Set Piece

A “set piece” is any restart of play after a stoppage — like a free kick, corner kick, or penalty — where the ball is “set” before being played.

Example:

“Fulham score from a set piece!” means they’ve scored directly or indirectly from a planned restart situation.

Why It Matters

Set pieces are the most choreographed moments in football. Teams spend hours practicing routines to exploit defensive weaknesses — a flicked header here, a back-post run there.

Everyday Comparison (U.S. Sports)

Think of it like a designed play in basketball or a red-zone set in football: a moment when precision and preparation matter more than chaos.