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FM26: Set Piece Tactics to Score Goals with Defenders
This video presents set-piece tactics (corner kicks and free kicks) in Football Manager 2026, designed to maximize goal-scoring opportunities, especially with defenders. Specific setups are detailed for corner kicks (from both sides), direct free kicks, and indirect free kicks, emphasizing the importance of players with good heading skills and accurate crosses.
1. ⚽ Corner Kick Tactic: In-Swinger to the Near Post
- ✅ Delivery type: In-swinger.
- ✅ Aim for the near post.
- ✅ Player assignments:
- A1: Attack the near post.
- A2: Attack the far post.
- A3: Lurk at the far post.
- A4: Mark the goalkeeper (crucial to prevent the goalkeeper from coming out).
- ✅ Players outside the area:
- C1: Go short.
- C2: Lurk outside the area, near side.
- C3: Lurk outside the area, center.
- ✅ Defenders (D1 and D2): Stay back.
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| In-swinger | The ball curves towards the goal, increasing the probability of a direct shot. |
| Mark the goalkeeper | Prevents the goalkeeper from intervening at the near post, creating opportunities for the attackers. |
00:00 - 01:25
1. ⚽ Corner Kick Tactic: In-Swinger to the Near Post
- ✅ Delivery type: In-swinger.
- ✅ Aim for the near post.
- ✅ Player assignments:
- A1: Attack the near post.
- A2: Attack the far post.
- A3: Lurk at the far post.
- A4: Mark the goalkeeper (crucial to prevent the goalkeeper from coming out).
- ✅ Players outside the area:
- C1: Go short.
- C2: Lurk outside the area, near side.
- C3: Lurk outside the area, center.
- ✅ Defenders (D1 and D2): Stay back.
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| In-swinger | The ball curves towards the goal, increasing the probability of a direct shot. |
| Mark the goalkeeper | Prevents the goalkeeper from intervening at the near post, creating opportunities for the attackers. |
01:26 - 02:27
2. 🔄 Variation for the Right Side and Emphasis on Effectiveness
- ✅ The setup for corner kicks from the right side is basically the same, also using an in-swinger.
- ✅ This corner kick tactic is highly effective, resulting in many goals.
02:28 - 03:33
3. 🎯 Direct Free Kick Tactic: Threat from Distance
- ✅ Players in the area (B1 and B2): Go forward to create confusion and shooting options.
- ✅ Outside the area:
- C1: Standing shooter.
- C2: Lurk outside the area, near side.
- ✅ Defenders (D1): Lurk outside the area, far side.
- ✅ Defenders (D2, D3, D4, D5): Stay back, but D2 should advance if it is not necessary for him to stay back.
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Standing shooter | A player with good free kick ability is positioned to shoot directly at the goal. |
| Go forward | Players move into the area to create shooting options and divert the attention of the defenders. |
03:34 - 05:30
4. 📐 Lateral Free Kick Tactic: In-Swinger for Finishers
- ✅ Delivery type: In-swinger (works for both the left and right sides).
- ✅ Aim for a mixed zone (or the best finisher).
- ✅ Player assignments:
- A1: Attack the near post.
- A2 and A3: Go forward.
- A4: Attack the far post.
- ✅ Players outside the area:
- C1: Stay with the taker.
- C2: Lurk outside the area, near side.
- ✅ Defenders:
- D1 and D2: Stay back.
- D3: Stay back if necessary, otherwise, lurk outside the area, near side.
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| In-swinger | The ball curves towards the goal, making it easier to head. |
| Attack the near/far post | Players seek to position themselves to shoot the ball in the most dangerous areas. |
05:31 - 07:19
5. ✨ Deep Free Kick Tactic: Short Pass and Cross to the Area
- ✅ Objective: The taker passes the ball to a nearby teammate who then crosses into the area.
- ✅ Aim for the best header of the ball.
- ✅ Player assignments:
- E1: Attack the far post.
- E2 and E3: Attack the near post.
- E4: Attack the far post.
- ✅ Players outside the area:
- C1: Lurk outside the area, near side.
- C2: Lurk outside the area, far side.
- ✅ Defenders:
- D1 and D2: Stay back.
- D3: Stay back if necessary, otherwise, go forward.
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Best header of the ball | Ensures that the cross is directed to the player with the highest probability of scoring with a header. |
| Short pass and cross | Creates an opportunity to cross into the area from a closer position, increasing accuracy. |
07:20 - 10:31
6. 💰 Acquisition of Key Players and Additional Corner Kick Demonstration
- ✅ The video shows how the creator acquired key players at relatively low prices.
- ✅ Additional examples of goals scored through the corner kick tactic are shown, highlighting its consistency and effectiveness.