How Short Corners Create Goals

Having problems with corners? Try taking them short, it’s an easy way to goal, says David Clarke.

Two players stand near the flag

The short corner involves two players standing near the flag, with the kicker passing the ball to the second player and developing the play from there. If you follow the diagrams you can coach your players how to create space when they are closed down by a defender.

Create opportunities from a 2v1

Both players should start facing the goal and should stand side by side just behind the ball. One player should pass the ball to the other, if the corner is from the attacking team’s right side the player who is strong with the left foot should touch the ball to the player who is strong with the right foot. This lets the player with the right foot dribble straight down the end line toward goal, or use the player with the strong left foot to either shoot first time or cross the ball. If the player dribbling down the line goes right at the defender, the second player will be open. If the defender goes with the runner the player with the ball keeps going to goal.