Corner Kicks: Near and Far Targets
U10-U11 is when corners stop being random kicks and start being purposeful.
◆Why this drill works
U10-U11 is when corners stop being random kicks and start being purposeful. But most grassroots coaches over-complicate it — diagrams with 8 runners, decoys, screens. That's U14+ stuff. At U10-U11, the goal is simpler: the corner-taker should be able to put the ball into one of TWO specific zones (near post or far post), and there should be ONE attacker designated for each zone. Two routines, drilled until automatic. Once those work, you can layer in third runners and screens. But 80% of U10-U13 corner goals come from the basics: ball in the right area, attacker arriving on time. This drill teaches both.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- Set up on a half-pitch (or any goal area). Mark the corner cone. Mark two zones: NEAR (front of near post, 4 yards out, 6×4 yards), FAR (back post area, 6×4 yards). Two attackers start 12 yards from goal, central.
- Round 1 — NEAR-POST CORNER (6 minutes). Corner-taker (C) drives a low, in-swinging cross to the NEAR zone. Attacker 1 makes a curved run to the near post — arrives at the moment the ball does. Attacker 2 runs to the far post (decoy) — pulls a defender, opens space.
- Round 2 — FAR-POST CORNER (6 minutes). Corner-taker drives a deeper, lifted cross to the FAR zone. Attacker 2 (originally far-post decoy) is now the target — runs to far post and finishes. Attacker 1 (originally near target) becomes the decoy — runs to near post pulling a defender.
- Coach the timing: 'arrive late, arrive at speed'. The attacker shouldn't be camped in the zone before the ball arrives — defenders track stationary targets. They should be running ONTO the ball at the moment it lands.
- Rotate roles every 4 reps: corner-taker becomes near attacker, near attacker becomes far attacker, far attacker becomes corner-taker. Every player tries every role.
- After both rounds, run a 'live' phase — coach calls 'NEAR' or 'FAR' AS the corner is being taken. Attackers and corner-taker have to communicate (or hand-signal) the routine. Closer to match reality.
✓Equipment checklist
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- A rehearsed, clearly-called routine everyone understands
- Quality of delivery into a dangerous area
Correct when you see
- No clear routine — call and rehearse before the set piece
- Poor delivery wasting the chance
- Static players — set pieces need timed, deliberate movement
★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 → |
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