Simple corners

What this session is about

1. Restarting play after the ball goes behind the goal (off an opposition player).
2. How to take short corners.

What to think about

• Short corners give your team the chance to increase the number of ways in which they can attack the goal. Take the corner quickly if possible.
• Other attackers:

1. In the six-yard box
2. On the edge of penalty area
3. At the back post.

• Attackers need to try to create space and drag defenders out of position.
• Put in a good delivery.
• Why not ask players to invent their own routines?

Set-up

• Use one end of a pitch.
• Use four players for the first drill and increase numbers for the development and game.

What you get your players to do

Variation 1: Players 1 and 2 stand at the corner flag. 2 tops the ball to 1 who dribbles the ball towards goal. They now have four options:

1. They dribble the ball towards goal and takes a shot.
2. They cross the ball to player 3 for a shot.
3. They pass the ball to player 4 for a shot.
4. They pass back to player 2.

If they choose option D, player 2 then has the same options player 1 had after receiving the ball. However, 2 must make sure they are not caught offside. Variation 2: Player 1 takes a short corner kick. 2 makes a disguised run from the penalty area towards 1 to lose their marker. (i) If 2 is free, they can turn and choose option a, b or c. (ii) If 2 has not lost their marker, they can pass back to 1, who has made an angle, and can look to pass to a team mate in a better position or dribble in and take a shot.