Set Piece Routines (The Tactical View)
Set Piece Routines (The Tactical View)
Set Piece Routines (The Tactical View)
Introduction
Set pieces have always been a vitally important part of football. Some of the game's most
memorable goals have come from a corner or free kick. David Beckham's free kick for
England against Greece in 1998, Gareth Southgate's formidable love train routine in the
2018 World Cup and Trent Alexander Arnold's corner against Barcelona in 2019 are some
that spring to mind.
Football is a beautiful game. One thing that makes it so beautiful is its unpredictability. The
precise planning of England's set piece routines in 2018 was something to appreciate. The
sheer audacity of Trent Alexander Arnold's quick thinking is probably something we won't
see again for some time. Moments like this are rare and make the game so entrancing, and
no book will ever teach a player to think on their feet like this. That was all Trent's doing.
Because moments like this are so few and far between (especially with set pieces), I hope
that this book will give some guidance to coaches and players who are looking for ideas and
inspiration when it comes to set pieces.
It is important to note that my primary aim in writing this book is to inspire creativity within
teams. Whilst the bulk of the set pieces are set out with guidelines and instructions for each
player to follow, football is never that simple. Each set piece is creative in its own way and I
hope that off the back of this, they will use their initiative and creativity to think on their
feet when something happens beyond their control during a game (and, more specifically,
during a set piece).
Before we begin, it is important that I explain a couple of things. Each set piece has its own
individuality, but some things will remain consistent throughout the book. For instance, on
the first diagram of each routine, an area will be marked out as follows:
This is of vital importance and must be taken note of, as it is the area we will be looking to
expose on each set piece. This does not necessarily mean that it is the area where we are
aiming to get an attempt on goal, but it could be the area in step 1 or 2 of a 5 step process.
More often than not, it is these early steps in the process that are the most important, and
without meticulous attention to detail here, the whole set piece routine can, and probably
will, fail.
Whilst this book consists of 22 routines, it is likely (and advised) that you will introduce just
a handful of these to a group of players at any one time. One key thing to establish is how
you want your players to signal which routine you are about to use. I mentioned above that
it would be wise to introduce just a handful of these set pieces to your team at any one
time. In the same breath, utilising three or four of these (excluding throw ins) during a game
would probably give you a greater opportunity for success. This gives your players time to
refine the runs and movements involved and adapt anything they or you see fit.
Of course, you may have your own signals that work for you. But these are just ideas (some
obvious ones too, I realise). I am including this section though, because there is another way
you can use these signals to your advantage. And that is the timing of the signal.
If, for example, your set piece taker is walking over to the corner flag, why not have one arm
in the air while walking? This gives your players time to organise themselves and an extra
few seconds to think about their role throughout the routine. Picture, if you will, your centre
backs making their way into the penalty area for a corner, and knowing what position they
need to take up before they've even got there, because the set piece taker has their arm in
the air for 5 seconds before arriving at the corner flag. I am a big believer of preparing
properly, so why not utilise an extra few seconds that would usually be 'dead time' to try
and give yourself an edge over your opponents. You will have seen, I am sure, how Trent
Alexander Arnold took advantage of this 'dead time' against Barcelona. What I am proposing
doesn't have the wow factor that came with Origi's goal that night, but it may still result in a
goal. And that is the aim.
For the purposes of simplicity and continuity, I have set up the opposition in a similar shape
for most of the routines.
The most important factor is that they will be man marking, rather than zonal. Therefore,
take this into consideration when applying these routines to your players.
H – Surrounding the GK, prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Play ball into B as they look to receive the short corner.
B – Make movement towards corner taker with intention of receiving the ball. The aim is to
drag 1, or possibly 2, opponents with them.
C & D – Blockers for E.
E – Begin movement into the target area by curving run around teammates, C & D.
F & G – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks and also to allow more
space to be exposed inside the penalty area.
H – Surrounding the GK, prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – After passing to B, make movement to an area where they can receive a return pass
from B, with intention of then playing the ball into the target area.
B – Upon receiving the ball, look to play the return pass to A, allowing them to pass into
target area.
C & D – Blockers for E.
E – After curving their run, a burst of speed is required to ensure they can get into the target
area unopposed.
F & G – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks and also to allow more
space to be exposed inside the penalty area.
H – Surrounding the GK, prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Upon receiving the return pass, look to play a pass (along the deck, if possible) into the
target area, for E to run on to.
B – After passing to A, be prepared to pick up any loose balls if the attack breaks down.
C & D – Blockers for E, but also being aware of play breaking down or any loose balls in the
penalty area.
E – After a burst of speed into the target area, look to receive the ball from A.
F & G – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks and also to allow more
space to be exposed inside the penalty area.
