Taktik 1 November 2026
Set-piece tactics: why a third of all goals start from a routine
Corners, free kicks and long throws are now coached like attacking patterns. Teams that ignore them lose 15-20 goals a season.
In major European leagues, 25 to 35 percent of goals come from set pieces.
The biggest change is not technique but approach: dedicated coaches, pattern catalogues and opponent analysis.
Why set pieces matter
Open play defending is too organised; set pieces offer a known starting position.
Four corner types
Short, inswinging to the far post, flat to the near post, and blocking routines.
The players who never touch the ball
Three or four decoy runners make the whole pattern work.
Free kicks: distance decides everything
18-22 metres favours a direct shot; 25-30 metres favours a cross.
Defending set pieces
Assign zones rather than individuals, and always leave one player on the near post.
Conclusion
Set pieces are worth 10-15 extra goals a season.