Set Pieces

Very important. 30-40% of goals come from set pieces at professional level. They're even more important at grassroots and youth level where defences are less organised. Spending 10-15 minutes per session on set pieces pays off.

Both have merits. Zonal marking keeps players in dangerous areas and requires less communication. Man-marking gives clear responsibility and works well with disciplined players. Many teams use a hybrid system (zonal with key attackers man-marked).

Movement to create space, quality delivery, and players attacking the ball. Simple routines often work better than complex ones. Short corners work if you have technical players; delivered corners suit teams with aerial presence.

Practice under pressure. After a hard training session, ask players to take penalties while tired. Create consequences (loser does extra sprints). Penalties are mental as much as technical; simulate match pressure to prepare players.

Yes. Long throws can be as dangerous as corners. Quick throw-ins catch opponents off guard. Coaches like Tony Pulis and Rory Delap used long throws devastatingly. Practice routines and quality delivery like any other set piece.