Attacking Set Piece Delivery Types
Inswinging Cross
An inswinging cross curves toward the goal, making it dangerous for defenders to clear and offering attacking players multiple scoring opportunities. The ball moves from the outside of the pitch inward, creating scenarios where goalkeepers must decide whether to claim the ball or trust their defensive line. For Liverpool, this delivery type often targets areas near the six-yard box, where forwards like Darwin Núñez or Diogo Jota can attack the ball with glancing headers or volleys. The trajectory forces defenders to face their own goal, increasing the likelihood of own goals or deflections. Liverpool’s set-piece coaches analyze opposition defensive structures to determine when an inswinging delivery creates the highest probability of a shot on target.
Outswinging Cross
The outswinging cross bends away from the goal, pulling defenders out of their natural positions and opening space for runs toward the near post or penalty spot. This delivery is particularly effective against teams that employ zonal marking, as the ball’s curve disrupts their pre-planned movements. Liverpool often uses outswinging deliveries from corner kicks to target the far post, where Virgil van Dijk or Joel Matip can use their height advantage. The trajectory also minimizes the goalkeeper’s ability to intercept the ball in crowded areas, giving attackers a cleaner chance to make contact. The effectiveness of this delivery depends on the kicker’s ability to generate enough spin and pace to beat the first defender.
Driven Cross
A driven cross is a low, fast delivery aimed at the area between the penalty spot and the six-yard box. This type bypasses tall defenders and forces the goalkeeper to react quickly, often leading to rebounds or scrappy goals. Liverpool uses driven crosses when facing deep defensive blocks, as the ball travels too quickly for defenders to adjust their positioning. The technique requires precise weight and placement; too hard and the ball sails past everyone, too soft and a defender intercepts. In training, Liverpool’s wingers practice driven crosses under pressure to replicate match conditions. The delivery pairs well with late runs from midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister, who can arrive unmarked to meet the ball.
Lofted Cross
A lofted cross hangs in the air, giving attackers time to time their jumps and position themselves for headers. This delivery is most effective against teams that defend with a high line, as the ball can drop behind the defensive line for forwards to run onto. Liverpool often uses lofted crosses from deep positions, particularly when Trent Alexander-Arnold switches play to the far post. The trajectory allows attackers to generate power from headers, making it a preferred method for scoring from set pieces. However, the slower pace gives defenders more time to react, so Liverpool’s set-piece routines often involve decoy runs to create space for the primary target.
Chipped Cross
A chipped cross is a delicate delivery that lifts the ball over defenders into a specific zone, often the space between the goalkeeper and the defensive line. This type requires exceptional technique and awareness, as the margin for error is small. Liverpool uses chipped crosses in open play when the opposition is caught in transition, allowing attackers to run onto the ball without breaking stride. From set pieces, a chipped cross can be effective when the defending team presses high, as the ball can bypass the first wave of pressure. The delivery demands that the kicker read the defensive shape quickly and execute with soft touch.
Low Driven Cross
The low driven cross skims the ground at pace, making it difficult for defenders to clear and for goalkeepers to smother. This delivery is particularly dangerous when attackers make near-post runs, as they can deflect the ball into the net with a simple touch. Liverpool employs low driven crosses against teams that defend deep and narrow, as the ball can slide through crowded penalty areas. The technique is similar to a driven cross but with a lower trajectory, often achieved by striking the ball with the inside of the foot while keeping the body over the ball. This delivery type is less common from set pieces but effective when the attacking team has numbers in the box.
Near-Post Delivery
A near-post delivery targets the area closest to the kicker, aiming for a flick-on or a direct header. This approach catches defenses off guard because most teams expect the ball to go to the far post or the center. Liverpool’s near-post deliveries often involve a short, sharp corner kick that finds a runner making a diagonal run toward the front post. The success of this delivery depends on the timing of the run and the quality of the cross; a poorly executed near-post ball can be easily cleared. When executed well, it creates immediate goal-scoring chances because the goalkeeper must cover the near post quickly.
Far-Post Delivery
A far-post delivery aims the ball toward the area furthest from the kicker, where attackers can attack it with full momentum. This delivery type is a staple of Liverpool’s set-piece play, particularly when targeting tall defenders like Van Dijk. The ball is usually lofted or driven to the far post, where a player can head it back across goal or direct it on target. Far-post deliveries force the goalkeeper to cover more ground, creating opportunities for rebounds if the initial header is saved. Liverpool’s set-piece routines often include a player stationed at the far post to receive these deliveries and either shoot or lay the ball off.
Short Corner
A short corner involves a quick pass to a nearby teammate rather than a direct cross into the box. This delivery type disrupts the defensive organization, forcing defenders to step out and create gaps in the penalty area. Liverpool uses short corners to recycle possession and find better angles for crosses or shots. The routine often involves two or three players exchanging passes before delivering a cross from a more advantageous position. While short corners have a lower immediate goal-scoring rate, they increase the likelihood of maintaining possession and creating clearer chances. Liverpool’s tactical analysis shows that short corners are particularly effective against teams that defend with numbers in the box.
