Set Pieces

In a game of soccer, set pieces come and go really fast. You should always be prepared to take one, whether its a throw-in or a direct free kicks. Here I will talk you through a few of the soccer set plays and a few tips on how you can make the most out of it.

The throw in must be taken with an overhead throw with using both arms, and the ball must not be thrown in a downward motion. These can be taken as quick as possible and the team does not have to wait for the opposing team to be ready before taking it.


Corner Kicks
Corner kick set pieces can be very useful to a team. A corner kick happens when a player knocks the ball out of play from his goal side of the pitch. Corner kicks are taken from the corner (of course) with a kick. Teams usually opt to cross the ball into the box for their striker to attempt to header the ball into the goal. Some teams would rather play it short though if they have particularly short strikers. Depending on which side the corner kick is taken from, it can either be an in-swinger or an out-swinger depending on the kickers stronger leg.


Free Kicks
Free kicks are conceded when someone is fouled. The free kick is usually taken where the foul was committed. Depending on how close you are to goal, it can either be a direct free kick or an in-direct free kick.


Penalties
A penalty kick is rewarded when a foul is committed anywhere inside the box area of the goal. The kick is taken on the spot about 12 yards from goal (exactly 11 metres). No one, apart from the kicker and the goalkeeper, can be in the box before the kick is taken. Because of the short distance from goal, it is hard to miss but from time to time, keepers could make a brilliant save to deny the player.

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