Defending set pieces

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

1. 
   
   One of the main talking points so far this season has been Stoke City’s “human sling-shot” Rory Delap and his long throws. The question we have to answer tactically, is how do you defend from a long throw? The most simple way to stop the threat to your goal from the long throw is to win the first ball.
   
   To do this I believe there needs to be a change in the positioning of your players who are in the zone where the ball will be delivered into (see diagram).
   
   Instead of marking “goal side”, which would be the usual way of defending a set-piece in the box, I believe you need to mark in front of the opposition.
   
   This will give you the best chance of getting to the ball first and should reduce the chances of your opponents flicking the ball on, which has caused so many problems for team’s this season.
   
   If the ball is flicked on, your tactic of marking in front should enable the player that is defending that zone to win the second ball and clear the danger.
   
   Alternatively your goalkeeper could clear the danger. As with defending any set-piece, make sure you match up your big players with the opposition’s big players for a maximum chance of success.
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2. 
   
   The one downside to defending from a long throw is the opposition can’t be flagged off-side. This means more often than not they will be positioned as deep as your goal line  to make it difficult for your goalkeeper to make contact with the ball.
   
   With this in mind I would also have a player on each post and every opponent in and around the box marked.
   
   Make sure you keep one player forward to occupy the opposition and to give you an outlet should you win possession and break on the counterattack.
   
   Take a look at step 3, which could improve your goalkeeper’s chances of claiming the ball.
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3. 
   
   A different approach to defending from a long throw is to keep your 6-yard box clear to make it easier for your goalkeeper to either catch or punch the ball.
   
   Having a crowded 6-yard box makes it difficult for the goalkeeper to come and claim the ball because not only do they have the opposition to get through, but also their own team-mates.
   
   Again the fact that the opposition can’t be offside from the throw, means you may have unmarked opposition in the box, which could prove to be a problem if your goalkeeper fails to make contact with the ball first.
   
   However, if you have a confident keeper who is good in the air, this tactic can be effective as they will only have the opposition to deal with should the ball be delivered into this area.

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