What is a set piece in soccer?
A set piece in soccer is a restart taken with the ball standing still, such as a free kick, a corner kick or a throw-in. Because play has stopped, a team can plan where everyone stands and what the first pass will be.
Other names: set play, dead ball, restart.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Set Piece: diagram
How to use a set piece
- Have two choices ready before the restart, then use the one the other team leaves open.
- Take it quickly if the other team is not ready, or slowly if your team needs to get into place.
- Send runners to different places: near post, far post and the edge of the penalty area.
- Leave players back, so a clearance does not become a counterattack.
Common mistakes
- Having only one plan, which the other team can see and block.
- Everyone going forward for a corner, with nobody protecting the halfway line.
- Standing still and waiting for the ball instead of arriving as it comes in.
In 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal
In futsal a set piece has to be taken within four seconds, so teams decide before they put the ball down. In 7v7 the goal kick is the most important set piece, because the build-out line gives room for a short pass.
Questions about the set piece
What counts as a set piece in soccer?
Free kicks, corner kicks, throw-ins, goal kicks, penalty kicks and the kick-off. People most often mean free kicks and corners near the goal.
Why are set pieces important?
They are the only moments when a team can arrange its players before the ball moves. Our lessons teach having a first choice and a backup.
What is a dead ball?
The ball when play has stopped. A set piece is also called a dead-ball situation.
Lessons that teach it
- Wide Free Kick: Release the Wall at the Right Time (11v11 lesson)At a free kick the wall waits ten yards away (Law 13). Once a short kick moves, one wall player presses while everyone else keeps their job.
- Short Corner: Borrow One of Two Outlets (9v9 lesson)When Blue plays a corner short, a spare player helps our defender, so every runner in the middle stays marked.
- Kick-In: Have a Backup (Futsal lesson)Prepare two options before the restart, then use the one the defender leaves.
- A Goal Kick Needs Two Options (11v11 lesson)Give your goalkeeper choices. Read the opponent before deciding where the pass should go.
Related soccer terms
- CrossA pass from a wide area into the space in front of the goal.
- CutbackA pass from near the goal line back toward a teammate arriving in front of goal.
- CounterattackA fast attack straight after winning the ball, before the other team can get back into shape.
- MarkStaying close to an opponent, between them and your goal, so they cannot receive the ball easily.
- All soccer terms, A to Z92 soccer words in plain English, from advantage to yellow card, 18 with a diagram
- Soccer rules for kids16 rules explained for kids, each with a diagram: offside, handball, throw-ins and more
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.
Play the lesson: Wide Free Kick: Release the Wall at the Right Time