H – Surrounding the GK, prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – After passing the ball to E, they need to be prepared for any breakdown in the attack
and respond appropriately.
B – Awaiting any loose balls that come towards them. Can they close in on the GK for a
rebound?
C & D – Can they close in on the GK for any rebounds?
E – Upon receiving the ball from A, aim to get a shot away at goal on their first touch if
possible.
F & G – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks and also to allow more
space to be exposed inside the penalty area.
H – Surrounding the GK, prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely. Also waiting to
pounce on any rebounds.
H – Surrounding the GK, prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Ready to react to any loose balls.
B – Ready to react to any loose balls.
C – Look to get an attempt on goal. A first touch shot would provide best chance to work the
goalkeeper.
D & E – Ready to react to any loose balls.
- Jamie Carragher -
Player Roles
A – Corner taker
B & C– Paired close together in line with the front post.
D & E – Paired close together in line with the back post.
F – Hovering on edge of the 18 yard box, allowing enough room for the target area to be
exposed.
G – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks and also to allow more
space to be exposed inside the penalty area.
H – Surrounding the GK, prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
E & F – Positioned either side of the penalty spot, ready to act as blockers for B & C.
G – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks and also to allow more
space to be exposed inside the penalty area.
H – Surrounding the GK. Prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Deliver an in-swinging ball towards the target area.
B – Curve run towards front post/ target area.
C – Curve run towards back post area.
H – Surrounding the GK. Prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Deliver corner towards one of the target areas. It can be in-swinging or out-swinging.
B & C – B to make slight movement towards front post. C to make slight movement towards
back post. Aim is to block markers for D & E.
D & E – D to curve run towards target area at front post. E to curve run towards target area
at back post.
F – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks.
G – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks.
H – Surrounding the GK. Prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
A – Be prepared to receive the ball back from H, in case routine breaks down
B, C, D – Begin runs towards the back post, looking to react to any loose ball across goal.
E – Begin movement to the edge of the box, in case the routine breaks down. Get in a
position to react to any loose balls.
F – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks.
G – Look to receive the ball from H in the target area. The aim is to attack the area with
pace, having lost their marker.
H – Play ball into G’s path, with a good weight on the pass so that G can take the ball in their
stride.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Ready to react to any loose balls. Prepared to make any recovery runs if necessary.
B, C & D – Prepared to react to any rebounds at the far post.
E – Taken up position on the edge of the box, providing cover for any counter attacks. Can
also react to loose balls and rebounds.
F – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks.
G – Run on to pass from H, with the aim of a first touch shot towards the far post, or driving
into the penalty area with the ball. Player to make decision based on how the routine
unfolds.
H – Ready to react to any loose balls.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
COACHING POINTS
It is important to stress the importance of where B, C, D and E position themselves in this
routine. Ensuring they hold their position beyond the far post should ensure that the target
area can be exposed by G.
G must time their run inside to ensure the set piece runs smoothly. Arriving too early will
allow their marker to apply pressure as play slows down. Arriving too late will make it
difficult to get an attempt on goal that will test the goalkeeper.
“Ronaldo’s strike rate is phenomenal. The boy practices. It’s a delight to see, terrific.”
- Sir Alex Ferguson -
Player Roles
A – Corner taker
B, C, D & E – Grouped together in line with the penalty spot, just beyond the far post.
F – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks and also to allow more
space to be exposed inside the penalty area.
G – On the edge of the box, but ready to make a run towards the corner taker, to receive
the ball.
H – Surrounding the GK. Prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Play a short pass into G.
B & C – Act as blockers for D & E.
D – Curve run around teammates, attacking the front post in the target area and looking to
lose their marker.
E – Curve run around teammates, attacking the back post in the target area and looking to
lose their marker.
F – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks and also to allow more
space to be exposed inside the penalty area.
G – Make run towards corner taker with the intention to receive the ball.
H – Surrounding the GK. Prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Be prepared to receive the ball back from G, in case routine breaks down.
B & C – Act as blockers for D & E and be prepared to react to any loose balls.
D – Attack front post in the target area
E – Attack back post in the target area.
F – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks.
G – Aim to deliver the ball at pace and head height across the 6 yard box line in the target
area.
H – Surrounding the GK. Prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
D – Attack front post in the target area and aim to get an attempt on goal.
E – Attack back post in the target area and aim to get an attempt on goal.
F – On the edge of the box. There to prevent any counter attacks.
G – Be prepared to react to any loose balls and to make any recovery runs.
