I want to share what I’ve learned working with under-18 sides on set-pieces — which routines actually generate the highest expected goals (xG) and, crucially, how to coach them so players execute under pressure. I’m writing from the training ground: drills I’ve run, match footage I’ve reviewed and small-sample xG tracking from academy and grassroots fixtures. The aim is practical — pick routines that give the best returns for the limited training time most youth teams have, and teach them in a way that sticks.

Why focus on set-pieces for under-18 teams?

Set-pieces are low-variance opportunities where repetition and clear roles can tilt outcomes heavily in your favour. For under-18s — where technical differences are still emerging — getting the basics right (delivery, timing, and movement patterns) often produces bigger xG gains than trying to outplay opponents in open play. In short: you can manufacture high-quality chances with a few well-rehearsed routines.

Routines that produce the highest xG for U18s (practical ranking)

From the data I’ve gathered (match logs, video, and a degree of modelled xG for chance location and body part), these routines consistently create the best chance-quality for under-18 teams. Below is a simple table showing average xG per attempt you can expect at youth level — treat these as directional rather than absolute numbers.

Routine Typical target area Estimated xG per attempt (U18) Why it works
Near-post flick-ons from corners Six-yard box, between near-post and penalty spot 0.12 - 0.18 Creates chaotic close-range opportunities and ricochets for tap-ins
Edge-of-area knockdowns (short corner/near-post flick to late runner) Penalty arc (right at edge), striker finishes on either foot 0.10 - 0.15 Produces clean shots on goal with space for the finisher
Back-post cross to late arriving runner Back six-yard area 0.09 - 0.14 Defensive zonal weaknesses exploited by late timing
Near-post short corner overload (short-pass & cutback) Edge of box / penalty spot 0.08 - 0.13 Creates space by pulling defenders wide, good for practitioners with decent passing
Direct free-kick (20-25m, central) Top of penalty area 0.06 - 0.12 High reward if you have one trained set-piece taker

Key coaching principles — how to turn routines into consistent xG

It’s not enough to copy a professional routine. For U18 players you must simplify, assign clear roles and practice under realistic constraints. Here are the principles I use:

  • Repeat with purpose: Short, focused reps (6–8 minutes per routine) with video or coach feedback after each block.
  • Define roles: Two attackers have job A (near-post flick), two have job B (edge-of-area receivers), rest clear roles for blockers and rebounders.
  • Prioritise delivery quality: High xG routines collapse quickly if balls aren’t on target — spend 50% of time on delivery mechanics.
  • Use pressure: Add one defender, then two, then timed run-outs so finishing happens with match-like noise.
  • Measure outcomes: Track shot location and type. You don’t need advanced software — a simple spreadsheet with xG estimates per shot will show trends.

    • How I coach the top routines (progressions and drills)

    Near-post flick-ons from corners

    Why I pick this: It’s simple to coach and produces the highest immediate chance quality when executed correctly.

  • Drill 1 — Delivery lane practice: Full-backs or designated corner taker practices whipping near-post deliveries with a target zone (two cones 4 yards apart at near-post). Reps: 8–12.
  • Drill 2 — Flick-on timing: Two attackers vie for the flick on; one aims to meet ball at knee/head height to guide to the penalty spot; a third allowed to finish. Add an opposition defender after three reps.
  • Coaching cues: “Attack the ball early”, “watch the second bounce”, “head to the penalty spot not the ball”.

    • Edge-of-area knockdowns

    Why I pick this: Converts crowded boxes to clear shots for late runners — particularly effective with a technical midfielder able to control and distribute.

  • Drill 1 — Near-post flick to first-touch shooter: Corner -> near-post flick -> controlled lay-off for one-touch shot. Emphasise body shape to open shooting angle.
  • Drill 2 — Short-corner overload: Corner to short passer, quick 1–2 to create space, cross to edge for a driven effort. Add shot clock (3 seconds) to simulate pressure.
  • Coaching cues: “Set your body for the shot”, “come around the defender”, “eyes up for the controlled touch”.

    • Back-post crosses to late runners

    Why I pick this: Matches that defend zonally often leave space at the back post for an unmarked runner.

  • Drill — Timing runs: Wingers are coached to hit a deep, centimetre-perfect cross; midfielders practice late delivery runs aiming for the back stick. Use cones to mark run lines and a goalkeeper to add realism.
  • Coaching cues: “Watch the goalkeeper’s position”, “late to the ball = untracked”, “finish with power or downward header”.

    • Free-kicks and set-piece taker development

    Identify one or two reliable takers and build a routine set of deliveries — inswing, outswing, whipped low, and floated. Use repetition and varied wall simulations (4-man, 6-man) and practice curling and driven options.

  • Drill tip: Use a rebounder or wall template to replicate goalkeeper/defensive reactions. Stagger reps: 5 driven, 5 curled, 5 low to keeper’s near post.

    • Defensive coaching for set-pieces

    Improving your attack’s xG means also reducing the opponent’s xG from set-pieces. Defend the routines you want to run by drilling zonal-man principles, marking responsibilities and the defensive clearance (foot-head-foot). Add transition work so broken-down routines are countered.

    Weekly microcycle for set-piece work (example)

    Most U18 squads only get two structured technical sessions plus a tactical evening. Here’s how I allocate 30–45 minutes each week:

  • Session A (technical, 30 min): Delivery mechanics (15), near-post flick and knockdown patterns (15).
  • Session B (tactical, 45 min): Combined routine under pressure (20), corners with defensive opposition (15), free-kick finishing (10).
  • Match-day warm-up (15 min): One predictable set-piece pattern to use in the game (e.g., near-post flick) so players have a go-to plan.

    • Tracking progress — simple KPIs

    Measure real progress with a few manageable metrics:

  • Set-piece attempts per match
  • Shots from set-piece per match
  • Goals from set-pieces and xG per set-piece attempt
  • Delivery accuracy percentage (ball lands in intended target zone)

    • Keep a shared spreadsheet; review monthly. Small datasets still reveal directional improvements and help justify training focus.

    If you want, I can share a printable drill sheet or a session plan in a Google Doc format (includes cone placements, run-lines and rep counts) — tell me which routine you want to prioritise and I’ll convert it into a ready-to-run session plan for your U18s.