More than 30 percent of all goals are scored from attacking set pieces. It is important to remember that goals are not just scored directly from set pieces, such as a direct free kick, or a header direct from a corner, but very often from what are called secondary situations where the ball is knocked down into areas to create goalscoring opportunities.

This section is designed to show different ideas for various attacking set pieces, how they can be organised effectively so the players know their jobs individually and collectively and what and how you need to coach.

The delivery of any attacking set piece is of paramount importance, so it is vital that a coach selects players who have an ability to accurately and consistently strike the ball. The set piece delivery player will also need to know what areas and heights the ball needs to be delivered into. They will also need to develop a signal system so the other players who are attacking the ball, know what areas to attack and can adjust the timing of their runs. The importance of the delivery of attacking set pieces cannot be stressed too much. It is no coincidence, for example, that David Beckham - penalties apart - is one of the best players in the World at delivering set pieces, given the hard work and practice he put in on the training ground. The delivery is not about trying to hit individual players, but about striking the ball so that it is delivered into the right area or space, so that players can time their runs and attack the ball.

There are many different types of attacking set pieces. In this section we will provide a number of different ideas, but it will by no means be comprehensive as every coach will have their own ideas.

Attacking set pieces:

• Near post corners
• Far post corners
• Short corners
• Wide free kicks
• Direct free kicks in and around the area
• Indirect free kicks in and around the area
• Quick free kicks
• Long free kicks from defence
• Attacking throw ins