Tom Dent, First Team Assistant Coach at Vålerenga known for set-piece and tactical work, walks through the modern explosion of set plays. He explains why corners and restarts are now decisive. He outlines how to weave set pieces into game models, training and youth development. Practical culture and analysis tips are also discussed.
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insights INSIGHT
Specialism Made Set Piece Roles Standard
Football has followed other sports into specialism, creating dedicated set-piece roles and analysts.
Once high-profile success (e.g., Arsenal) appeared, clubs copied the model and adoption exploded in top leagues.
insights INSIGHT
Set Pieces Drive Modern League Success
Set pieces have shifted from a survival tool for weak teams to a defining strength of top teams.
Around 40–45% of goals recently came from set plays, so modern table toppers are also top set-piece teams.
insights INSIGHT
Corners Are A Strategic Fixed Opportunity
Corners are uniquely valuable because they are standardized and repeatable, unlike many free kicks.
That fixed geometry makes corners a strategic 'game within a game' where small tactical innovations pay off.
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In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen is joined by Tom Dent, First Team Assistant Coach at Vålerenga, to explore one of the biggest shifts in the modern game — the rise of set pieces.
Once seen as a secondary part of football, set plays are now a defining factor in performance. The best teams in the world are no longer just strong in open play — they dominate moments that restart the game.
In this conversation, we dive into:
How set pieces have evolved across the last 5–10 years
Why top teams are now leading the league in set play performance
How coaches can integrate set pieces into their game model
Practical ways to include set piece work in everyday training sessions
How youth coaches can begin developing these habits early
This is a must-listen for coaches looking to stay aligned with the modern game and build more complete players and teams.
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