Soccer
Set Pieces
Corner Kick Near-Post Routine
Soccer drill for set pieces training sessions
A simple attacking corner routine built around near-post movement and second-ball reactions.
What This Drill Improves
This soccer drill is best for intermediate players who need focused work on set pieces. It works well with 10 players and can be adjusted by changing the space, pressure, or scoring rules.
Setup
Corner taker, near-post runner, screen runner, far-post player, and edge player set up against passive defenders.
Instructions
- Near-post runner starts central then darts to the front zone.
- Screen runner blocks defender path legally.
- Corner taker delivers flat ball to near post.
- Far-post and edge players react to flicks or clearances.
Coaching Points
✓ Runs must start late and sharp.
✓ Delivery should be driven, not floated.
✓ Second-ball players stay alert outside the crowd.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Players losing focus on the main coaching point.
- The drill area being too large or too small for the group.
- Progressing the drill before the basic pattern is clean.
Progressions: Make It Harder
→ Add live defenders.
→ Add a short-corner option.
→ Run from both corners with different footed delivery.
Regressions: Make It Easier
Start without defenders, then add pressure once the movement pattern is clear.
Allow extra touches until players understand the timing.
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