Corner Kicks- Offense and Defense
Corner kicks are very important occurrences during a soccer game. The ability to score goals from your corners, and not concede from opposition corner kicks can be the defining factor in the result of a game.
Attacking
Delivery
The delivery of the ball from a corner is absolutely crucial. Many teams use a left footer to take corners from the right, and a right footer to take corners from the left. This means the ball curling in towards the goal on a dangerous trajectory. The ball can be delivered to the front post, in front of the goal or to the back post. It is vital that the attacking team has runners to meet the ball wherever the area of delivery is. If a left footer takes a corner from the left, runners should take into account the trajectory. A bad delivery behind all runners will not only mean no shot on goal, but will leave the team vulnerable to a counter attack. It will help the timing of the runs if the player delivering the ball holds up his hand, and brings it down when he is about to take the kick.
Runners
It is important to have a number of runners in the penalty area when taking a corner kick. It is common for teams to have 5 or 6 bodies in the area hoping to capitalize on what is a big scoring opportunity. Teams often send a midfielder and defender in to join the forwards. At least one player should make a near post run. The role of the near post runner is to head on goal, or flick on any short ball to players in front of the goal. The front post runner must ensure the goalkeeper is never allowed to catch a short ball unchallenged. Players in front of the goal have a free reign to judge the flight. A player should judge the flight as it leaves the taker’s foot, and attack the ball at the highest point to head or shoot on goal. Runners can work in pairs, an example being a runner going front post to drag a defender away while his teammate heads in to the goal. A back post runner must also sweep up for any long crosses. A cross long will provide a back post runner with an opportunity to shoot or head the ball back across goal, a skill demonstrated perfectly in the goal scored by the USA team I the clip below;
Defending Corner Kicks
Zone or Man
Teams differ on the style of defending corner kicks. In the professional game a zonal marking style is preferred to man to man defending. It is recommended in youth soccer to use the more simplistic man to man style. When players switch from zone to zone making attacking runs it requires a high level of communication and sophistication from the defensive unit. Players should take responsibility for an attacker, with the goalkeeper responsible to spot and communicate open attackers to the defense.
Men on Goal Post
A common defensive strategy for corner kicks is to have a defender on each goal post to clear shots off the line. This strategy helps the goalkeeper when headers are coming from very close in. It is wise to use players on the goal post who are not your strongest headers of the ball. When the ball is cleared the players must push up to avoid leaving attackers onside. (image created with Coachfx)
Goalkeeper
The goalkeeper must play a central role when defending corner kicks. Upon the awarding of a corner by the referee, the goalkeeper should scan the area and ensure all players are covered. The goalkeeper should then check for any runners coming late into the area and ensure they are, or will be accounted for. When the corner is taken it is vital the goalkeeper communicates his intention to his back line on whether he is coming to collect the ball or staying on the goal line to save shots or headers. The goalkeeper should catch the ball whenever possible, or punch clear. If the goalkeeper gets possession she should look to break quickly as the opposition will be pushed very high up the field and vulnerable to a sharp counter attack.
