Short Corner 2v1: Create the Angle to Cross
The corner taker and a short option play 2v1 against a defender to improve the crossing angle, while two attackers attack the posts. Set pieces for small groups.
- Age
- U11–Senior
- Players
- 7–10
- Duration
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Intensity
- Low
- Area
- 30 × 25 m
- Type
- Tactical
- Approach
- Global
- Format
- Waves
- Objectives
- Technical: Crossing
- Tactical: Set pieces, Combination play
- Concepts worked on
- Technical:Crossing
- Tactical:Set-piece routinesNumerical superiorityAttacking the box
Training diagram
Legend
- Attacker
- Defender
- Goalkeeper
- Pass
- Run without ball
- Shot
- Ball
- Cone
- Goal
A short corner is only useful if it creates a better cross than the direct one. The taker and a teammate play 2v1 against the defender who comes out: a pass and return, a dribble towards the box or, if the defender stays, a direct cross. In the box two attackers practise their runs against a defender and the goalkeeper. It works with seven players.
Objective
Use a 2v1 at the corner to get a better crossing angle, choosing the option according to the defender, and attack the posts in the box.
Organisation
- Corner area of a pitch (30 × 25 m) with a goal and goalkeeper.
- At the corner: the taker and a short option against one defender, who starts at the regulation distance (9 m in 11-a-side, 6 m in 7-a-side).
- In the box: two attackers against one defender. Extra players rotate in.
How it works
- The taker chooses: direct cross, or short pass to start the 2v1.
- After a short pass, the pair can play a pass and return, or the short player dribbles in and crosses.
- A goal is worth 1 point; the defenders score 1 by clearing the ball out of the area.
- Take five corners from each side, then rotate the roles.
Coaching points
- Short option: stand 5–8 m from the taker, along the goal line, so the defender has to choose.
- If the defender comes out to the short player, the taker runs to receive the return closer to the box.
- If the defender stays near the taker, the short player has space to dribble towards the box.
- Cross when the angle improves; do not keep passing until the defence is organised again.
- Attackers: wait outside the box and arrive at the posts when the crosser looks up.
Progressions
- Add a second defender at the corner (2v2): the short option must win space.
- Add a defender in the box (2v2).
- The cross must come within 6 seconds of the corner being taken.
Regressions
- The corner defender stays passive.
- No defender in the box.
- Always start with the short pass.
Variations
- Practise the same routine for a free kick from the side of the box.
Key principles
- A short corner must improve the cross.
- Decide according to the defender.
- Attack the posts on time.
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