The Domino Effect: How Mainz U19 Convert Corners Into Goals 2025/2026 – Set-Piece Analysis

Mainz U19s are a top case study of how to execute different individual and group principles in terms of winning space and using that to gain an advantage from set-pieces.

At the heart of this approach is the floating screen, a tool that helps attackers lose their markers and dominate the duel.

Unlike routines against zonal defenders, which rely on perfect timing and pinpoint delivery, the floating screen works because of its flexibility.

The attacker’s run dictates the routine, letting the screen setter focus on his opponent.

Add in decoy runs, deep starting positions, and well-timed overloads, and Mainz U19s show how good preparation can turn set-pieces into dangerous, repeatable moments.

As the statistics below show, despite ranking 30th in terms of corner kicks taken, Mainz scored more goals from these situations than any other side.

This shows how effective they really are, averaging a goal around every 10 corner kicks, which is one of the best ratios I have seen.

This tactical analysis will examine Mainz U19s attacking corner routines, focusing on how they use structured screens and well-timed runs to gain control of the penalty area.

We will explore how Mainz creates space for delivery and frees their target players, using a combination of floating screens, decoy runs, deep starting positions, and overloads to disrupt defensive organisation.