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Football · Level 8: Expert · Sub-level 8.90

Set-Piece Coaching (Data Level)

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

Set pieces through the data: corner outcomes, delivery zones, first contacts and second balls, set-piece xG, defending by the numbers, free kicks and throw-ins as data, restarts, scouting takers and reading a set-piece report.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1Measuring corner outcomesTake a test

  1. A team may score from only a few corners a season, so the chances they create are a steadier measure.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  2. It shows whether deliveries reach attackers in positions to shoot, whatever the outcome of the shot.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  3. Two corners that each end in a shot can differ hugely: a free header at six yards against a blocked shot from 20 metres.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  4. A knock-down, a cleared ball recycled or a second cross can all create the shot that the corner set up.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  5. Lots of long-range or blocked efforts after corners add up to shots without much danger.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  6. A dominant side may win twice as many corners as a relegation side, which inflates any total.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  7. A short corner can lead to a better-angled cross or simply keep possession, which is a choice, not a failure.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  8. Defenders win most first contacts; only some corners produce a shot, and only a few of those go in.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  9. The per-corner comparison is what turns a list of corners into a judgement.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  10. Out of 100 corners, 30 led to shots and 3 to goals, which is why analysts look at chances as well as goals.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

Test 2Delivery zones in the dataTake a test

  1. A near-post flick, a central header and a far-post knock-back are different chances, so they are measured apart.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  2. Close range and a central angle make it the zone with the highest xG per header, if an attacker gets there first.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  3. Far-post deliveries often look for a header back into the middle, where a second attacker arrives.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  4. A routine designed for the near post is useless if half the deliveries drift to the goalkeeper.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  5. A ball dropped onto a late runner lets him attack it at speed, though the distance lowers the chance.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  6. A ball within the keeper's reach is often caught, ending the corner and starting the opponent's attack.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  7. If most deliveries go near post, the defending side can put its best header there.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  8. Deliveries range from right on the line to the spot, 11 metres out.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  9. Separating aim, landing and outcome shows whether the problem is the plan or the delivery.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  10. A header won in the middle of the six-yard box is the closest and most central chance a corner can create.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

Test 3First contact and second ballsTake a test

  1. Whoever touches the ball first after the delivery, attacker or defender, is recorded as the first contact.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · recall

  2. A team that never wins the first touch depends on scraps; winning it is the start of most set-piece chances.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  3. After a header or clearance the ball drops somewhere, and whoever wins it can keep the attack going or end it.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · recall

  4. Many clearances only reach the edge of the area, where a waiting player can shoot or recycle the ball.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  5. Second-phase play, where the ball comes back into the box, can produce chances even when the first header is lost.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  6. A header that only reaches the edge of the box gives the attackers another chance straight away.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  7. Recycled balls, second crosses and loose-ball shots all belong to the second phase of a set piece.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · recall

  8. The first contact is lost, but the second ball keeps the set piece alive.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  9. Winning the first touch is best, recovering the loose ball is next, and a long clearance ends the threat.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  10. Winning only 28% of first contacts means team B's corners depend on second balls and scraps.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

Test 4Set-piece xG and the second phaseTake a test

  1. The same header is contested by more bodies at a corner than in open play, so its value is set differently.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  2. It totals the quality of every attempt arising from corners, free kicks and throw-ins.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · recall

  3. First-phase chances come from routines and delivery; second-phase ones from reactions and recovering the ball.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  4. At around three-quarters of a goal each, a few penalties would hide what corners and free kicks produce.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  5. The chances were there; converting them is the gap, which often closes over time.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  6. After a first clearance, markers have left their men and the line is broken, so a quick second ball can find space.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  7. Dividing by the number of set pieces shows how well a team uses each one, not just how many it gets.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  8. Each step is a separate moment in the data, which is why analysts can split the xG between phases.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  9. The closer and more central the attempt, the higher its value.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  10. Second-phase play brings 0.6 xG a match against 0.9 from first deliveries, a large share of the total.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

Test 5Defending set pieces by the numbersTake a test

  1. The quality of the chances allowed from dead balls is the core measure, less noisy than goals conceded.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  2. A defence that wins the first touch rarely concedes a clean chance from the delivery.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  3. A clearance that only reaches the edge of the box hands the attackers another go.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  4. With only a handful of set-piece goals a season, luck plays a big part; xG against is steadier.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  5. Comparing chances allowed under zonal, man or mixed marking gives evidence for the choice.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  6. Every delivery caught is one that cannot become a shot, so a commanding keeper lowers xG against.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  7. Concentration and legs fade, so some teams concede more from set pieces in the last minutes.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  8. Contacts show where the problem starts; xG against measures its cost.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  9. A catch ends the attack; a long clearance nearly does; a short one invites a second chance.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  10. 0.6 of its 1.5 xG conceded a match comes from set pieces, about 40%, far above what most defences allow.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

