5 Keys to Defending Corners in Soccer

5 Keys to Defending Corners in Soccer

1. Communicate

Communication is key to defending corners in soccer. Make sure there are no unmarked players in the box. Alert your teammates and make them aware of who you are marking. If you see unmarked players in the box call a teammate to mark them. Be sure that you understand who your teammates are responsible for and they understand who you are responsible for. The majority of goals at the youth level are scored because of unmarked players in the box.

2. Mark goal side

Stay between the player and the goal. It s important to mark goal side when defending corners in soccer. This will give you an increased chance of stopping their attack. Use your body to make shots on goal difficult. Establish your position and be prepared to move your feet, remember to stay goal side. Attackers do not need a lot of space to shoot so close the space and take away possible shooting angles.

3. Step to the ball

Be aware and move to be first to the ball. Stepping to the ball is essential to defending corners in soccer. Remember to stay goal side and eliminate scoring angle. Move to the ball and gain possession or disrupt the attackers from having a clear path to the goal. Be alert and be first to the ball.

4. Positive touch

A key to defending corners in soccer is to have positive touch. Be sure to make solid contact with the ball in the direction of your attacking goal. Have open body away from your defensive goal. Keep the ball in front of you and make sure you touch away from your defensive goal. Be aware, maintain your balance and know where you are on the field. Remember to touch the ball high and wide to give your team a chance to attack.

5. Counter Attack

Another key to defending corners in soccer is to start the counter attack. First be sure to secure the ball by stopping the opposing teams attack. Then start the counter attack with the initial outlet pass. Proceed to quickly find your attacking shape and balance. Most teams commit numbers to attacking corners so be alert and ready to make or receive the next pass. Exploit open spaces and seek numbers up situations. Once you establish how well you can counter attack, teams will not commit so many to their attacking corners.