Basics of Attacking Set Plays

Set plays can be the difference between winning and losing a game. Teams must be well organized and practice often so that each player knows their responsibility in any given situation. Here are some basic tips for each set play.

Free Kicks

This is when the opposing team is in position to shoot on goal, or cross a dangerous ball into the box. Players should be given instructions to:

- Take advantage of any opportunities to play a quick free kick
- Who will be taking the free kick
- Have rehearsed plays and signals to designate which play is going to run
- Make appropriate runs in box or follow up shots
- Watch for counter-attacks if the play is unsuccessful

Corner Kicks

There are many different corner kick plays a team can use but generally players should be given instructions to:

- Take advantage of any opportunities to play a quick free kick
- Who will be taking the free kick and who will be in the box
- Have rehearsed plays and signals to designate which play is going to run
- Make appropriate runs to lose the defenders in the box
- Watch for counter-attacks if the play is unsuccessful

Throw-ins

Often the only time a throw-in is rehearsed is when a player on the team has the ability to throw a long ball into the near post much like a corner kick. Teams will post up their tallest player in the box and have that player try to flick the ball on for other players to score.

Penalty Kicks

Penalty kicks are usually easy to set up. Each player should have plenty of practice taking penalty kicks while the rest of the players should stay alert and focused for any rebounds.