from the back post need to be ready to finish the ball that’s played back in.
Defending set pieces
When defending 1:1 it’s important to be within arms length of your mark/man.
For every player in and around the box, there needs to be a defender goal side.
Each defender needs to position themselves so that they can see the ball and the player they are marking.
In regards to team shape, the keeper needs to let the team know how high to hold the line. In addition, where to make a wall.
Practice drills
On all of these you can work in small spaces which is easier and gives more reps [important].
Afterwards, work in a more game like situation where balls are coming in from further out. It’s more difficult, but you have to get used to it.
Bending and driven balls in the box
There are different ways to do these:)
- Before whipping balls in, start closer up finishing from 6 yards out from a underhand toss 10 yards away.
- Then start chipping and kicking balls in. Work on both moving and dead ball situations. Therefore, you get good at hitting balls in more that one way.
Redirecting headers
Play balls from tosses and kicks from different angles… Example: From the goal line and corner of the 18 yard box.
For a good small space drill use 3 player – 2 toss and 1 redirects the header.
Also do game like situations from different types of kicks.
Side volley drills
- Inside of foot – across the body
- Inside close the gate
- Outside of the laces [jabs]
- Half volleys inside and laces
- Laces across the body and front foot
> Learn more on side volley’s – videos <
Best soccer balls for training and match
Looking for some high quality balls?
Does a more expensive ball make the difference? Yes and no. It all depends on the ball!
I’m not a fan of many of most Nike balls because they don’t hold air.
The best soccer balls that I can recommend are below… [All waterproof]
- DuelTech bang for your buck – mid price
- Neon Inverter – mid/high price
- Hypersonic Faux Leather – more expensive
The better the ball the longer it will last… I use mine everyday year round and the good ones [$75+] will go for 2 years, while the others [$45] 1 year.
Popular blog posts:
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- First touch drills
- How to play more aggressive
Follow me on social media @GFTskills