Creating a Set Piece Scouting Report

1. The Framework of a Set Piece Scouting Report

Before you can analyse an opponent, you need a system. A good scouting report isn't just a collection of random observations; it's a structured document that organises information logically so that you can draw clear conclusions. The most fundamental way to structure this is by splitting the analysis into two main phases: Offensive Set Pieces (what the opponent does when they have a set piece) and Defensive Set Pieces (how they set up when you have one).

A fantastic resource that outlines this professional workflow is an article by Manuel Núñez, a former analyst at Real Betis. Let's start by familiarising ourselves with the key questions you should be asking in each phase.

This framework gives you a clear structure. For any given opponent, you now have a template to follow:

• Offensive Analysis:
  • Corners (inswing/outswing, short/long, target zones, key movements)
  • Free Kicks (direct/indirect, wide/central, key movements)
• Defensive Analysis:
  • Corners (marking system, players left forward, vulnerabilities)
  • Free Kicks (wall setup, defensive line height, marking system)

Now, let's explore how to populate this framework using data and video.

2. Synthesising Data and Video

Modern analysis doesn't rely on video alone. The process typically starts with data to get a high-level overview, which then guides a more focused video analysis to uncover the tactical details.

Starting with Data

Data can quickly tell you if an opponent is unusually strong or weak in set-piece situations, helping you prioritise your analysis.

Look at the highlighted team, Watford. The key findings note they concede a higher than average Expected Assists (xA) from set pieces, but face fewer crosses than average. What could this tell you? One hypothesis might be: "Watford are generally good at preventing opponents from delivering set-piece crosses, but when a cross does get into the box, they are particularly vulnerable."

This data-driven hypothesis gives your video analysis a clear purpose: to find out why they are so vulnerable when a cross is delivered.

Deep Dive with Video: Identifying Tendencies

With your hypothesis in hand, you turn to video to find the specific, repeatable patterns—the tendencies—that explain the data. Let's look at an example of what to search for when analysing an opponent's attacking corners.

From that short analysis, your scouting notes on Arsenal's attacking corners might include:

• Tendency 1: Use a player to physically pin the near-post zonal defender.
• Tendency 2: Create a 'shield' of blockers around the penalty spot to protect the target area.
• Tendency 3: A designated player is tasked with blocking/disrupting the goalkeeper.
• Tendency 4: Will often deliver to the front zone multiple times to draw defenders forward, before suddenly targeting an overloaded back zone.

This is the essence of synthesising video. You're not just watching the game; you're deconstructing it into its core, repeatable components. The same process applies to all set pieces. For instance, an analysis of Cheltenham Town's throw-ins, as detailed in the video "Long Throws Explained", would reveal key tendencies like crowding the goalkeeper, aiming for near-post flick-ons, and positioning players to win the second ball.

When analysing an opponent's defensive tendencies, you are looking for the inverse. Are they using a zonal, man-marking, or hybrid system? Where do they leave space? Who is their weakest individual defender in the air? The Nacsport article you read earlier provides the perfect checklist for this.

3. A Practical Method for Observation and Note-Taking

Identifying all these details, especially during a live match, can be overwhelming. Developing a systematic way to watch and record information is crucial for efficiency and accuracy.

The following article offers a practical method called "deliberate practice" to improve your observational skills.

This methodical approach is key. You can create your own shorthand and checklist based on the Nacsport article. For example, when scouting a defensive corner, your quick notes might look like this:

• Setup: 1-4-3-1 (1 at post, 4 zonal across 6-yard box, 3 man-markers, 1 at edge of box)
• Marking: Hybrid
• Counter: 1 player left upfield (striker)
• Vulnerability: Zonal players are very ball-focused; space is created behind them as they step forward.

This turns a chaotic moment into structured, actionable data for your report.

Conclusion

Creating a professional scouting report is a systematic process of synthesising information. You move from a high-level data overview to detailed video analysis, all within a structured framework, to identify an opponent's habits and vulnerabilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Structure is Key: Organise your report into Offensive and Defensive phases for corners, free kicks, and throw-ins.
• Synthesise Data and Video: Use data to form a hypothesis (the "what") and video to uncover the tactical reasons (the "how" and "why").
• Identify Tendencies: Your goal is to find repeatable patterns of movement, delivery, and defensive organisation.
• Be Methodical: Develop a systematic approach to observation and note-taking using drills, shorthand, and checklists to ensure you capture the crucial details efficiently.

Preview of the Next Lesson:
This report is not an academic exercise; it's a tool for winning matches. Now that you know how to identify an opponent's tendencies, the next logical step is to formulate a plan to exploit them. In our next lesson, we will focus on how to design specific attacking routines to exploit an opponent's defensive vulnerabilities, using the intelligence you've gathered in your scouting report.