Set Pieces drills for U12–U13 players, with diagrams and coaching points.
9v9 is where set pieces start to genuinely matter. Players at this age can deliver a ball with real pace and accuracy for the first time, which turns a corner or free-kick from a simple restart into a repeatable goal-scoring routine — if it's actually practised. The 11 drills below cover attacking and defending corners, direct and indirect free-kicks, and throw-ins. Keep it simple: 10-15 minutes per session on 3-4 core routines beats 30 minutes trying to install everything at once.
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View drill →Why do set pieces matter more at U12-U13?
9v9 introduces more structured attacking and defending shape than younger formats, and players are physically able to deliver a ball with real pace and accuracy for the first time. A well-drilled corner or free-kick routine at this age can be a genuine goal-scoring source rather than just a restart.
How much training time should U12-U13 sessions spend on set pieces?
10-15 minutes per session is enough to build a small number of reliable routines — corners, one attacking free-kick shape, one defending free-kick shape, and a throw-in routine. Trying to install too many variations at once means players remember none of them under match pressure.
What equipment do you need for set-piece practice?
Cones to mark the wall and runner starting positions, a mini-goal or full goal to deliver into, and enough footballs that the routine can be repeated several times without a ball-retrieval delay breaking the rhythm. See our full equipment guide for the complete kit list.
Should every player practise set pieces, or just specialists?
Everyone should know their role in the team's core routines — even players who never take a corner need to know where to stand and what run to make. Reserve dedicated delivery practice (corners, direct free-kicks) for the 2-3 players who'll actually take them in matches.