Set Pieces, Attacking, Finishing · U10+
The corner is played short between three players. The player closest to the flag comes short and receives the pass, which triggers the first defender to step out. Instead of returning the ball to the taker, it goes on the first touch to the third player, who has arrived from the edge of the penalty area into the same angle. Now the second defender also has to step out, and the third player dribbles between them to the byline. From the byline, the ball is played back low towards the penalty spot. The finisher times their run so they meet the ball, rather than waiting stationary for it. The player at the near post pulls the goalkeeper with them. With two defenders stepping out, there is a brief 2v1 inside the penalty area. That’s the whole idea of the pattern: a short corner doesn’t look for a cross—it creates an overload.
First touch to the third player—no return along the same route. A return would allow the defenders to reorganize. The third player arrives from the edge of the area in motion, not standing and waiting. Against a stationary player, the defender doesn’t have to make a decision. Dribble between the defenders towards the byline, not infield towards goal. From the byline, the return ball comes behind the defenders’ backs. Return ball played low and towards the penalty spot—not into the goalkeeper’s reach. The finisher meets the ball. A player waiting in place gives the defender time to recover.
Why does the ball go to the third player instead of back to the taker? How do you recognize that the second defender has also stepped out? Why dribble to the byline instead of directly towards goal? Where does the return ball need to arrive so you can get to it before the defender?
Short corner with three is a football drill on TacticsBoard. Category: Set Pieces, Attacking, Finishing. Age group: U10+. Browse more football drills or create your own for free.