Long Corner
A long corner is delivered to the far edge of the penalty area, often targeting a player who can head the ball back into the danger zone. This delivery type is useful when the attacking team has players with strong aerial ability stationed at the far post. Liverpool occasionally uses long corners to bypass a crowded near-post area, allowing for a controlled header or volley. The success of this delivery depends on the accuracy of the cross and the ability of the receiving player to direct the ball toward goal or to a teammate. Long corners are less common in modern football but remain a viable option against teams that overcommit to defending the near post.
Olimpico (Direct from Corner)
An Olimpico occurs when a corner kick goes directly into the goal without any player touching it. This delivery type requires exceptional spin and placement, as the ball must curve inside the far post while the goalkeeper is positioned to cover the near post. Liverpool has scored Olimpicos in its history, though they remain rare. The technique involves striking the ball with heavy spin using the outside of the foot, aiming for the area just inside the far post. The element of surprise is crucial; goalkeepers often position themselves to deal with crosses, leaving the near-post gap vulnerable.
Dinked Free Kick
A dinked free kick is a short, lofted delivery over the defensive wall into the path of a runner. This delivery type is used from indirect free kicks close to the penalty area, where a direct shot is not possible or advisable. Liverpool’s set-piece specialists practice dinked free kicks to find players making late runs into the box. The delivery requires precise weight and timing, as the ball must clear the wall but drop quickly enough for the attacker to reach it. This approach can catch defenses off guard, especially if they expect a direct cross or shot.
Driven Free Kick
A driven free kick is a powerful, low delivery aimed at the goal or into a specific zone. From set pieces, this delivery is used when the attacking team wants to bypass the defensive wall and force the goalkeeper to make a save. Liverpool uses driven free kicks from central positions, where the kicker can strike the ball with pace and accuracy. The technique involves hitting the ball with the laces while keeping the body over the ball to keep it low. This delivery type is less common from wide areas but can be effective when the goalkeeper is unsighted.
Curled Free Kick
A curled free kick bends around the defensive wall, targeting the corners of the goal. This delivery type is the hallmark of set-piece specialists like Trent Alexander-Arnold, who can generate significant spin and accuracy. Liverpool uses curled free kicks from positions just outside the penalty area, where the wall cannot cover the entire goal. The technique involves striking the ball with the inside of the foot, imparting spin that makes the ball swerve and dip. The success of this delivery depends on the kicker’s ability to judge the distance and the goalkeeper’s positioning.
Layoff from Free Kick
A layoff from a free kick involves a short pass to a teammate who then delivers the cross or shot. This delivery type creates unpredictability, as the defending team must react to the change in angle and pace. Liverpool uses layoffs to disrupt the defensive organization, often resulting in a more dangerous cross or a shot from a different position. The success of this delivery depends on the quality of the first touch and the ability of the receiving player to execute under pressure. This approach is particularly effective when the defending team expects a direct delivery.
Quick Free Kick
A quick free kick is taken immediately after the referee’s signal, catching the defense in transition. This delivery type relies on speed and surprise, as the attacking team can exploit gaps before the defense sets. Liverpool uses quick free kicks in advanced positions, particularly when the opposition is still organizing its wall or marking. The delivery can be a simple pass to a runner or a direct cross into the box. The key is that the kicker must recognize the opportunity quickly and execute with precision.
Headed Pass from Set Piece
A headed pass from a set piece involves a player using their head to redirect the ball to a teammate rather than shooting directly. This delivery type is common from corners and free kicks, where a player at the near post flicks the ball on to a teammate at the far post. Liverpool’s set-piece routines often include a designated flick-on player who can direct the ball into dangerous areas. The success of this delivery depends on the timing of the jump and the accuracy of the header. This approach can create high-quality chances because it disrupts the defensive structure.
Volley from Set Piece
A volley from a set piece occurs when a player strikes the ball before it touches the ground, typically from a cross or a knockdown. This delivery type requires exceptional technique and timing, as the player must adjust their body position to meet the ball cleanly. Liverpool’s players practice volleys from set pieces to add variety to their attacking options. The volley can be directed toward goal or laid off to a teammate, depending on the situation. This delivery type is less common but can produce spectacular goals when executed correctly.
What to Check
When evaluating attacking set piece delivery types, consider the following factors:
- Delivery quality: Does the kicker consistently beat the first defender and hit the intended zone?
- Defensive structure: How does the opposition organize its wall and marking?
- Attacking movement: Are Liverpool’s players making intelligent runs to meet the delivery?
- Goalkeeper positioning: Is the goalkeeper aggressive or conservative in dealing with crosses?
- Set-piece routines: Does Liverpool have specific routines that create mismatches or confusion?
Reader Comments (0)