FM Set Piece Guide

Set pieces in Football Manager are massively underrated. They can win matches, especially in tight games where creating open play chances is difficult. Yet many managers leave them on default and wonder why they concede from corners or can't convert theirs.

Attacking Corners

Basic Principles Your corner routine needs players with the right attributes attacking the right zones. Heading, Jumping Reach, and Bravery are essential. Assign your tallest, most physical players to the near post and penalty spot. Put your best header at the far post. Keep one or two players back to counter pressing.

Types of Corner

• Near Post Flick-On: Gamble on a quick flick to cause chaos. Works when you have a dominant aerial player who can get there first.
• Crowded Six-Yard Box: Load the six-yard box and hope for a scramble. High-risk but effective if you have multiple aerial threats.
• Edge of Box: Target the penalty spot for arriving midfielders. Great for players with good Long Shots who can volley.
• Short Routine: Keep possession and create a better crossing angle. Use this if your aerial threat is limited.

Who Should Take Corners? Corners (15+), Crossing (14+), and Technique (13+) are the key attributes. Left-footed players should take left-side corners, right-footed on the right. Check the Set Pieces -> Corners attribute to find your best taker.

Defending Corners

Zonal vs Man-Marking Zonal marking relies on players holding their area and attacking the ball. It works if you have tall, physical defenders with good Positioning (14+) and Anticipation (13+). Man-marking assigns each defender to an opposition player, which works better if your players are disciplined but maybe lack height.

Most top FM players use a hybrid: zonal for key zones (near post, six-yard box) and man-marking for dangerous runners.

Critical Zones to Cover

• Near post: Must be covered. So many goals come from near post flick-ons.
• Six-yard box: Your keeper's domain but needs defensive cover.
• Edge of box: Position a player with good tackling to block cutbacks.
• Penalty spot: Central danger area - always assign someone here.

Free Kicks

Direct Free Kicks For free kicks within 25 yards, your best Free Kick Taking (15+) player should be assigned. Check their preferred foot and positioning. Curve and Technique matter too. If you don't have a specialist, consider short free kicks or crossing into the box.

Indirect Free Kicks Set piece routines can unlock defences here. Have runners attacking different zones - near post, far post, edge of box. A player with good Passing can pick them out. Short free kicks that wrong-foot the wall are also effective.

Defending Free Kicks Form a wall with the right number of players (your goalkeeper will suggest how many). Ensure aggressive players with low Bravery aren't in the wall - they might flinch. Keep fast players outside the wall to close down quickly if the opposition goes short.

Penalties

Who Takes Your Penalties? Penalties (15+) and Composure (14+) are essential. Check the Penalty attribute in player profiles. Assign a first-choice taker and a backup. Don't rotate penalty takers - consistency breeds confidence.

Penalty Shootouts In knockout competitions, pre-assign your five takers before matches. Check their Penalties attribute and Composure under pressure. Avoid players with poor Composure even if their Penalties stat is decent - they'll miss when it matters.

Throw-Ins

Long Throws Massively underrated in FM. If you have a player with Long Throws (15+), use them near the opposition box. Set up your tallest players to attack the ball. It's essentially a corner without the keeper being able to claim it easily.

Short Throws For most throw-ins, keep it simple - retain possession and work the ball forward. Risky throw-ins in your own half often lead to turnovers.

Common Set Piece Mistakes

Leaving Routines on Default The default routines are average at best. Spend 20 minutes setting them up based on your squad's strengths. It's one of the highest-return time investments in FM.

Ignoring Defensive Organisation Conceding from set pieces is infuriating and often avoidable. Check your defensive setup - are you marking their best headers? Is the near post covered? Make sure your goalkeeper is set to "Comes for Crosses" if they have good Aerial Reach (15+).

Using the Wrong Players Putting short players on corners or weak headers defending them is asking for trouble. Match players to roles based on attributes, not just their outfield position.

Not Tracking Stats Check the Stats -> Team -> Set Pieces page to see your conversion rate. If you're scoring less than 10% of corners, your routine needs changing. If you're conceding more than you score, your defensive setup is the problem.