Set-plays:
Understanding the roles and responsibilities 14
No. 34 – August / September 2009
Tactics: Set-plays
Set Pieces are an important element in any team's ability to score from the opportunities provided by corner kicks and free kicks. A large portion of goals in professional matches are scored from set plays. However, many teams do not devote the necessary time and practice in training to improve their set-plays. This is especially important as these situations arise regularly throughout a match and it makes sense to improve the prospects of making the most of them. By: Andrew Blight
In a sample of 202 goals from 109 matches, Hughes (1990) found that 92 goals were scored from set plays or immediately from regained possession following a clearance from set plays. Furthermore, 89 % of these set plays were awarded after 5 consecutive passes or less. On average, there are 26 set plays per game in the attacking third of the field i.e. 9 corners, 12 throwins, 5 free-kicks. Generally, the higher the standard of competition the more important set plays are in providing goal-scoring opportunities. This is illustrated by the data below from the 1994 World Cup.
Free-Kicks Corners Throws Penalties
All teams 66 goals (47% of total) 27 9 15 15
Brazil 6 goals (55% of total) 2 1 2 1
Goals from Set Plays 1994 World Cup
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Tactics: Set-plays
In the 1966, 70, 74, 82, 86, 90, and 98 World Cup finals at least one goal arising from a set-play situation was scored in the final match. From the above data, it is imperative a team spends a lot of time working on set plays. It is vital that your organisation is planned and everyone in the squad understands their roles and responsibility. I would probably spend a little more time defensively than attacking in order to be difficult to score against. When the ball is out of play and your team has possession you are in control of the game and dictate what happens next. The groundwork for successful set plays is carried out on the training ground. Set play practice should be kept fresh for the players and can be often coached during a match-play practice as opposed to a separate entity where players can switch off mentally.
Key Principles for Defending Set plays There are 3 general strategies you can utilise for defending setplays: • Man-man • Zonal • Semi-zonal Generally, I tend to use semi-zonal (although this can vary with the type of opposition) where we have some players marking man-man and others zonally placed to cover spaces. • ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢
Key Requirements for Defending Set plays Communication- understanding role and policy Concentration- mentally aware and switched on Organisation- setting up the defensive strategy quickly Courage- players being brave and physically strong Selection of players- prioritising roles for specific positions Secondary possession- adjust and re-adjust! Push up towards where the ball is cleared (not straight out!) and stay together as a unit/line.
Key Principles for Attacking Set plays • Delivery of the ball- the quality of striking a dead-ball into the right area is key. From wide areas, this is often executed with pace and whip on the ball into the second six yard box area. ➢ Target: area of delivery ➢ Type: whip, float, chip ➢ Technique: in/out-swing ➢ Mentality: Players mentally prepared before execution • Good Organisation- positioning and movement of players to affect the opposition within a key area. ➢ Who: mental/physical attributes ➢ Where: reason, arrangement ➢ When: time factor ➢ Why: end product
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No. 34 – August / September 2009
Tactics: Set-plays • Disguise- doing something different (can be organised or spontaneous) which results in moving opposing defenders out of set positions E.g. short corner taken quickly. Quick free-kicks are taken with the idea to➢ Produce a strike ➢ Create a chance ➢ Produce an unexpected attack ➢ Resume play quicker than expected For this to happen, there must be early options ahead of the ball e.g. behind the defence, inside the defence and the opportunity to attack the defence centrally and from wide positions. • Several Options- providing an element of change during the course of a game to keep the defenders second guessing at set plays. • Secondary Opportunities- second phase possession in and around the penalty box.
The potential for scoring this way has become a strategy for teams in recent years and coaches are now equally concerned about the consequence of committing numbers at attacking set plays and are positioning defensive players accordingly to deal with this threat.
Ultimately, the player delivering the ball is the crucial ingredient because delivery has to be accurate and at the right pace otherwise things can fall down.
Counter Attacks from Set Plays It is evident, set plays clearly provide a positive opportunity to score for the team in possession. However, teams at elite levels now see the opportunity to counter attack and make quick transitions from defending positions to attacking with speed. A recent example was in the Champions league semi-final (Arsenal v Man Utd first leg) Van der Sar collects a cross, distributes the ball to Park who combines with Rooney, and Ronaldo finishes. This was a prime example of Arsenal moving defensive players into attacking positions and Man Utd exploiting an undermanned defence through regaining possession quickly and then playing at pace with limited touches on the football.
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Tactics: Set-plays Defending Corners (diagram 1) Four players are in zonal positions (1 at each post, 1 in the ‘hole’ several yards out and in front of the front post and one centrally on the edge of the six yard box. Four further players are allocated man-man defending duties inside the penalty box with two on the edge of the 18 yard box ready to defend secondary possession and counter-attack if we secure the ball.
Diagram 1
Important points to consider: - Distances between defenders important - Body shape of defenders should be open and looking diagonally across to view runs of attackers Diagram 2
Attacking Corners (diagram 2) This shows typical set-up for an in-swinging attacking corner. The target area for delivery is depicted by the shaded area. Front post player makes a ‘dummy’ run towards the player taking the corner, this will drag a defender out of position and create some space in the shaded area. One player positioned inside six yard box around the GK making it difficult for GK and to potentially score from loose ball. Three players inside the penalty box making attacking runs from deep and across into specific areas to attack the ball. The other 4 players are strategically positioned to pick up secondary possession and safety to guard against the counter-attack.
Diagram 3
Attacking Short Corn(diagram 3)ers
Diagram 4
Very similar to the above, but ‘dummy’ runner receives short ball and sets back to player taking the corner at an angle and delivery is now to the back post (target/shaded area). One player still situated around GK and 3 players making attacking runs from deep and across. The central player of the three however, checks out and attacks the target area near the back post.
Defending Free-kick area
Diagram 5
(diagram 4) Two players are situated in the wall close together. Player in the wall is prepared for any ‘dummy’ over the ball! Only one defender needed in the wall if only player over the ball at the free-kick. The other players are set up in 2 banks of four with a front and back line. The concept being on the nearest player to the ball applying pressure. Defending players should adopt an open body position and have the mentality of being ‘first to the ball!’ The GKs position should be taken off the first bank of four and not be too deep!
Attacking Free-kick Centrally (diagram 5) Consider whether to drive the free-kick with pace and power or can you get it up and over the wall? Attackers in the wall are strategically placed and look to use their body to open up defenders and space in the wall. Attackers on the outside make runs across to pick up any secondary opportunities.
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No. 34 – August / September 2009