Test 6Free kicks in the dataTake a test

  1. A direct free kick from outside the box beats a wall and a set goalkeeper only rarely, so conversion is low.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  2. From a wide angle a direct shot has little xG, while a delivery into the box can find a free header.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  3. A shot from 30 metres gives the goalkeeper far more time to reach it than one from just outside the box.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  4. A player who is often fouled around the box keeps giving his team free kicks in dangerous areas.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  5. A blocked shot or knocked-down cross can produce a better chance in the moments after the kick.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  6. If crosses from a zone produce more xG than shots, the team can change its default choice.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  7. A wall that jumps or a keeper who cheats towards one side can be exploited once the pattern is known.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  8. Closer and more central positions give the shooter a bigger target and the keeper less time.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  9. Position first, then the value of each option, adjusted for what the opponent does.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  10. From a central spot the whole goal is available; from a wide angle a delivery usually makes more sense.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

Test 7Throw-ins as possessionTake a test

  1. With so many throw-ins a match, how often a team keeps the ball from them adds up to a lot of possession.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  2. Keeping possession for several seconds after a throw shows whether the routine works.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · recall

  3. Near the touchline the defending side can mark every nearby receiver and trap the ball against the line.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  4. Taking a throw before markers are set lets a team keep the ball or even attack space.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  5. Deep throws aim to keep the ball safely; throws near the box aim to create chances.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  6. A throw that is kept for one pass and then lost is not really retained, so a time window is used.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  7. Planned runs and decoys create space in a crowded area, so more throws find a team-mate who can keep the ball.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  8. A chance is best, keeping the ball is fine, and losing it at once can start a counter.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  9. The decoy movement opens the space; the throw goes to the player who arrives in it.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  10. Keeping only 48% of those throws means team B loses possession from about half of them.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

Test 8Goal kicks and kick-offsTake a test

  1. A high share of short goal kicks marks a side that builds from the back; a low share, one that goes long.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  2. Pressing the short options forces a long kick or a risky pass that can be won high up the pitch.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  3. Winning the header is only the start; the team that collects the knock-down usually keeps the ball.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  4. A long kick-off followed by a press can win the ball or a throw-in high up, instead of risking a turnover.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  5. A clear preference, such as always to the left-back, gives the opponent a trap to prepare.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  6. Restarts reflect the game model, so a change of coach often shows up in them first.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  7. A planned first move after a goal or at the start can win territory or even a chance straight away.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  8. Long kicks rarely lose the ball near goal; short passes under pressure do most often.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  9. Territory is the aim: the routine trades the ball for field position and a restart near the opponent's box.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  10. Going long with 70% and then only 25% of goal kicks is the mark of a switch to short build-up.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

Test 9Scouting takers and targetsTake a test

  1. Dividing the xG of the chances created by the number of corners shows whose deliveries lead to better chances.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  2. Deliveries into the box are mostly contested in the air, so players who win those duels create the chances.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  3. Winning headers in midfield helps possession; winning them in the box creates set-piece chances.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  4. One taker can then produce either type of delivery from each corner flag, which keeps defences guessing.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  5. A perfect delivery that no one attacks creates no chance, so the taker's figures depend on who is in the box.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  6. A player who reliably frees team-mates adds set-piece value that never shows up in his own goal tally.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  7. A defender may score five headers one season and one the next; several seasons show his true level.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  8. The numbers rank the takers; context and video confirm what the numbers suggest.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  9. The blocker's work never becomes his goal, the taker gets assists, and the target gets the goals.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  10. C's corners lead to chances worth 0.11 xG each, well ahead of the other two.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

Test 10Reading a set-piece reportTake a test

  1. A team that creates 0.4 xG from set pieces but concedes 0.6 loses ground on dead balls overall.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  2. Knowing that 0.35 xG a match is eighth-best tells a coach far more than the number alone.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  3. A couple of headed goals can make a side look like set-piece specialists after only a few weeks.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  4. Losing the first touch means attackers are getting to the ball first, so marking and heading are the focus.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  5. Seeing the routines on video lets the team practise the answer during the week.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  6. A cluster of goals conceded late suggests fatigue or changes of personnel, not just the marking scheme.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  7. The report points to where points are being lost, and the usual answer is time on the training ground.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  8. Measurement and comparison lead to the recommendation, which is the point of the report.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  9. A weak defence on set pieces costs goals directly, so the side ranked 19th for defending needs work first.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

  10. The team is 18th for set-piece xG conceded and wins only 41% of defensive first contacts, a bigger problem than its attack.

    Source: Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications) · applied

Sources

IFAB Laws of the Game / FIFA & UEFA technical reports / Opta, StatsBomb and FBref definitions / club and analyst publications / peer-reviewed research

  • Set-piece analytics (Opta, StatsBomb definitions; club analysts' publications)100