Sparta Praha are the current champions of the Czech First League, having achieved success under manager Brian Priske tactics in his first season with the club, securing their first league title since 2014.
In his second season in charge, Sparta is just one point behind Slavia Praha and is in its third consecutive cup final.
Their recent success even stems from Europe, where they dropped out of the UEFA Europa League at the round of 16 stages to favour Liverpool.
Praha has scored 14 goals from set pieces this season so far, and has clearly shown signs of a team that pays attention to set play preparation with their corner routines.
However, although they have scored many set plays, their dominance suggests they could be performing to an even higher standard.
From 225 corner kicks, only 3% have resulted in goals, indicating that there is room for improvement in one aspect or another.
In this tactical analysis, we will examine the tactics behind Sparta Prahas corner kicks, providing an in-depth analysis of how they utilise screens to create danger from corners.
This set-piece analysis will also examine the details behind why their structure has allowed them to sustain pressure from corner kicks and the potential areas for improvement to increase their 3% conversion rate.
Sparta Praha Attacking Structure
One thing that immediately stands out when you lay your eyes on Sparta Prahas set plays is their dominance in the penalty area after the initial duel.
Loose balls and the second phase of corners are eaten up by Sparta, allowing them to sustain pressure on their opponents through long-range shots and crosses back into the penalty area while the defensive side is still recovering from the initial delivery.
This is only possible because of Spartas bravery and ambition in their high and aggressive starting positions of the entire outfield unit.
In recent games, the setup has resembled the example below.
Two players attempt to create space around the six-yard line, whilst two attackers attempt to arrive in the space created.
We then see one attacker arriving at the back post, which enables him to attack rebounds and flicks while also being able to revive attacks if the cross is overhit by heading the ball back across.
One attacker is used to prevent the goalkeeper from claiming the ball, while three players are positioned around the box.
We will delve into this further later, but Spartas chances arise during the second phase rather than from the work done around the penalty spot.
With one player blocking the goalie, one on the far side of the penalty area, and three players around the box, Sparta have five players encompassing the defending side, whose primary responsibility is to keep the ball alive rather than attacking the ball and scoring.
The goalkeeper being
