3.Set-Pieces Session3 - 2026 Content
This Beltagy Football Analysis Services presentation (Session 3) provides a comprehensive framework for attacking set‑pieces in football. It begins with a list of nine attacking principles (simplicity, framing the goal, overloads/underloads, movements and picks, orientation, packs and stacks, mismatches, disguise, variations) that guide the overall philosophy. The core of the session details five delivery types – inswingers, outswingers, straight balls, flat passes and short deliveries – describing their trajectory, advantages, required execution quality and typical formation (primarily 2‑6‑2) for each. Statistical tables from Opta/Sky Sports illustrate how Premier League clubs distribute inswinging versus outswinging corners, highlighting club‑specific tendencies. The material then maps out preferred target zones (near post, far post, middle, beyond far post, short, outside the box) with a mermaid diagram and emphasizes the near‑post area (4‑7 yards from goal) as the most valuable. A “numerical zones” concept (first, second, third lines) is introduced to organise player positioning. Defensive structures are broken down into zonal‑marking and man‑marking systems, detailing the number of markers (1‑6) and their roles, followed by a concise pros‑and‑cons comparison. Man‑marking strategies (stand‑and‑wait, track‑only, traditional) are outlined. Various formation templates (2‑6‑2, 2‑5‑1, 3‑5‑2, 5‑4‑1) are illustrated for both inswinging and outswinging scenarios. Finally, practical considerations such as opponent defensive setup, the skill set of the taker, target‑player preferences and the team’s game model are listed as factors influencing the choice of delivery and target area. The presentation is heavily visual, using diagrams, charts, and match screenshots to reinforce the tactical concepts.
Topics
Foundational Attacking Principles for Set‑Pieces
A nine‑point list (simplicity, framing the goal, overloads/underloads, movements and picks, orientation, packs and stacks, mismatches, disguise, variations) that underpins the attacking approach.
Delivery Types – Definitions, Pros/Cons and Formation Alignment
Detailed breakdown of inswingers, outswingers, straight balls, flat passes and short deliveries, covering trajectory, expected shot quality, execution demands and the standard 2‑6‑2 formation used for each.
Premier League Corner Statistics – Inswing vs Outswing Tendencies
Tables showing each club’s percentage of inswinging and outswinging corners, sourced from Opta/Sky Sports, highlighting strategic preferences across the league.
Target Area Map – Near‑Post Emphasis and Rationale
Visual map of target zones (near post, far post, middle, beyond far post, short, outside the box) with a mermaid diagram; explains why the near‑post corridor (4‑7 yd from goal) is the preferred aim.
Numerical Zones Concept – First, Second and Third Lines
Introduces a spatial framework dividing the penalty area into three concentric lines to organise attackers and defenders during set‑pieces.
Defensive Structures – Zonal vs Man‑Marking Systems
Breakdown of zonal‑marking (4‑6 markers) and man‑marking (1‑3 markers) configurations, including role definitions (zonal markers, man markers, short option, second ball, counter, posts players).
Man‑Marking Strategies – Stand‑and‑Wait, Track‑Only, Traditional
Three tactical options for defenders in a man‑marking system, outlining how each approach manages the marker and the ball.
Formation Templates for Different Deliveries
Illustrated formations (2‑6‑2, 2‑5‑1, 3‑5‑2, 5‑4‑1) matched to specific delivery types (inswing, outswing) and defensive setups.