# Technical-Tactical Analysis of Corner Kicks in Male Soccer: A Systematic Review
## 1 Introduction  
Set pieces, along with attacking, defending, and the two transition phases (offensive and defensive), represent one of the five key moments of the game [1, 2]. Game interruptions account for a substantial portion of match time, with research indicating that they comprise approximately 38% of elite domestic and international competitions [3], and can be an opportunity for planning and strategic organization for both playing teams [3]. A set piece in football may include a free kick, corner kick, throw-in, penalty, goal kick, or kick-off [4]. Among them, corner kicks are one of the most frequent and potentially decisive, occurring approximately 10 times per match [3, 5]. Studies have shown that in70-75% of cases where a goal is scored from a corner kick, it leads to the scoring team winning or drawing the match [6; 7]. Despite their significance in determining match outcomes, corner kicks remain relatively inefficient, with a success rate of approximately 3% [7; 8; 9; 10]. This paradox, high frequency yet low yield, poses a compelling challenge for performance analysts, coaches, and researchers. If addressed effectively, teams could capitalize on one of the few structured situations in the otherwise dynamic and fluid nature of soccer, creating consistent scoring advantages. [PERSON], head of Match Analysis for SL Benfica, highlights the strategic dominance of corner kicks, contrasting them with the more balanced interplay of creativity, tactical behavior, and strategy seen in open play [11]. Moreover, while offensive training sessions typically focus on navigating opponent pressure, breaking defensive lines, and progressing into the final third and penalty area, corner kicks effectively shortcut these processes, positioning players directly within the opponent's box. This instant proximity to the goal, a primary objective of attacking play, makes corner kicks a uniquely valuable opportunity for goal-scoring, reinforcing the importance of dedicated strategic preparation.  
The outcome of set pieces, and corner kicks in particular, has been shown to be influenced by various psychological factors [9; 12], biomechanical aspects [13], and physical attributes such as player height, given that most deliveries are aerial [4; 6; 14]. Fatigue also plays a significant role [15; 16]. More recently, performance analysts and researchers have turned their attention to technical-tactical variables--such as delivery type (inswining or outswinging) [5; 7; 17], delivery zone [5; 7; 18], and the number and organization of attacking and defending players [11; 19; 20]. These elements are often examined alongside situational-contextual variables, such as match status, time remaining, and opponent quality [4; 15; 17; 21]. However, the findings of these studies are often inconsistent or even contradictory, partly due to significant methodological differences. As [PERSON] et al. [7] insigthfully noted, there is no consensus among researchers regarding how to divide the penalty area into zones, which severely limits comparability and the generalization of findings.  
To address these challenges and provide practical, science-based guidance to analysts and coaches, we conducted a systematic review of the available literature. Taking into account the absence of a systematic review on corner kicks in the international literature, the primary aim of this review was to systematically synthesize the existing evidence on the technical-tactical execution of corner kicks in male soccer. The central research questions were: (a) What are the key tactical behaviors associated with successful offensive and defensive corner kicks? (b) How do contextual variables impact the execution and outcome of corner kicks? (c) What do we know about the transition phase following corner kicks? (d) What is the methodological quality of the existing research in this area, and what are its limitations?