Short corner with three

Description

The corner is played short between three players. The player closest to the flag comes short and receives the pass, which brings the first defender out. Instead of the ball being returned to the taker, it goes first touch to the third player, who has come from the edge of the penalty area into the same corner. Now the second defender also has to come out, and the third player dribbles between them to the end line. From the end line, the ball is played back low towards the penalty spot. The finisher times the run so that they move towards the ball rather than waiting for it standing still. The player occupying the near post takes the goalkeeper with them. Two defenders out means there is briefly a 2v1 in the penalty area. That is the whole idea of the move: the short corner is not looking for a cross but for numerical superiority.

Quality Factors

First touch to the third player, not a return back along the same route. A return would allow the defenders to reorganise. The third player arrives from the edge of the area on the move, not standing waiting. Against a stationary player, the defender does not have to make a decision. Dribbling between the defenders towards the end line, not infield towards goal. From the end line, the cut-back goes behind the defenders. The cut-back low and towards the penalty spot, not within the goalkeeper's reach. The finisher moves towards the ball. Waiting still gives the defender time to recover.

Key Questions

• Why does the ball go to the third player instead of back to the taker?
• How do you recognise that the second defender has also come out?
• Why do you dribble to the end line instead of directly towards goal?
• Where must the cut-back go so that you can reach it before the defender?

Training Info

• 7+ players
• Age Group: U10+