// team · advanced · 24 min

📌 Set-Piece Renew 6v6

Restart patterns into open play with conditions.

team 24 min passing

24:00

remaining

Duration presets

Steps

Step 1 — content TBD: add setup, coaching cues, reps, and rest.
Step 2 — content TBD: add setup, coaching cues, reps, and rest.
Step 3 — content TBD: add setup, coaching cues, reps, and rest.

Make it easier or harder

Easier: Remove 2 defenders — makes it easier to practice second-phase attacks before competitive defending pressure is added. Try: 4v4 Set & Flow.

Harder: Defending team immediately counter-attacks with 3 players after clearing — forces the attacking renewal players to win the ball quickly or transition to defense. Next: 7v7 Final Third.

// more about this drill

Why this drill matters

Set-play renewal — immediately retaining and extending an attack after a set piece has been partially cleared or defended — is one of the least practiced and most impactful skills in team football. Many teams work hard on the initial set piece delivery but fail to capitalize on the 'second phase' after the first delivery is cleared. This drill specifically trains the secondary attack: winning the clearance, recycling quickly, and attacking from the new position before the defense resets.

What you'll need

Multiple balls for quick restarts
Cones for a 40×30 yard area
One full-size goal with goalkeeper
12 players: 6 attacking, 6 defending
Bibs
Coach or feeder to simulate set-piece deliveries

Coaching points

Set-piece delivery: coach or feeder delivers a ball into the box (corner, free kick, or throw-in). The attacking team attacks the first ball, the defending team clears.
Second-phase positioning: 2 attacking players must always be positioned outside the box to receive clearances — they are the 'renewal point' of the attack.
Winning the clearance: when the defense clears, the 2 renewal players compete for the second ball. Whichever team wins it immediately enters a live 6v6.
Recycling the attack: if the renewal player wins the clearance, they should set the ball wide or back for immediate re-delivery — not dribble into a crowded penalty area.
Defending the renewal: the defending team that clears must immediately press the renewal players to prevent a second delivery — no passive watching of the clearance.

Common mistakes

All 6 attackers crowd the penalty area — no one is in position to contest the clearance. 2 players must hold outside at all times.
The second phase is treated as a reset — players walk back to their positions after the first clearance instead of immediately contesting the second ball.
Renewal players stand still — they should be moving to anticipate where the clearance will land, not standing in one spot hoping to receive it.
No plan for the second delivery — the renewal player wins the ball but has no predetermined option. Establish a second delivery routine as part of the set-piece plan.
Defending team doesn't press the clearance — they stop defending the moment the ball is cleared and give the attacking team a free second delivery.

When to use this drill

Use in set-piece sessions, or as a specialist drill before matches where the opponent is poor at defending second phases of set plays. Also valuable in any session focused on attacking box play and finishing from varied angles.

Frequently asked questions

What positions should the 2 renewal players play?

Typically the deepest midfielder and one wide player — positioned 18–22 yards from goal to contest clearances that travel to the edge of the box.

Can renewal players score directly from a clearance?

Yes — a first-time shot from a clearance is one of the most dangerous attacking moments in football. Coach renewal players to shoot on sight.

How do we practice set-play renewal for corners specifically?

Position the renewal players at the edge of the penalty area and near the corner of the box — these are the two most common clearance landing zones from corners.

What if the first delivery always leads to a goal?

Excellent — but still practice the renewal. In matches, many first deliveries are cleared. Building the renewal habit ensures the team never 'switches off' after the initial delivery.