Exploring the rising importance of set-pieces in modern football, including the role of a set-piece consultant and the strategic impact. The significance of set pieces in football clubs and how they evaluate and improve their strategies. Different tempo strategies in set pieces and the defensive structure and strategies teams use. The tactic of making a flick on the front post and the influence of US sports on set pieces. The connection between set pieces and open play, debunking common myths. The significance of trusting the goalkeeper during set pieces.
Set pieces account for a significant percentage of goals and should not be overlooked.
Continuous communication between coaches and players is crucial for successful set piece execution.
Set piece strategies need to be adaptable based on squad composition and the quality of opponents.
Deep dives
The significance of set pieces
Set pieces play a crucial role in football, accounting for a significant percentage of goals scored in a match, ranging from 20% to 30%. This makes them an important aspect of the game that should not be overlooked. With more thought and strategy being put into set pieces by coaches, they are becoming increasingly interesting and effective as a way of generating goals.
The role of a freelance set-piece analyst
Stuart Reed, a freelance set-piece analyst, specializes in analyzing and developing strategies for set pieces. His focus is primarily on corners and free kicks, which he believes offer the best opportunities for scoring goals. By studying defensive setups, player behavior, and areas of vulnerability, Reed helps teams create effective set-piece routines tailored to exploit their opponents. He emphasizes the need for continuous communication between coaches and players to ensure the successful execution of set-piece strategies.
Adapting set-piece strategies
When working with teams that struggle with set pieces, Reed aims to make immediate improvements. This involves assessing the squad's qualities and limitations, such as delivery accuracy or aerial ability. By developing clever short corner routines or focusing on winning first contacts away from main aerial targets, he seeks to maximize the team's strengths and mitigate weaknesses. The adaptability of set-piece strategies is crucial, considering factors like squad composition and the quality of the opponents.
The Importance of Attack in Set Piece Design
When it comes to analyzing set pieces, there is often more emphasis on attacking strategies rather than defensive ones. Many teams prioritize scoring goals and view set pieces as an opportunity to create exciting attacking plays. This is because the advantage lies with the attacking team, as they have the freedom to control movement, manipulate the opposition, and use timing to their advantage. Players also tend to respond more positively to attacking strategies in training, making it a more engaging and exciting aspect of the game.
The Role of Tempo and Adaptation in Set Piece Execution
Tempo is a crucial element in set piece execution, both in attacking and defending. Teams are using various techniques to slow down the tempo of set pieces, such as playing bounce passes between the taker and other players, to throw off the defending team's trigger to act. Conversely, quick and short corners are becoming more popular as a way to exploit loose defensive structures and take advantage of talented dribblers. Additionally, teams are adapting their defensive structures, often pushing all players into the box when defending, to create deception and confusion for opposing teams, making it harder to mark the attacking players.
