corner
Corners are a common but incredibly crucial weapon in football, capable of making the difference between victory and defeat. Approximately 2-3% of all corners result in a direct goal—and that's no coincidence! Teams employ a variety of strategies to maximize every corner, both offensively and defensively. Here are the crucial tactics you need to know to dominate every corner!
Do you also want to get the most out of every set piece? Register today for a free initial consultation and get started with your corner strategy to always be one step ahead of your opponents!
offensive corner strategies
High cross: A high cross is delivered into the six-yard box to give the headers the opportunity to head the ball. This tactic is particularly effective if you have strong headers on your team and the opposition defence is vulnerable to high balls. It is good if the opposition is weak in the air or has no clear defensive strategy when crossing.
There are different variants:
✓ High cross to the first post: A precise cross to the first post, often for a quick header.
✓ High cross to the second post: A cross to the second post, ideal for players who have more time to position themselves.
✓ High cross into the six-yard box: High cross into the central area of the six-yard box to involve strong headers.
✓ High cross to the penalty spot: A cross high to the penalty spot to set up the ball for a shot or header.
✓ High cross to the edge of the box: Cross to the edge of the box to set up a player for a long-range shot.
✓ High cross into the near corner: Cross into the near corner to test the goalkeeper and exploit a gap in the near corner.
Short corner: The ball is played short to create a better angle for the cross or a targeted new attacking situation. This strategy is used when the opponent is playing with tight coverage or when the cross from the corner is not easy to make. It allows the attacking team to change position and use the space more effectively.
Direct corner: A direct shot on goal can surprise the defense, especially if the goalkeeper is poorly positioned or the defense is prepared for a cross. This tactic is often used when the corner taker has a strong shot and the distance to the goal is favorable.
Blocking: A player is used to block the opposition's defenders, creating space for a teammate to head the ball. This tactic is useful when you are aiming for a clear header attempt and want to physically disrupt the opposition's defenders to increase the chances of scoring a goal. Another method of blocking is for a player to position themselves in such a way that they block the goalkeeper's view of the ball or the crosser.
Corner trick: The ball is first passed back to a teammate who then prepares a new cross or shot. This strategy is used to throw the opponent's defense out of position and create an unexpected opportunity. It is particularly effective when you want to surprise the opponent's defense and create a new opportunity.
Flat corners: This variation aims to play the ball flat into the backcourt, where a teammate can shoot directly from a distance.
Communication: The different crossing options can be indicated in advance by agreed signals or arm movements from the corner kicker. This helps the teammates to prepare optimally and implement the tactic successfully.
Defensive Corner Kick Strategies
✓ Zone defense: Players are responsible for specific zones in the penalty area to cover the ball and opponents. This tactic is often used when you prefer a structured defensive formation and the goal is to control the space in the penalty area and block balls. It is particularly useful against teams that position many players in the penalty area.
✓ Man-to-man: Each defender is assigned to an opponent to block them when attacking the ball. This tactic is used when the opponent has strong headers or dangerous players in the box who need to be monitored individually. It requires close personal monitoring and quick reactions.
✓ Front Defence: A player stands close to the ball to block or disrupt the cross. This strategy is used to prevent the corner taker from being able to play an accurate cross and serves to put pressure on the cross taker and limit his options.
✓ Back post coverage: A defender or goalkeeper focuses specifically on the back post to block players emerging there. This tactic is used to ensure that no unchallenged attackers are positioned at the back post to score easy goals.
✓ Blocking opposing players: A defender may deliberately try to block space for opposing players to make it difficult for them to move around the penalty area. This tactic is used to make it difficult for attackers to access the ball and minimise the chances of scoring.
✓ Clearing the ball: Defenders are trained to clear the ball as far out of the box as possible to minimize danger. This tactic is used to eliminate immediate danger situations and remove the ball from the dangerous area
Exercises for passing with ball reception and ball control
The exercises are mostly arranged according to difficulty to allow for a gradual increase in demands.
In addition, many of these exercises can easily be performed with more players by forming additional groups.
As a coach, there are of course no limits to what you can do – you can vary, combine or adapt the exercises to suit the needs of your players and training goals.
1. Simple ball reception
✓ Goal: Control the ball after a flat pass.
✓ Setup: Two players face each other in a 10x10 meter field.
✓ Number of players: 2 players
✓ Procedure: Player A plays a flat pass to player B. Player B stops the ball with the inside of his foot and passes it back with the other foot after two contacts.
✓ Coaching tips:
Secure your ankle to stop the ball precisely.
Tilt your upper body slightly forward to maintain balance.
✓ Variations:
Limit ball contacts to a maximum of one.
Play the pass harder to increase the difficulty.
2. Ball reception with change of direction
✓ Goal: To control the ball and change direction at the same time.
✓ Setup: Two players, 10x10 meter field.
✓ Number of players: 2 players
✓ Procedure: Player A passes the ball to Player B, who receives the ball with the inside of his foot and takes it in a new direction. Player B then makes a 90° turn to the left or right and returns the ball.
✓ Coaching tips:
Use the first contact to steer the ball in the new direction.
Look up in front of the reception to scan the room.
✓ Variations:
Add cones as opponents to simulate more pressure.
Reduce the time for changing direction to a maximum of two seconds.
3. Receiving the ball with the chest
✓ Goal: Safely control high balls.
✓ Setup: One player passes, the other stands ready to receive the ball. Playing area: 10x10 meters.
✓ Number of players: 2 players
✓ Procedure: Player A throws the ball up, Player B receives it with his chest and brings it to the ground in a controlled manner before returning it.
✓ Coaching tips:
-
Arch your chest slightly upwards to cushion the ball.
-
Lower your body quickly after contact to maintain control.
✓ Variations:
-
Throw the ball from different heights.
-
Add a bounce before receiving the ball.
