Play Like Northern Ireland – Attacking Set Pieces
1. Corners
- 1.Player arcs the run towards the second post
- 2.Player hides behind number 1 and drives towards the first post anticipating on under hit cross
- 3. Waits for 1 and 2 to split and runs fast straight down the centre of the goal (TALLEST PLAYER)
- 4. Arcs the run towards the back area anticipating an over hit cross or a ball that has been flicked on or completely missed by everyone
- 5. Makes a movement towards the ball and offers themselves for the pass if not followed by an opponent. Also anticipates the ball being cleared out by a near post defender
- 6. Player stands on the GK line to prevent them coming out to collect the ball. Also there to finish off any loose balls in the 6-yard box
Progression
- 5. drops off – receives the ball and plays a first time cross which shapes away from the goalkeeper. Numbers 1-4 delay their run slightly
Key Tip
- Move fast with purpose
- Eyes on the ball
- Time jump
- Be reactive to second phases
2.Wide free kick
- Makes forward movement fast and sharp to clear the space and take the defender with them
- Makes forward movement fast and sharp to clear the space and take the defender with them
- Makes forward movement fast and sharp to clear the space and take the defender with them
- Blocks 5’s man marker from following him/her
- Runs freely behind the forward movement and finishes with the right foot into the near post area
- PROGRESSION: if 5 oversteps the ball, 6 has a shooting choice from outside of the area
Key Tips
- All players work in unison at clearing the space to allow 5 to operate
- All players have a responsibility to block (wide stance knee)
- Free kick plays the pass with disguise (fakes as if they are crossing) This will move the defensive unit further towards the goalkeeper
3. Central Free Kick
Free Kick 1.
- 2,3 and 4 block the side of the goalkeeper and the taker bends the ball over opposition wall and into the space vacated by the goalkeeper
Free Kick 2.
- 2,3 and 4 block the sight of the goalkeeper, the taker strikes the ball at his own wall and take the goalkeeper by surprise: taker can hit high or low
Free Kick 3.
- 5 stands at the side of the wall, during the taker run up phase, 5 breaks free to the side. The taker plays a reverse pass into 5 who shoots if the first touch is good. 2, 3 and 4 run towards the 6 yard box in hope of a low cross from 5
Key Tips
- Pre communication (Verbal and non verbal)
- React to every possible situation
