Simple facts are we don't do enough work on set pieces and Rafa still has to learn that in the prem set pieces are fundamental to success
I must admit I find it really hard to believe that a manger in Rafa's mould, who actually has invented zonal marking on defensive set-pieces(EDIT: In it's pure form at LFC) don't know the importance of offensive set-pieces.
In fact I'm pretty sure there is a certain deadballplan every match. Opponents often line up in a similar way, both offensive and defensive, and the video analysis will point out the direction of how we should try to convert set-pieces into goals.
But you can have the best plans in the world. As long as the delivery isn't good enough...it won't work.
In my opinion we aim mostly at Sami at corners. He lines up in front of the keeper. And moved a couple of yards out from the goalline when the corner goes. That should mean that a well struck ball, curling in to wards Sami's head would be ideal, since few people beat Sami in the air.
The problem is:
A - It's obvious that Gerrard tries to hit him, but he cant lift them well enough, and the man on the first post clears the ball WAY TOO MANY times. The solution is to either change tactics, or change Gerrard. I would do both to be honest. As someone already has pointed out...Sami isn't exactly the most mobile player there is...so then we make it difficult for ourselves.
B - At corners it's pretty easy to take out people. A little shirtholding, a little blocking...and even the best headers are transformed into average ones. Attacking space is the best solution at corners, and we don't do that very good at all IMO. Terry has to be the prime example of how it can be done. It's not a coincidence that little Luis sometimes seems to be the player who gets at the end of corners most times. He's smart, and he moves well inside the box. He dummies defenders, and don't need height or strength to reach the ball. Most of the time it's about getting in the front seat. Garcia, Morientes, Kewell, Cisse, Fowler, Gerrard and Carragher are capable of this, and I have seen them all do that.
So...
My suggestion would be to put Crouch at the first post, to flick the balls. Put Sami at the back post for winning floating corners (he wins those 9 out of 10). And let "the others" attack pre-defined spaces, and hope that the balls will hit them. Most likely the opponents best headers would be put on Sami and Crouch, leaving the dangerous space available for the "lesser" players to attack.
It would give us three opportunities every fucking time.
And letting Gerrard give the ball to the defender at the 1st post wouldn't be one of it...