close
LOGINSuccessful corners - the drifter
Soccer Drillsby Dave Clarke
You know the routine, we practise it every week!" – why do most teams have one idea for a corner and stick with it? Corners are a great opportunity to create scoring opportunities because you are taking an unopposed kick close to goal.
You know the routine, we practise it every week!" – why do most teams have one idea for a corner and stick with it? Corners are a great opportunity to create scoring opportunities because you are taking an unopposed kick close to goal.
Yet teams often just cross the ball hoping to hit the right head or that the opposition makes a mistake and hands an opportunity for your team to score.
However, I like to have an outlet near to the corner taker but not an obvious one like a short corner. I get a player to drift to the edge of the box - unseen by the defenders who are covering the attacking players in the penalty area.
A well-timed run to the edge of the area provides a good option and, if the corner taker can find this player, he can then shoot or pass to a player who has been left open by the surprised defenders.
Or if the ball is played into a crowded penalty area, a simple pass out to your drifting attacker can create more space or quick passing on the edge of the area can create goalscoring opportunities.
It is a great position to receive the ball because the player is facing the goal and will usually have a lot of space in front of him to exploit.
Yet teams often just cross the ball hoping to hit the right head or that the opposition makes a mistake and hands an opportunity for your team to score.
However, I like to have an outlet near to the corner taker but not an obvious one like a short corner. I get a player to drift to the edge of the box - unseen by the defenders who are covering the attacking players in the penalty area.
A well-timed run to the edge of the area provides a good option and, if the corner taker can find this player, he can then shoot or pass to a player who has been left open by the surprised defenders.
Or if the ball is played into a crowded penalty area, a simple pass out to your drifting attacker can create more space or quick passing on the edge of the area can create goalscoring opportunities.
It is a great position to receive the ball because the player is facing the goal and will usually have a lot of space in front of him to exploit.
Try and use realistic numbers for this – say three attackers against four or five defenders with a corner taker and the drifter.
Obviously your players will know what is going to happen so you cannot coach the element of surprise. Let your players work out for themselves how to play it once you have walked them through a couple of times what you want the drifter to do.
Dave Clarke
Latest Issue
Subscribe Today
Soccer Drills
Subscriber Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Subscribe Today
Coaches Testimonials
Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club
Paul Butler, Florida, USA
Rick Shields, Springboro, USA
Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada
Latest Issue
Soccer Drills
Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach
In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.
*includes 3 coaching manuals
Get Weekly Inspiration
All the latest techniques and approaches
Soccer Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use soccer drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.
We've been at the cutting edge of soccer coaching since we launched in 2007, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.