H – Surrounding the GK. Prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely. Ready to
attack any potential rebounds.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
COACHING POINTS
One important factor in this routine is the very first step of the set piece. The weight of the
pass made by A will impact how G can deliver the cross. The aim is for G to deliver the ball
first time into the target area, this way it will be delivered with pace and will give D and E
the best chance to get an attempt on goal. Therefore, the pass made by A needs to be firm
enough to reach G, but also without G having to take a touch to keep the ball under control
first.
“I’ve watched Pirlo taking free-kicks and he makes it look so easy. When he’s there, over the
ball, he knows what to do.”
Christian Eriksen, Inter Milan
Player Roles
A – Corner taker
B, C, D, E & F – Grouped together in line with the penalty spot, just beyond the far post.
G – On the edge of the box, but ready to make a run towards the corner taker, to receive
the ball.
H – Surrounding the GK. Prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Play a low pass into the target area for G to run on to.
B, C, D, E & F – Grouped together in line with the penalty spot, just beyond the far post.
G – Make the run towards the target area, with intention of receiving the ball from A.
H – Surrounding the GK. Prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Be prepared to react to any loose balls.
C – Drop into position on the edge of the area, providing cover and preventing any counter
attacks.
B, D, E & F – Make runs towards back post, ready to react to any rebounds.
G – Aim to get an attempt on goal, towards the far post. Ideally, on their first or second
touch.
H – Surrounding the GK. Prevent their line of sight and ability to move freely. Ready to react
to any rebounds.
E, F & G – Act as blockers for D, giving them space to run into target area.
H – On the edge of the box, ready to prevent any counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Ready to react to any loose balls.
C – Play a low pass across the face of the goal, aiming for teammates at the far post.
D, E, F & G – Aim to get an attempt on goal.
H – On the edge of the box, ready to prevent any counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
COACHING POINTS
The dummy run from B will, once again, act as a distraction to the opponents in the wall.
This will give A and C the split second that is required to expose the target area. The next
important factor is the timing of the runs from the players at the far post. The low cross
from C across the ‘corridor of uncertainty’ will always cause problems, but a well-timed run
will more than likely result in an attempt on goal.
"I discussed with Mo to roll it and make the angle a bit better, confuse the ‘keeper a little bit,
and I was able to put it away. It’s something we’ve been working on and we executed them
both well."
- Trent Alexander Arnold -
Player Roles
E, F & G – Grouped together on the edge of the box, just beyond the far post.
H – On the edge of the box, ready to prevent any counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Free Kick taker
B – Positioned next to the taker, ready to make a dummy run
C – Positioned in line with the back post, ready to act as a blocker for D.
D – Positioned in line with the back post, ready to receive the ball.
E, F & G – Grouped together on the edge of the box, just beyond the far post.
H – On the edge of the box, ready to prevent any counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Play short pass into D.
B – Play a floated ball (preferably on the first touch) into target area A.
C & D – Make curved runs into target area B, towards the back post.
E – Make curved run past the penalty spot, towards goal.
F & G – Make curved runs into target area A, looking to win header.
H – On the edge of the box, ready to prevent any counter attacks.
B – Play a low cross along the 6 yard box, for teammates to get an attempt on goal.
C, D, E, F & G – Make curved runs to different areas of the penalty area, aiming to get meet
the pass from B.
H – Move into a central area, ready to prevent any counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Ready to prevent any counter attacks.
A – Throw in taker
B & C – Positioned 5 yards apart, in line with the thrower. Ready to expose the target area.
D & E – On the edge of the penalty area, ready to react to any balls into the box.
F & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support close to the thrower if needed, but also there to prevent
counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Throw ball into C.
B & C – Make short 3 yard movement away from target area, with C receiving the ball from
thrower.
D & E – On the edge of the penalty area, ready to react to any balls into the box.
F & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support close to the thrower if needed, but also there to prevent
counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
B & C – Positioned 5 yards apart, in line with the thrower. Ready to expose the target area.
D & F – On the edge of the penalty area, ready to react to any balls into the box.
E & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support close to the thrower if needed, but also there to prevent
counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Throw ball towards target area, for C to run on to.
B & C – Make crossover runs. B to act as a blocker for C. Player C to make run towards target
area, receiving ball from A.
D & F – On the edge of the penalty area, ready to react to any balls into the box.
E & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support close to the thrower if needed, but also there to prevent
counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Ready to react to any loose balls.
B – Hold position to allow C to expose target area.
B & C – Positioned close together, in line with the thrower. Ready to expose the target area.
D & F – On the edge of the penalty area, ready to react to any balls into the box.
E & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support close to the thrower if needed, but also there to prevent
counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Throw ball into B.
B & C – Split apart, looking to receive the ball from A.
D & F – On the edge of the penalty area, ready to react to any balls into the box.
E & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support close to the thrower if needed, but also there to prevent
counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Make quick run into target area, receiving the return pass from B.
B & C – B to play return pass into path of A. C to hold position, allowing target area to be
exposed.
D & F – Make diagonal runs towards front and back post.
E & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support. Also there to prevent counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Play low pass across the 6 yard box, for D and F to latch on to.
B & C – Ready to react to any loose balls.
D & F – Make diagonal runs towards front and back post.
E & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support. Also there to prevent counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Ready to react to any loose balls.
B & C – Ready to react to any loose balls.
A – Throw in taker
B & C – B to make run towards A, before spinning away to create space for C.
D & F – In positions to receive the ball in an attacking position.
E & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support close to the thrower if needed, but also there to prevent
counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Throw ball to C
B & C – B to hold central position. C to expose target area and receive ball from A.
D & F – In positions to receive the ball in an attacking position.
E & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support close to the thrower if needed, but also there to prevent
counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Ready to receive a return pass from C if required.
B & C – B to hold central position. C will aim to recycle the ball with inside pass to G.
D & F – In positions to receive the ball in an attacking position.
E & G – Positioned centrally. G will look to receive the ball from C.
H – In a position of support close to the thrower if needed, but also there to prevent
counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance. I to make forward run with
intention of receiving the ball.
Player Roles
A – Ready to receive the ball if required.
B – Make run towards the thrower, aiming to receive the ball from A
C – Positioned close to the thrower, ready to expose the target area.
D & F – In positions on the edge of the penalty area, ready to react to any balls into the box.
E & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support if needed, but also there to prevent counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Ready to receive a return pass if needed.
B – Look to lay ball off to C in the target area.
C – Make run into target area, with aim of receiving ball from B.
D & F – Make curved runs towards back post, ready to react to any balls into the box.
E & G – Positioned centrally in a position of support and also there to prevent counter
attacks.
H – In a position of support if needed, but also there to prevent counter attacks.
I & J – On the halfway line to provide cover and balance.
Player Roles
A – Ready to receive a return pass if needed.
A typical football match will have an average of 10 corners, 35 free kicks and
45 throw-ins over the course of 90 minutes.
This amounts to 90 opportunities (or 45 per team) in a game to either retain possession or
create a goal scoring chance. When you consider that some teams may not have many shots
from open play, particularly in a tight game or a game where your team aren't playing well,
being able to create multiple attempts on goal from a set piece is not something that should
be taken for granted.
On average, around 25% of goals scored in a league season come from set
pieces.
Although the statistic above is based on a full league season, the set piece performance of
the English National side in the 2018 World Cup cannot be underestimated. 75% of all their
goals in the tournament came from a set piece, a new record for the competition. Gareth
Southgate identified that this was an area he could exploit and used it to their advantage.
Another team that have applied more focus on this aspect of the game is Lincoln City during
the 2017/18 season, with 46% of all their goals in a season coming from set pieces. I would
suggest searching YouTube for some of their set pieces (both England and Lincoln City) and
you will see for yourself that these goals have come by design, and not luck. Two teams who
play at very different levels have been able to expose the opposition, largely through
preparation and attention to detail.
On average, most teams lose possession on a throw-in over 50% of the time.
Before Thomas Gronnemark was hired by Liverpool Football Club, they had one of the worst
records in the Premier League when it came to retaining possession from a throw-in.
However, since the Dane came on board, Jurgen Klopp's side now retain possession 68% of
the time, transforming them to the best performing side in England and second best in
Europe. The top performing side, FC Midtjyland, just so happen to have also been coached
by Thomas Gronnemark. As I stated earlier, these statistics are a product of design, not luck.
The clubs who invest the time into set pieces are clearly reaping the rewards. It is not
something that can be thrown together. It requires attention to detail, preparation and
repetition. But the numbers highlighted above clearly indicate that the end product will be
well worth it.
The Final Word
The aim of this book was to give you some guidance when it comes to creative set pieces. I
hope it has done that. I mentioned earlier that football is an ever changing game. Players
and coaches will always need to adapt and the same rule applies during set pieces. Having
analysed the routines in this book, you may find that adapting or tweaking something
slightly may suit your team better. It may be that the players need to improvise half way
through a routine because of the reaction from the opposition. And this is all absolutely
fine. It is what makes football unique and why no two games are ever the same. Giving your
players the tools and confidence to improvise when needed will only benefit them in the
long term and combining this with the detail in these routines will only assist in developing
them further as players. And nothing is more important or rewarding than that as a football
coach.
Acknowledgement
Thank you to Fernando at Tactical Pad for allowing permission to use images and creations
from the app throughout this book.