MSc DEGREE IN
SET PIECES IN FOOTBALL
COACHING, ANALYSIS & EXECUTION

This block provides the theoretical, historical, methodological, and strategic foundations for understanding the set piece as an essential phase of the game. Through an analysis of its evolution throughout football history, the cultural differences in its application, and specific comprehensive understanding of the rationale behind each set piece. Furthermore, the principles governing its tactical integration within a team’s game model are explored, preparing students to plan, justify, and defend technical decisions from a grounded and current perspective.

1.1. History, evolution and tactical culture of the set piece

• 1.1.1. Historical evolution of the set piece in international tournaments
• 1.1.2. Trends and styles by country (South America, Europe, Asia)
• 1.1.3. Influence of the regulations and VAR on current execution
• 1.1.4. Case studies: Italy 2006, Germany 2014, Argentina 2022

1.2. Actual Set Piece Trends

• 1.2.1. Dominant trends in offensive corners (2020–2025)
• 1.2.2. Free-kick evolution in the modern game
• 1.2.3. Defensive innovation against SPs

1.3. Set Plays Importance and Recent Historical Development in Elite Football

• 1.3.1. Growing impact of Set Plays in modern football outcomes
• 1.3.2. Coaching and institutional transformation
• 1.3.3. Tactical identity and match design around SP
• 1.3.4. Coordination with other areas of the technical staff

This block focuses on an in-depth analysis of set pieces from a tactical and structural perspective. It examines the different models of offensive and defensive organization, the most common execution patterns in professional football, and the technical response a coaching staff must develop to these behaviors. Students will learn to design plays, analyze opponents’ plays, and adapt creative and effective solutions based on the context. Through the study of structures, advanced scouting, and the development of adaptive plays, professionals are equipped to intervene precisely and effectively in one of the most decisive phases of the game.

2.1. Marking systems, positioning and structures

• 2.1.1. Defensive marking models: individual, zonal and mixed
• 2.1.2. Offensive positioning according to the taker and finisher profile
• 2.1.3. Individual roles and responsibilities in each structure
• 2.1.4. Rest defending and 2nd Phase in Set Pieces

2.2. Data and Metrics in Set Piece Analysis

• 2.2.1. Fundamental metrics for set-piece evaluation
• 2.2.2. Tactical profiling through data
• 2.2.3. Dashboards, software and applied scouting

2.3. The other Set Pieces

• 2.3.1. Penalties and shootouts
• 2.3.2. Throw-ins by field zone
• 2.3.3. Kick-off and rare dead ball situations

Overview This block focuses on the applied practice of managing set pieces across the full performance cycle: from the design and teaching process to innovation based on opponent analysis, and finally to decision-making during the match. Students will gain the methodological tools to implement structured SP training within team microcycles, design creative routines tailored to opponent behaviors, and make tactical interventions live during matches. The block emphasizes clarity, adaptability, and creative problem-solving—skills essential for any coach specializing in this decisive phase of the game.

3.1. Set Piece Training Methodology

• 3.1.1. Planning SP work within the weekly microcycle
• 3.1.2. Coaching methodology for SP sessions
• 3.1.3. Evaluating and adjusting set piece training

3.2. Creating Creative Set Pieces from Analysis and how to coach them

• 3.2.1. Analysis as the foundation of creativity
• 3.2.2. Designing creative routines
• 3.2.3. Coaching and consolidating creative routines

3.3. Game Direction in Set Pieces

• 3.3.1. In-game reading and live tactical decisions
• 3.3.2. Halftime and limited-time coaching
• 3.3.3. Substitutions, injury and final minutes management

The Master’s Final Project represents the comprehensive conclusion of the program, allowing students to apply the knowledge acquired throughout the master’s program in a realistic, rigorous, and autonomous manner. Through this project, students will develop an analytical, tactical, or technological project related to set pieces, either from a perspective applied to sports performance, from a tactical innovation perspective, or through the development of predictive models. The project may be based on real data, videos of professional teams, intervention proposals, or theoretical and practical research, and will be developed with the support of an expert tutor.

This block is mandatory for those wishing to obtain certification as a European Master (UCAM University).

4.1. Possible project modalities

4.2. Phases of the final work

4.3. Evaluation

The in-person week at The University of North Carolina Wilmington (optional) represents one of the distinguishing pillars of the Master’s in Soccer Set Pieces. Conceived as an international immersion program, this program combines high-level theoretical and practical sessions with unique cultural and sporting experiences. Over five days, students will experience soccer from a global perspective, develop set pieces with real university players, work alongside American coaches, and strengthen their network of contacts in an excellent academic environment.

• Day 1 – Welcome and introduction to US college football
• Day 2 – Fundamentals of SET PLAY in an American context
• Day 3 – Training, data, and applied analysis
• Day 4 – Tactical preparation and professional presentation
• Day 5 – Evaluation, networking and closing
• Days 6 and 7 – Fun weekend: Attending a game, visiting stadiums, teams, excursions, sightseeing, etc.