How I build the practice up
- Start with one taker on each side.
Stand one step inside the six yard box just in front of the near post. Hold your
hands up and motion a square with your hands. Say "Try to target the ball
here, four yards off the goal line and somewhere in this box here". The steeper
the angle you come at the ball, the more bend you try to
put on the ball and the less chance you have of getting it in the target area.
- Stick one person at the near post. It doesn't
have to be the best header of the ball. I want the biggest nuisance possible-who
has a great chance of flick on's and who can stop them from getting defensive
headers. They might not be the most mobile person in the world but they are going
to be one big handful and very awkward. He might get flick on's, he may even get
a strike on goal, the important thing is the flight of the ball.
- Now add two defenders. One in front and one behind
the 'flicker'. Tell the 'flicker' not to just stand at the near post. Cause these
two a problem now. Work the corner taker and the 'flicker' together. The 'flicker'
starts at the near post and runs to the edge of the 6-yard box to split the defenders,
when the 'flicker' moves forward that's the corner takers cue to take the corner.
The 'flicker' then moves back half turned to the near post area. Opposite movement.
It is harder to defend when you are back tracking/peddling. So draw the defenders
and put the ball where he has come from. If the defender gets a touch he might
just do the job for us. Open space to make bigger target. If both defenders go
with him then we can get a runner in here. So when he gets to the 6 yard line
you deliver it, 'flicker' get yourself sideways on. If you aim to miss the first
defender you will give your self the perfect target.
| 4. Now add a 'sniffer' and the Keeper ! The 'sniffer' should stand in
front of the keeper. As soon as the 'flicker' hits the edge of the 6 yard
box, the 'sniffer' steps away from the keeper out to the edge of the six
yard line and in front of the back post. This locks off the back post. |
 |
5. Now add two defending full backs and three attackers. