Know your role
“In hockey set-pieces are crucial. You may only get two or three opportunities in a match so you have to make them count, and it’s the same with football. In training, particularly near to matchday, you really have to hone your set-pieces. Every player needs to know their role and what they’re doing for each set-piece routine.”
Be innovative
“Set-pieces are a great weapon for an attacking side but they can become predictable and easy to defend. You need to be innovative and have more than one set-piece in your locker. Players also have to be ready to follow up and pounce if there’s a rebound due to the goalkeeper not getting to the ball first time.”
Focus on weakness
“Even without the high-tech analysis tools and equipment available at the top level, you need to pay attention to the potential gaps and opportunities available to you. Is a particular defender slow? Is another easy to turn? What way is the goalkeeper more comfortable diving? All these little things can make a big difference.”
Also see:
What your game can learn from... Long Jump
What your game cane learn from... Hurdling
What your game can learn from... Handball
What your game can learn from... Snooker
What your game can learn from... Darts
What you can learn from... Rugby Union
What you can learn from... Rugby League
What your game can learn from... Long distance running
What you can learn from... Cycling
