Modern football cannot be understood without the work on set pieces. These situations account for up to 30% of the goals scored in elite competitions, and that is why they are trained with the same intensity as open play. At SIA Academy, a high-performance center and a reference in Spain, great importance is given to the preparation of these actions, as they can define matches. Below, we present the top 10 most effective set piece plays and how they are linked to the academy’s training model.
Table of contents
1. The inswinging corner kick
One of football’s classics is the corner taken with curve towards the goal. The idea is for the ball to dip and surprise the goalkeeper, forcing a clearance or even scoring an olympic goal. At SIA Academy, players train precision with both feet so they can deliver variations to the near or far post, adapting to the opponent.
2. The short corner
Instead of crossing into the box, the short corner creates numerical superiority on the wing. This strategy generates more favorable passing angles and unsettles the defense. At SIA Academy, players are taught tactical awareness of when to apply this move, combining it with quick support runs to break lines.
3. The direct free kick
Probably the most spectacular set piece. Precision, power, and placement are key to getting the ball over the wall and beating the goalkeeper. Players like Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo turned this action into an art. At the academy, biomechanical analysis technologies are used to perfect each player’s striking technique.
4. The rehearsed indirect free kick
This is where creativity comes in. A combination of passes and runs after a foul can surprise the opposing defense. SIA Academy promotes these rehearsed moves, training collective coordination and movement synchronization to increase effectiveness in second-ball situations.
5. The penalty as a science of detail
A penalty is not just about technical execution; it is a psychological and tactical battle. The placement of the standing foot, body orientation, or even the pause in the run-up can make the difference between scoring or missing. Moreover, analyzing opposing goalkeepers has become a decisive tool in elite football.
At SIA Academy, this action is trained with a comprehensive approach:
- Studying goalkeepers’ patterns, learning to read their movements.
- Variety of execution methods, from powerful shots to delicate finishes.
- Mental training under pressure, simulating competitive environments where tension is at its peak.
This way, players develop not only the ability to strike well but also the intelligence to choose the best option in each moment. In short, the penalty stops being a lottery and becomes a strategic tool worked on in detail.
6. The offensive throw-in
A throw-in is not just a way to restart play; it can be a lethal weapon. Players with strong throw power, like Rory Delap in his day, turned this action into almost another corner. At SIA Academy, players learn to exploit these situations with coordinated movements in the box, creating clear scoring chances.
7. The set piece play to the far post
One of the most effective plays due to the element of surprise. While the defense focuses on the near post, a precise delivery to the far post allows an attacker to arrive with an advantage. Training timing of jumps and headers is fundamental in the academy’s methodology to capitalize on this type of action.
8. The distraction play from long-range free kicks
When a free kick is far from goal, it is often floated into the box. However, a very effective variation is to fake a long delivery and instead play a low pass to a runner breaking into space. This resource is trained at SIA Academy to foster players’ tactical intelligence.
9. The corner combination with screens
Much like basketball, screens (blocks) allow a striker to break free inside the box. This play requires discipline, timing, and cunning. At the academy, specific sessions focus on off-the-ball movement and strategic positioning, helping attackers gain an edge in aerial duels.
10. The planned goalkeeper distribution
Although often seen as routine, the goalkeeper’s distribution can also be designed as a rehearsed play. Whether with a long pass towards a forward or a short build-up to start organized play, this action is trained to maximize possession and minimize risks. At SIA Academy, emphasis is placed on the goalkeeper as the first playmaker, a key concept in modern football.
Set piece plays represent one of the deadliest weapons in football today. Every action, no matter how simple it may seem, can become the key to unlocking a tight match. The important thing is not only execution but also creativity and surprise. In this regard, SIA Academy stands out by combining individual technical training with collective strategy, preparing its players to perform at the highest level.
The academy understands that football is a sport of details and that set pieces make the difference in decisive matches. From corners to rehearsed free kicks, including penalties or throw-ins, each play is worked on with a professional approach tailored to each player’s profile. That is why those who train at SIA Academy not only improve their technical skills but also develop tactical understanding that brings them closer to the elite.
Ultimately, mastering set pieces means mastering an essential part of the game. And in a context where every goal counts, investing time in perfecting them is investing in victories.
