Int J Sports Med
DOI: 10.1055/a-2563-0323
Review

Unlocking the power of set pieces in men’s professional football – a scoping review

Hugo Sarmento
1   University of Coimbra, CIPER, FCDEFUC, Coimbra, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN37829)
,
José Afonso
2   Centre of Research, Education, Innovation, and Intervention in Sport (CIFI2D), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN224740)
,
3   Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo Escola Superior de Desporto e Lazer, Melgaco, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN386417)
4   Sport Physical Activity and Health Research & Innovation Center, Instituto Politecnico de Viana do Castelo Escola Superior de Desporto e Lazer, Melgaço, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN386417)
5   Department of Biomechanics and Sport Engineering, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland (Ringgold ID: RIN74802)
,
Élvio Rúbio Gouveia
6   Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, Funchal, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN56057)
7   LARSYS, Interactive Technologies Institute, Funchal, Portugal
,
Nestor Ordoñez-Saavedra
8   Research Group in Sports Science and Physical Activity, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sports Science Program, University of Applied and Environmental Sciences, Bogota, Colombia (Ringgold ID: RIN157898)
,
9   N2i, Instituto Politécnico da Maia; Universidade da Maia, Universidade da Maia, Maia, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN112130)
,
Joel Barrera
1   University of Coimbra, CIPER, FCDEFUC, Coimbra, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN37829)
,
Adam Field
10   Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (Ringgold ID: RIN5289)
,
1   University of Coimbra, CIPER, FCDEFUC, Coimbra, Portugal (Ringgold ID: RIN37829)
7   LARSYS, Interactive Technologies Institute, Funchal, Portugal
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

Set pieces represent a crucial moment in football analysis but have yet to receive as much attention as other football moments or physical and physiological elements. This systematic review summarized the literature surrounding set-pieces in professional football players. The studies were included if the sample comprised adult male football players competing in tiers 3–5, and set pieces were examined (i.e., penalties, corners, free kicks, and throw-ins). A total of 95 studies met the eligibility criteria. Most studies investigated penalties (44%) and corners (20%), while free-kicks and throw-ins have not yet been examined extensively. Characteristics of penalty kickers, penalty placement, goalkeepers’ actions and contextual factors affected the accuracy of penalties. Corners’ success was dependent on the type of delivery (i.e., inswing or outswing), the number of players in the penalty area and contextual factors. Constraints associated with the task, individual and environment were associated with the execution of free kicks. Throw-ins seemed essential to keep the ball in possession, although the literature was scarce. The characteristics of set pieces should take into account the defensive organization of the opposing team, as they are particularly important for creating goal-scoring opportunities and influencing the match result.



Publication History

Received: 21 July 2024

Accepted after revision: 14 March 2025

Article published online:
11 April 2025

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