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Grassroots development Corner Kicks

Tom Hough

Hi All,

I coach a grassroots U10s boys team and our priority is player development over wins, I wanted to get some thoughts and opinions on how some like minded coaches approach corner kicks.

I’ve started the season trying to encourage the team to play corner kicks short as that approach is in line with how I want them to play football, more on the floor short passes than long range crosses that suit players who are tailer or stronger at the moment. However it has become quite clear to me the boys are feeling a bit confined by this they’d much rather get the chance to take that big impressive corner and have been doing some really creative stuff instead of playing it short, I can understand this and I do encourage them to express themselves so I’m happy to change my approach.

My question is though with 9 year old boys do other coaches spread the corner kick opportunity’s around the team? When attempting to play the short corners I had a rule where the winger on that side of the pitch gets to take it as this is a position that is fairly frequently rotated giving quite a few the chance, I do think with my group they do need to know what position or player has the responsibility going on to the field I don’t think they can work it out by themselves .Some of the boys do struggle to not hit the side netting but I guess it’s all about fairness and giving them the chance to have a go at that age right?

Many thanks.

Parents
  • 0

    Hi  thanks for the question. I agree that encouraging players to use short corners is one approach that may provide more success at creating chances to score with your players. Few thoughts below:

    - The play will also fall in line with heading rules now (U7-U9 only) embed within Laws of the Game (however in your teams case you will miss this due to the phased introduction of the law (FA guidance on heading in football in England | England Football). 

    - Allows 2v1 in wide area.

    - Provides another opportunity to combine towards goal on the ground rather than aerially.

    Considerations:

    Time allocated - Due to the number of "corners" you will be awarded in any given U10 match - consider how much time you allocate to practice during your training sessions. Can you ensure all SSG's within training have corners rather than simply restarting with GK? Can you kick off the SSG with a corner? Subtle changes but would definitely try and be creative without coming away from your main coaching topic/theme. 

    Practice - Can you create some simple/memorable passing sequences that can be used from a corner? I.e corner kick taker passes to a team mate and overlaps to create a better angle for them towards goal to either; assist or finish?

  • 0 in reply to Lloyd Miller

    Hi Lloyd,

    Many thanks for taking the time to respond and cheers for the suggestions.

    I feel like the boys executed the short corners pretty well when they’ve done it and played into some good situations, I’m just weighing up the amount of restriction I should put on them in terms of being quite prescriptive about taking them short or giving them the freedom to decide if there’s a good quick short one available or if they want to do their best David Beckham impression. Maybe I’m being a bit lazy and not doing enough to convince them short corners is the way to go as I agree with you regarding the benefits you’ve highlighted.

    Sounds like you feel I should stick with them though I guess with a young team even them spending slightly more time on the ball / playing short rather than practicing crosses is beneficial if that how you want to setup a team to play.

  • 0 in reply to Tom Hough

    Yeah allowing freedom is really key so very much encourage that approach too.

    I also see value in playing into the box - it just maybe on the ground rather than aerially? As they get older you may nudge towards crossing aerially too without it being one or the other. Other returns from continuing to play ground passes continues to develop their; passing, receiving, movement, and finishing skills.

    Conditions can still allow freedom. One condition might be can you find a player inside the box from a corner within 3-4 passes. Who, when, where and how those passes are made are entirely up to the players. Positive reinforcement/reward to back their "intent" will also maximise their motivation, enjoyment and attitude towards learning from you as their coach. 

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  • 0 in reply to Tom Hough

    Yeah allowing freedom is really key so very much encourage that approach too.

    I also see value in playing into the box - it just maybe on the ground rather than aerially? As they get older you may nudge towards crossing aerially too without it being one or the other. Other returns from continuing to play ground passes continues to develop their; passing, receiving, movement, and finishing skills.

    Conditions can still allow freedom. One condition might be can you find a player inside the box from a corner within 3-4 passes. Who, when, where and how those passes are made are entirely up to the players. Positive reinforcement/reward to back their "intent" will also maximise their motivation, enjoyment and attitude towards learning from you as their coach. 

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