In this episode of the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast, Gary Curneen is joined by Tom Dent, First Team Assistant Coach at Vålerenga, to explore one of the biggest shifts in the modern game — the rise of set pieces.

Once seen as a secondary part of football, set plays are now a defining factor in performance. The best teams in the world are no longer just strong in open play — they dominate moments that restart the game.

In this conversation, we dive into:

How set pieces have evolved across the last 5–10 years

Why top teams are now leading the league in set play performance

How coaches can integrate set pieces into their game model

Practical ways to include set piece work in everyday training sessions

How youth coaches can begin developing these habits early

This is a must-listen for coaches looking to stay aligned with the modern game and build more complete players and teams.

A big thank you to Zone 14 Coaching for supporting this episode.

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