Attacking Set Piece Near Post Runs

What Is a Near Post Run in Attacking Set Pieces?

A near post run on an attacking set piece refers to the movement of one or more attacking players toward the front post of the goal—the post closest to the ball from the kicker’s perspective—immediately after the ball is delivered. This tactical action is designed to create scoring opportunities by exploiting the space between the goalkeeper and the first defender, forcing defensive reactions that open up space elsewhere in the box. For Liverpool, a club with a rich tradition of set piece innovation under various coaching regimes, the near post run has evolved from a simple attacking ploy into a layered tactical weapon.

The Tactical Purpose of Near Post Runs

The primary function of a near post run is to occupy and destabilize the defending team’s zonal or man-marking structure. When a Liverpool forward or midfielder makes a hard, direct run toward the near post, they force the nearest defender to either track the movement or leave the space unguarded. If the defender follows, the near post runner can flick the ball on toward the far post or into the six-yard box for a teammate arriving later. If the defender stays, the runner may receive the ball directly, with the goalkeeper often caught in a difficult position between coming off the line and staying deep.

Liverpool’s tactical system, particularly under the current head coach, has frequently used near post runs as decoys. The runner may never intend to win the ball; instead, the run is designed to drag a defender out of position, creating a pocket of space for a secondary runner arriving at the far post or for a target man attacking the center of the goal. This principle of “creating space by occupying space” is central to how the Reds approach corner kicks, free kicks, and even indirect set pieces from wide areas.

Key Variations of the Near Post Run

The Flick-On Near Post Run

This is the most direct application. A Liverpool player—often a central defender or a physically strong midfielder—makes a curved or straight run toward the near post, aiming to meet the ball early. The objective is not to score directly but to redirect the ball with a glancing header or a deft touch toward the far post, where teammates are positioned for a tap-in. This variation requires precise timing and a high level of coordination between the kicker and the runner.

The Decoy Near Post Run

Here, the runner makes an aggressive, full-speed sprint toward the near post but deliberately lets the ball run past them. The intention is to draw the attention of the goalkeeper and the near-post defender, creating a momentary distraction. Meanwhile, the real attacking threat comes from a player arriving late at the far post or from a short corner option that exploits the space vacated by the defender who tracked the decoy runner.

The Near Post Check Run

This involves a player initially moving toward the near post, then checking their run back toward the penalty spot or the edge of the six-yard box. The change of direction can confuse defenders who are trying to maintain their zonal positions. Liverpool midfielders have been known to use this movement to create separation for a header or volley from a delivery that is slightly deeper than expected.

Defensive Vulnerabilities Exploited by Near Post Runs

Defending teams that employ a zonal marking system on set pieces often leave the near post area vulnerable if their first defender is slow to react or if the goalkeeper is hesitant to come off the line. A well-executed near post run forces the goalkeeper to make a split-second decision: stay on the line and risk a flick-on, or come out to claim the ball and risk being caught out of position if the runner wins the header.

Man-marking systems are also susceptible. If a defender is assigned to track a Liverpool player making a near post run, they may be dragged out of their zone, leaving a gap that another Reds attacker can exploit. This is particularly effective when Liverpool uses multiple runners from different starting positions, creating a “flood” effect that overwhelms the defending team’s marking assignments.

Liverpool’s Historical Use of Near Post Runs

Under previous Liverpool managers, the near post run has been a staple of the club’s attacking set piece repertoire. During the successful periods in the Premier League and Champions League, the Reds consistently ranked among the top teams in goals scored from set pieces, with near post runs playing a significant role. The combination of physical presence, precise delivery, and intelligent movement made Liverpool a constant threat from dead-ball situations.

The current Liverpool squad continues to emphasize this tactic. With forwards who are adept at making late runs and defenders who can win aerial duels, the near post run remains a key component of the team’s match analysis and tactical preparation. Opponents often dedicate significant training time to countering Liverpool’s near post threats, which speaks to the effectiveness of the approach.

How to Identify a Near Post Run During a Match

When watching a Liverpool set piece, look for the following cues:

• A player starting from the edge of the penalty area or the far post making a sudden, explosive movement toward the near post as the ball is kicked.
• The kicker aiming the delivery slightly in front of the near post, rather than directly at the penalty spot.
• A secondary runner timing their movement to arrive at the far post just after the near post runner has made contact or let the ball run.
• The goalkeeper’s body language—if they are caught flat-footed or hesitate, the near post run has likely achieved its objective.

Common Mistakes in Executing Near Post Runs

Even at the highest level, near post runs can go wrong. The most frequent errors include:

• Poor timing: The runner arrives too early or too late, either being offside or failing to meet the ball.
• Predictable movement: If the run is always the same, defenders can anticipate and block the space.
• Lack of secondary options: If the near post run is the only threat, defenders can focus solely on stopping it.
• Overcomplication: Trying to execute a flick-on or decoy when a simple direct run would be more effective.

What to Check When Analyzing Liverpool’s Near Post Set Pieces

• Delivery quality: Is the ball flight, pace, and trajectory consistent with the type of run being attempted?
• Runner selection: Which player is making the near post run, and what are their physical attributes? A taller, stronger player may be used for a flick-on, while a quicker, smaller player might be the decoy.
• Defensive reaction: How does the opposing goalkeeper and first defender respond to the run? Do they commit or stay?
• Secondary threats: Where are the other Liverpool players positioned, and how do they react to the near post run? This will reveal whether the run is a primary or decoy tactic.
• Pattern recognition: Does Liverpool use the same near post setup repeatedly, or do they vary the type of run based on the opponent’s defensive setup?

Related Tactical Concepts

For a deeper understanding of how near post runs fit into Liverpool’s broader tactical approach, consider exploring the following topics:

• In-Game Adjustments — how the Reds adapt their set piece strategies during a match.
• Player Role Breakdown — the specific responsibilities of Liverpool forwards and defenders in dead-ball situations.
• Match Analysis Tactics — a broader look at how Liverpool’s set piece efficiency is evaluated post-match.