⚽ Set Pieces
Attacking Corners — Near-Post Patterns
Most grassroots teams treat corners as 'chuck it in the box and hope'.
Attacking Corners — Near-Post Patterns — full pitch view
The one cue that matters
Quick execution before the defence organises
◆Why this drill works
Most grassroots teams treat corners as 'chuck it in the box and hope'. The reality is 60%+ of corners produce nothing because the patterns are random. This drill teaches two specific patterns — near-post flick-on (high-percentage scoring play) and short corner combination (lower risk, builds an attacking phase). Repetition until the timing of the runs is automatic. By the third session, players know their roles without being told. Note: Future Fit phases out heading at U7-U11, so the 'flick-on' is replaced with a 'first-touch redirect' for that age group — same principle, no heading.
▦The drill in three phases
1Setup
Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.
2Action
Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.
3Finish
The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.
Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot
▶How to run it
- Set up: full goal at one end, corner cone at the corner of the goal-line. Mark out the 6-yard box, near-post and back-post zones with markers if no penalty area is painted.
- PHASE 1 — Walk through the near-post pattern (4 min). Take the corner. Player 1 makes a sharp curved run to the near post. Player 2 holds the back-post. Player 3 makes a delayed run between them. Player 4 stands on the edge of the box. Walk through positions and roles.
- PHASE 2 — Half-pace reps with no defenders (5 min). Run the pattern at jogging pace. Corner taker delivers to the near-post zone (firm, low if U7-U11; flighted higher for U12+). Player 1 redirects toward goal. Players 2 and 3 attack rebounds. Run 8-10 reps.
- PHASE 3 — Add 3 defenders + GK (5 min). Defenders set up: 1 marking the near-post runner, 1 marking the back-post, 1 zonal in the 6-yard box. GK in goal. Now the pattern is opposed. Attackers must time runs precisely.
- PHASE 4 — Add the short corner option (4 min). Corner taker can either play the near-post pattern OR play a short pass to a teammate at the edge of the box, who returns it. Decision is the corner taker's. Adds tactical variety so the drill doesn't become predictable to defenders.
- Final 2 minutes: 'Live corners' — 5v5 game restarting with corners. No constraints. See if the patterns appear naturally.
✓Equipment checklist
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Quick execution before the defence organises
- A rehearsed, clearly-called routine everyone understands
- Quality of delivery into a dangerous area
Correct when you see
- Taking too long and letting the defence set
- No clear routine — call and rehearse before the set piece
- Poor delivery wasting the chance
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
| Pick | Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Free Kick Mannequins | Realistic wall practice. | Check price → |
| Value | Training Footballs (6-pack) | Dead-ball reps. | Check price → |
| Upgrade | Pop-Up Goals (pair) | Target practice. | Check price → |
As an Amazon Associate, SimpleDrills earns from qualifying purchases. Prices shown on Amazon at time of click.
?Frequently asked questions
What age group is Attacking Corners — Near-Post Patterns suitable for?
This drill suits youth. Keep routines simple for younger players; older players can rehearse more sophisticated, disguised routines.
How many players do I need for Attacking Corners — Near-Post Patterns?
This drill works well with around 10 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.
How long does Attacking Corners — Near-Post Patterns take?
Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.