Corner Screen

Objective

• -Defend a corner kick safely
• -Track runners and space
• -Clear the ball first time

Setup

1. 1Use one corner of the pitch and a small goal or two cone gates.
2. 2Set attackers and defenders in starting positions around the corner area.
3. 3Keep spare balls with the coach for quick restarts.

How to play

1. 1The coach serves a corner ball into the box area.
2. 2Defenders pick up runners, attack the ball and protect the near-post space.
3. 3Attackers try to score with a touch, header or shot if allowed.
4. 4If the defenders clear, play stops and reset.
5. 5Swap jobs after several deliveries.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Ball-watching at the start
• -Leaving the near post open
• -Trying to be neat instead of clear