Corners: Near, Far and Short

Objective

• Give the squad three corners they all know — near post, far post and short — and the runs that go with each

Set-up and how it runs

• Set up as you would defend a corner: a keeper, four defenders in the box, and the attacking group of five plus the taker.
• Walk through three routines unopposed first. NEAR: taker drives it to the near post, one attacker attacks it to flick on, two arrive behind. FAR: a lofted ball to the far post, the tallest attacker arrives late from the edge. SHORT: a short pass to a player who has come to the corner, who returns it or crosses from a better angle.
• Now go live. The taker calls the routine with a hand signal only the attackers know. Six corners, then swap attack and defence.
• Score two points for a goal from the called routine and one for any other goal. Defenders score one for clearing beyond the edge of the box.

Equipment

• Cones
• Full-size goal
• Bibs
• Balls

Coaching points

• Start your run late and from outside the six-yard box — standing under the keeper does nothing
• Attack the ball at the front of your run, not while waiting for it
• Short corner: the second player must ARRIVE, not stand in the corner from the start
• The taker's delivery must clear the first defender — height before accuracy

Progressions

• Add a fifth defender on the edge of the box
• One attacker must stay on the edge for the second ball
• Attackers choose the routine themselves by reading the defenders

What it develops

Technical

Heading

Psychosocial

Communication

Tactical

Attacking principles