A short corner turns one delivery into a small game: two of your players against the one or two defenders they send to the flag. Win that little game and you cross from a better angle, closer to goal, or drive into the box. It's especially useful when your players can't yet reach the middle of the box from the corner flag.
Step 1 of 4
They leave one defender near the flag. Our second player stands short: two against one.
Drawn for 11v11 4-3-3. Pick your own format and shape and every step is redrawn for your players. Then present it or send it to your team.
Step by step
They leave one defender near the flag. Our second player stands short: two against one.
Short pass. Their defender has to choose: the ball or the taker.
The taker moves inside for the return. The angle is better, and closer.
Cross into the space between the defenders and the keeper as the runners attack it.
When to use it
When they leave only one defender near the corner, when your corners keep being headed away at the near post, or when young players can't reach the box from the flag. Mix it with your normal routine so they can't settle.
Coaching points
Start with a second player standing a few yards from the taker. That's the 2v1.
The pass is short and firm, and the taker moves straight away to receive it back.
Change the angle: the cross comes from closer to the box, or the receiver drives at goal.
The runners in the box wait a beat longer than on a normal corner, then attack the near post and penalty spot.
If they send two defenders out, it's now fewer of them in the box: cross early.
With younger players
Short corners are one of the best ways for young players to use corners: a pass and a cross from a few yards closer gives everyone a real chance.
Who does what
Position
Their job
Taker
Plays short, then moves for the return pass.
Short player
Receives facing the box, sets it back or drives inside.
Box runners
Hold their runs, then attack near post, middle and far post.
Edge player and rest defence
Stay ready for a clearance as usual.
When they change it
If they…
You…
They send two players to the flag
Cross straight away from the short player's first touch: the box has fewer defenders.
Their defender stays deep near the box
The short player dribbles inside and crosses or shoots.
The defender blocks the return pass
The short player turns and crosses or plays into the edge of the box.
Common mistakes
The box runners going too early and standing still when the ball arrives.
A soft short pass that lets the defender step in.
Taking too long, so their defenders come out and the 2v1 disappears.
At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11
7v7
A great option at 7v7, where many players can't reach the box from the flag. Two at the corner, two in the box, one on the edge.
9v9
Two at the flag, three in the box, one on the edge, two back.
11v11
The board: two at the flag, four in the box, one on the edge, three back.
