Match moments / Set pieces
Defend a corner
The near post, the second ball and the counter. Three players make three decisions, and a corner against us becomes a chance for us.
In the match
- Decision 1Holding mid
- Decision 2Midfielder
- Decision 3Winger
You are 6, guarding the near post.
The corner comes in low to the near post. What do you do?
Play the build-up, then choose.
Best choice
You get there first, and wide is away from danger. Then everyone steps out together.
Costly
Their runner is moving and you are standing. They get the first touch in front of you.
It can work
Right only if the keeper has called for it. At the near post, low and fast, it is usually yours.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 8.
The clearance drops to you. Their midfielder is closing in. What now?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
Most of their team is in our box. One pass to the player who stayed up and we are three against two going the other way.
It can work
Fine if you have time, but you do not: their midfielder closes the forward pass, and you have to go back.
Costly
Lose it here and their whole team is still in our box. The corner was cleared for nothing.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 11, the one who stayed up.
You are away, with two of their defenders back and 9 sprinting to join you. What now?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
Running at them keeps both defenders busy. Wait for 9, and when one steps to you, 9 is free.
It can work
From 40 metres the keeper has time to see it, and the counter is over.
Costly
A counter lives on speed. By the time everyone arrives, so have their players.
How you know it is happening
- A corner to them.
- The taker's body is shaped to drive it low.
- Their runners start towards the near post.
Why it works
Most corner goals come from the first contact at the near post or a cut-back. Owning the near post and stepping out together after the clearance stops most of them, and with their tall players in our box, a quick pass forward can catch them short at the back.
The tactics behind it
Your job, by position
- DMHolding midfielder
- Near post: attack anything low.
- Clear it wide, never across the box.
- CBCentre-back
- Guard your zone and attack the ball, do not wait for it.
- Step out together after the clearance.
- GKGoalkeeper
- Call early: "keeper!" or "away!"
- Set the players on the posts before the kick.
- CMCentral midfielder
- Edge of the box, ready for the clearance.
- First time forward to the player who stayed up.
- WWinger and wide midfielder
- Stay up near halfway for the counter.
- When you get it, run at goal and wait for support.
- FBFull-back and wing-back
- Mark your runner, goal side.
- After the clearance, step out with the line.
How to explain it
- Give every player one job and walk them to their spot in training.
- Practise the step out after the clearance: it wins the second ball.
- Keep it simple at younger ages: near post, edge of the box, one up.
On the training pitch
- On your ownNeeds a friend or the teamIt is about reading other players, so there is no honest way to practise it alone.
- The practiceGoalkeeper handlingThe same decision, over and over, with a little pressure.
- The game2v2: pressure and coverA small-sided game set up so the moment keeps happening.
Set the game up so it keeps happening
- Play ten corners against, with points for clearing beyond the box and for the counter.
Three things to say
- Attack the ball.
- Clear wide.
- Step out together.
On Saturday
Tick them off on the day. Nothing is saved: print the page if you want to keep it.
After the whistle
Ask yourself
- Did you get the first touch at your spot?
- Did you step out after the clearance?
What to look back on
- How many corners against, and how many shots did they lead to?