Soccer can be a cruel sport. Even when all 11 players on a team execute their roles at a high level, they still might fail to score from open play. A high caliber defense, legendary goalkeeper, or just a bit of bad luck can keep balls from hitting the back of the net.
Fortunately, there are other ways to generate offense that can directly impact the final score.
One such way is through set pieces, which often create goal-scoring opportunities that can shift the momentum of a match.
From free kicks to corners, here's a breakdown of the different types of set pieces in soccer.
What is a set piece in soccer?
A set piece in soccer occurs when a dead ball is put into play after a stoppage. Corners, free kicks, penalty kicks, goal kicks, and throw-ins are all examples of set pieces in soccer.
The most effective set pieces often lead to shots on target.
What is a corner in soccer?
A corner in soccer is when the ball, last touched by a defender, crosses over the goal line. The attacking team then get to place the ball at the corner flag and whip a cross into the box.
Ideally, one of their teammates will score off the set piece with a header or a perfectly-timed strike.
What is a free kick in soccer?
A free kick in soccer occurs when a foul is committed anywhere on the pitch, other than the penalty area. Play will momentarily stop, and the team of the fouled-player will restart play from a dead ball where the foul was committed.
Free kicks can either be direct or indirect.
A direct free kick is awarded for most fouls, including tripping, handball, or dangerous play. This type of free kick allows a player to shoot directly at the goal, without the ball having to touch another player.
An indirect free kick, on the other hand, is given for less serious offenses, such as a back-pass to the goalkeeper or offside. For an indirect free kick to result in a goal, the ball must touch another player before entering the net.
The most dangerous free kicks occur on the edge of the opposition's 18-yard box.
What is a penalty kick in soccer?
A penalty kick in soccer is awarded to the attacking side if one of their players is fouled inside the box.
Someone from the team of the fouled-player is then allowed to take a single shot at the goal from the penalty spot, located exactly 12 yards from the goal line, while it is defended by only the opposing team's goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper is not allowed to move off their line until the ball has been kicked, and the ball must be stationary when struck.
More often than not, a penalty kick will result in a goal.
In the case of soccer matches that have ended level after normal time and extra time but are unable to remain a draw, like World Cup knockout matches or major cup finals, a penalty shootout is used to decide the winner.
A penalty shootout is, initially, a best-of-10 affair where the two teams take turns attempting to score. If the teams still cannot be separated at the end of this, "sudden death" follows, meaning if one team scores and the other misses, the team that scored wins the game.
What is a throw-in in soccer?
A throw-in in soccer is a method of restarting play when the ball has gone out of bounds over the sidelines.
The team that did not touch the ball last is awarded the ball, and a player from the team must then throw the ball back into play from where it went out of play. The player must use both hands to throw the ball from behind and over their head, and both of their feet must be on the floor when the ball leaves their hands.
A long throw-in can be a dangerous weapon for any team, as it allows them to launch the ball into the opponent's penalty area from a considerable distance.
Interestingly, players receiving the ball from a throw-in cannot be offside, regardless of their position on the field, meaning they can be positioned near the opponent’s goal without fear of being penalized.
What is a goal kick in soccer?
A goal kick in soccer is awarded when the ball exits the field behind the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, after being last touched by a player from the attacking team.
The goalkeeper of the team awarded the goal kick must place the ball in six-yard box and can then kick it from there. The ball must leave the penalty area before another player can touch it, or the goal kick will be retaken.
A quickly taken and accurate goal kick can help launch a fast counterattack, moving the ball upfield efficiently to catch the opposing team off guard.
While it rarely happens, it is possible for a goalkeeper to score directly from a goal kick. USMNT legends Brad Friedel and Tim Howard both scored from goal kicks during their Premier League careers.
What is a drop ball in soccer?
A drop ball is a way of restarting play after a temporary stoppage that was not caused by an infraction from either team, such as a serious injury or an object on the field.
By the letter of the law, the referee is supposed to drop the ball at the spot where it was when play was interrupted, and a player from either side will contest for it.
In the name of fair play, however, the team that didn’t have possession when play stopped usually just kicks the ball back to the team that did.
Who are the best set piece takers in soccer?
While there may not be such a thing as a master of all when it comes to set pieces, certain players have perfected their craft in specific areas.
English midfielder James Ward-Prowse, for example, is renowned for his precision with direct free kicks, curling the ball into the net from various distances and angles. Kevin De Bruyne and Trent Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, are famed for their brilliant deliveries from dead balls, creating countless scoring opportunities for their teammates.
When it comes to throw-ins, specialists like former Stoke City star Rory Delap made history with his ability to launch the ball deep into the opponent’s box, turning a simple restart into a powerful offensive tool.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as What Is a Set Piece in Soccer?.
