In modern football, set-pieces have moved from afterthoughts to strategic weapons. But to improve your team’s output from corners, free kicks, and throw-ins, there’s one thing you need before tactics: measurement.

A KPI dashboard isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the backbone of a data-informed set-piece approach. Below is a step-by-step framework to build one that helps you monitor, optimize, and evolve your set-piece performance.

1. Define the Objectives of Your Set-Piece Dashboard

Every metric should serve a purpose. Ask yourself:

• Do we want to increase goal output from set-pieces?

• Are we aiming to tighten our defensive structure?

• Do we want to measure execution consistency of rehearsed routines?

By setting clear objectives, your dashboard becomes a tactical tool, not just a data display.

2. Segment Your KPIs Into Functional Categories

To gain meaningful insights, structure your KPIs into three main blocks:

A. Offensive KPIs

These track your team’s ability to turn set-pieces into scoring chances:

• Goals scored from corners and free kicks

• xG from set-pieces

• Delivery accuracy into specific zones (e.g., far post, 6-yard box)

• First-contact win percentage

• Conversion rate per routine (e.g., near-post flick, central run, second-phase shot)

• Second-ball recovery rate—often overlooked, but crucial

B. Defensive KPIs

These assess how well your team defends against opponent set-plays:

• Goals conceded and xGA from set-pieces

• Opponent’s first-contact win rate

• Shots allowed per 10 defensive set-pieces

• Zone vulnerability (where do most threats come from?)

• Conceded routines (short corners, overloads, direct deliveries)

C. Execution & Tactical KPIs

Measure internal consistency and tactical discipline:

• Routine execution accuracy

• Delivery precision per set-piece taker

• Blocker success rate (clearing space without fouling)

• Target player involvement (headers, duels, goals)

• Variation index (how often different routines are used)

3. Visualize to Recognize Patterns

Dashboards work best when they are visually clear. Use heatmaps for target zones, graphs to show trends over time, and player dashboards for role-specific stats (e.g., your main aerial threat, your screener, your short-option receiver).

Example visualization tools:

• Excel/Google Sheets (for static dashboards)

• Tableau or Power BI (for dynamic, shareable dashboards)

• Tactical boards to annotate routines with outcomes

4. Use KPIs to Guide Set-Piece Decisions

A high xG but low goal conversion? Revisit finishing and positioning.
Low delivery accuracy? Change your taker or work on technique.
Too predictable? Introduce new routines or rotate patterns.

KPI insights should feed directly into:

• Training focus areas

• Routine selection on matchday

• Opponent-specific planning

5. Don’t Forget to Track the Second Phase

Many goals don’t come from the initial contact—they come from the second phase. Track:

• Ball recovery zone

• Number of passes until shot

• Final shooter positioning

This helps you identify hidden contributors and optimize your rest-defense positioning.

6. Continuous Feedback Loop

Make your dashboard part of the post-match review. Encourage players to engage with their own metrics—especially those in specialized roles like blockers, screeners, or throw-in targets.

The best set-piece teams don’t just prepare—they adapt and improve through data.

Conclusion: The Tactical Edge You Can Build

Building a KPI dashboard is not about overwhelming your team with numbers—it’s about bringing structure, clarity, and accountability to your set-piece plan.

When every player knows what’s measured, they start to focus on the details that matter. When coaches can track trends, they can make smarter, faster decisions.

In the end, what you measure is what you can master.