Corner Crowd

Objective

• -Attack a corner with simple movement
• -Time runs to meet the ball cleanly
• -Finish quickly after the first contact

Setup

1. 1Mark one corner area and a 12 x 10 yards scoring zone in the box.
2. 2Use cones to place a near-post, far-post and edge-of-box start point.
3. 3Put attackers in bibs by the corner flag and defenders in the box.
4. 4Keep spare balls with the coach by the corner arc.

How to play

1. 1The coach serves a corner from the corner flag.
2. 2Attackers make their runs at the same time, each from a different start point.
3. 3Defenders try to clear the ball into a marked exit zone.
4. 4If attackers win it, they finish in a mini goal or full-size goal.
5. 5Rotate servers, runners and defenders after each delivery.

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

• -Standing flat and late
• -Crowding the same space
• -Stopping after first contact