Orientation Phase for Corner Kicks [ARTICLE]

Orientation Phase for Corner Kicks

By: Thomas Durkin

Originally Published in: Attacking Soccer

Provided by: Human Kinetics

During the orientation phase of training, players are introduced to the tactical concepts to be trained. The players are placed in starting positions and practice specific patterns and options. The activities are trained in the specific area of the field pertinent to the tactics. In the beginning, there is no defensive opposition. As the players learn the patterns, they should execute them as close to game speed as possible. Later, the coach can add several defenders to create more game-like training.

CORNER-KICK PRESSURE THE KEEPER

Purpose

Putting the goalkeeper under pressure and forcing a loose ball

Organization

Set up play on half of a standard field. There are 11 players: 1 attacker in front the goalkeeper to impede his path to the ball, 1 player behind to further limit the mobility of the goalkeeper, 1 attacker for the short option, 3 players to cover the area of knockdowns at the back of the 6-yard (5 m) box and around the penalty spot, 1 player positioned outside the box, 2 players back, and an opposing goalkeeper.

Procedure

1. An in-swing ball is played as directly as possible to the goal area tight to the goal line.

2. The players closest to the goal use every legal means to disrupt the goalkeeper and attack the ball for a nod-on, flick, or chance at goal.

3. The other attackers place a premium on snapping up the second-chance balls.

Key Points

• Be careful not to foul the goalkeeper.

• Runs may have to be improvised, delayed, or recycled.

• Stay alert until the play is over.

Variations

• The ball can be played to either line.

• No exchange takes place.

CORNER-KICK INSIDE OUT

Purpose

Creating space in front of goal to attack the ball

Organization

Set up play on half of a standard field. There are 11 total players: 1 player on the ball, 6 players in the goal box, 1 player on top of the box, 2 players back, and an opposing goalkeeper.

Procedure

1. An in-swinging cross is played to the area between the penalty mark and the 6-yard (5 m) box.

2. The players in the box line up into rows of three, with one player on the 18-yard (16 m) line.

3. The two lines of three players interchange while running screens on the markers. The exchange brings the farthest line toward the goal and the nearest away for rebounds and deflections.

4. The runner on the edge of the area attacks the space between the two lines.

Key Points

• Hit the in-swinging ball with pace to the area just on the edge of the 6-yard (5 m) box.

• The players should be active in the starting positions and make runs in unison.

• Both lines should strive for a screening action to slow down the markers and gain a step on them.

Variations

• The ball can be played to either line.

• No exchange takes place.

RAFA CORNER KICK

Purpose

Catching the opponent off guard and creating a direct strike on goal

Organization

Set up play on half of a standard field. There are 11 players: 2 players over the ball, 1 player on the near post, 3 players in the box, 2 players outside the box, 2 players back, and an opposing goalkeeper

Procedure

1. The two players over the ball argue over who will strike the ball. The decoy player walks away dejected.

2. The players in the box do a false start as the server approaches the ball.

3. The near-post runner dashes out for the short pass.

4. The decoy, having walked back toward his position, doubles back toward the area with a sudden acceleration.

5. The server plays the ball to the near-post runner low along the end line.

6. The near-post runner lays a soft pass into the path of the decoy.

7. The ball is shot hard and low to the far post.

8. The runners frame the goal at the far post in case of rebounds or deflection.

Key Points

• The acting at the corner flag must be convincing.

• You only get one chance at a trick play; the opponent won't be fooled twice.