Attacking Set Pieces in Soccer
A well organised and executed set piece can be the difference between a goal and a good opportunity. Therefore coaches should not overlook the importance of practicing and implementing 'game plans' for when the ball can be delivered into the box.
If every player knows their roles and responsibilities then it may be possible for an early free kick or corner to be delivered, and as a result catching the opposition unorganised and unprepared.
Free Kicks – Ideas for moves and deliveries for attacking free kicks in the final 3rd. View Free Kicks
Corners – Organisation and movements that can result in a corner generating a goal scoring opportunity. View Corners
The corner delivery can be determined prior to the game or signals can be introduced so that each player knows exactly what delivery to expect and therefore where to position themselves.
Tips:
It is not uncommon for teams to continually aim for the same player when delivering balls into the area. This may be due to the attacker being strong in the air or that they have a distinct advantage over their marker. This is not a bad approach but variation is good to keep the defence guessing who the ball is coming into and catch those defenders not concentrating.
It would not be fair to suggest that attacking player's intentionally block the runs of challenging defenders but they should try to interfere with them and become an obstruction. Just as defenders seek to protect their goalkeeper when claiming a cross, attackers should seek to protect the player attacking the cross by reducing the amount of player's that are able to challenge them. Should player's be crossing over in the box, accidents may happen, where one attacker 'unintentionally' blocks the run of a defender, leaving their team mate free for the delivery.