Concise corner kick routine

This is a set-piece corner kick routine that relies on a quality ball into the box and the intelligent movement of attacking players.

Set plays provide great opportunities for scoring goals because the ball is stationary, players cannot be tackled and they have the freedom to work space knowing where they can expect a delivery to land.

This session shows just one place where the ball can be delivered and how the attacking players will move in order to create a goalscoring chance. At Tranmere Rovers we vary its placement, and in Alan Creswell we have a left-footed player who can deliver inswinging and outswinging corners with great accuracy.

What do I get the players to do?

Having already worked on the delivery of the ball from a designated corner kick taker, we specify roles for each attacking player. In the set-up below for a near-post flicked corner, we use six players. Between them, they cover all of the key areas, as detailed. Players will always have a start and end position so that we guarantee movement.

The set-up is:

• two players on the near post  (red)

• one player on the keeper (blue)

• two players on the
far post (yellow)

• one player on the penalty spot (white)

The movement below happens as the corner kick is struck, although we would at first practise without a ball.

Near post movement

The two players on the near post peel off, the first stepping back to close in on the keeper. The other moves out to the six-yard line in the event that a near-post flick (see below) changes ball direction.

The player on the keeper

The player on the keeper checks back quickly, then moves forward past the near post. His first job is to create confusion, before getting into position to flick the ball across the goal.

Far post movement

One player on the far post moves forward to close in on the keeper. The other drops back in case a corner is struck unintentionally long, or if a flick carries it over the heads of the group of players.

The player on the penalty spot

The player on the penalty spot moves forward to the edge of the six-yard box, anticipating the ball landing at his feet, either directly or from a knockdown.

Having run through this drill without a ball, we would then begin the supply from our designated corner
kick taker.

To progress to a fully competitive point, we then bring in defenders to mark each attacking player.

What are the key things to look for technically/tactically?

We’re looking for precise and determined movement of players, as this is the only way they can guarantee to be unopposed when attacking the ball.

Ideally, each corner routine will end with a goal or a shot on target. We would practise this for a total of 45 minutes