The Short Corner
Taken by the attacking team, looking for a variation of tactics when they win a corner kick.
In the above diagram (A) taking the corner kick has (B) a metre or so away (in field).
Initially this will draw one or two defenders out from the danger area, so in the diagram (C) and (D) get ready to face (A) and (B) should (A) play the ball to (B).
But if (A) decides to play the ball straight into the opposing penalty area then, at least, (B)’s position has lured 2 players out from the defence.
Should the defence only send out ONE defender then (A) could play to (B) and they could set up a two against one situation.
THE WHOLE POINT OF THE EXERCISE IS TO BE ALERT AND TO TRY AND CATCH OUT THE DEFENCE.
USUALLY DEFENDERS SET UP STRONGLY TO PROTECT THE GOAL AT A CORNER KICK; UNVARIABLY EXPECTING A CROSS INTO THE DANGER AREA. THEY MARK MAN TO MAN, AND IT IS WHEN THEY DO THIS THAT A QUICKLY TAKEN SHORT CORNER CAN BE FRUITFUL.
