Improving your Set Plays  Soccer Corners 2
Channel: Sports Highlights
Date: 2020-05-18

Here is another soccer corner you might want to practice in training when you're going through all your soccer drills. It's a little more complex than the previous example (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn3MJMpLtBg) but it's worth trialling.

You're probably familiar with a short corner, where you play someone in close to the corner. This play starts with two players in close, creating a triangle with the corner. One is towards the sideline, and the other closer to the end line.

These attacking players will probably attract a defender (or two), to mark them. In addition, we're going to have 3-4 attacking players standing at the edge of the 18-yard box, towards the center, similar to the last corner. They will likely be marked by 3or 4 defenders.

Typically there will be a defender marking the back post, which is important because they will keep everybody onside during the play. If the defender moves off the line, then there is a chance the attacking team could be caught offside.

The play revolves around the short corner, and it's critical that the attacking player receiving the ball has great ball skills and is comfortable working in a tight space. The person taking the corner kick starts by passing to the closest attacker, near the sideline, which will draw a defender towards them. You need to conduct this play with confidence in order to fool the defender.

The attacker with the ball needs to turn, and run towards the top of the 18-yard box. At the same time, one of the attackers at the top of the 18-yard box will run into space, towards the top corner of the 18-yard box.

The attacker with the ball will run towards them, and pass the ball into space, aiming for the area around the corner of the 18-yard box. This movement will cause the two defenders who are close to the corner, to turn and start following the ball across, running out towards the 18-yard box.

This will create space for the person who took the corner in the first place. They will run towards the goal but staying close to the end line. Meanwhile, the attacker who has run from the center of the 18-yard box will arrive near the corner of the 18-yard box, as the ball is passed. The idea is they pass the ball, first touch, kicking it towards the front goal post.

The person who took the corner originally should arrive at that time, and should receive the ball in space. They should be well placed to have a shot at goal, or depending on the angle, they can dribble further across and have a shot at goal.

This play is more complicated than the previous example but is still an effective method of scoring goals. However it does require the first person to receive the ball to have great soccer skills and ability, and the confidence to work in a tight space. It also requires precision passing from all players. So include basic soccer drills like passing and shooting and dribbling drills to keep all your soccer skills up. It will make this complicated drill a little easier if the other elements are already mastered.

A lot of teams don't leverage the opportunity that comes from set pieces such as corners. It's worthwhile practicing some of them in your weekly training sessions, to ensure you can execute them on game day. Add this drill to your list and soon enough, you'll be playing soccer like a pro.