Corner kicks are awarded in every game. An accurate long kick from the corner into the goal area is important in creating scoring chances. Most opposing teams expect a long cross into the goal area where a player is likely to attempt to head the ball into the goal. Therefore, most teams set up defenses for such a scenario.
Having an alternate plan of attack when granted a corner kick can confuse defenses and help in creating scoring chances. Corner Kick Decoy is a soccer passing and dribbling drill which begins off of a corner kick.
Instructions
- Five players per drill group are utilized. The distance from A to B is about 20-30 yards.
- When the whistle is blown for the corner kick to be taken, B quickly runs toward the corner yelling for the ball. The defenders will follow. B then slows down and yells "No!" to deceive the defense into thinking that B won't be the receiver of the ball. C, meanwhile, starts to make a run towards the goal.
- When hearing "No!" from B, the defense (E and D) will backtrack towards the goal area to provide support for a potential cross.
- B curves his/her run and receives the corner pass from A.
- To avoid being caught in an offside position, player A steps back into bounds after making the pass to B. B then dribbles along the end line.
- When an opening is available, B passes to player C who shoots at the goal.
Points of Emphasis
Corner Kick Decoy is a somewhat complicated drill that involves precise timing. Players enjoy the trickery and confusion such a play can cause to the opposition. During Corner Kick Decoy, instruct players to...
- have fun -- this is a drill that can easily go wrong and the only way to make it succeed is to enjoy the process.
- act in a way that the defense expects the play to proceed. Turn your head and look towards the goal area before the corner to imply to the defense that is where the cross will be made.
- know their roles in this drill. Each player must successfully perform his/her part in order to fool the defense and achieve a shot on goal.
Progression
As players gain an understanding of the drill, further variations include:
- Adding more defenders and offenders to the field to mimic a game situation.
- Having B and A make an additional pass back and forth to each other to further disrupt the defense.
Motivation / Teaching Tips
- Body language is very important in soccer. Often an opposing team will set plays based on what they feel their opponent will do and this is often based on the way a team behaves.
- Encourage B to change dribbling speeds, if possible, so that the defense will be unable to determine what's coming next.
- Reward a successful completion of this drill. This drill takes a lot of practice but when working serves as a great game weapon.