Set Pieces

Set Pieces are an important element in any team's ability to score on the opportunities provided by corner kicks and free kicks. More than a third of all goals on professional teams are scored on set plays (I suspect that number's alot higher if you include MLS!). The importance of set pieces cannot be overstated, yet they are often overlooked in practice.

For a youth team, you need only practice one or two for each opportunity. Obviously these are not for the U6ers out there, but are within the athletic ability of preteens and teens alike. But it will require practice, practice and more practice. Too often a good opportunity is spoiled by a player who merely lines up and shoots the ball into the goalie's waiting arms. You have to get them to think about redirecting the attention of the defenders and the goalie in some way. Whether its a feint, misdirection or creating verbal confusion, anything's better than just 'kicking' it to the goalie.

One goal scoring fundamental that can be emphasized here is the location of good shots on goal. The most difficult for the keeper to stop are those that are low and to the corners of the goal. By being low, the goalie must make a 'total commitment' of his body by diving for the ball. High and the corners are the next best spots, but it's difficult for alot of youth players to control the trajectory of the ball that well. That said, lets get to the plays...

If you have some favorite set pieces you use for your team, feel free to email them to the HeadCoach and we'll be glad to include them here for others to use.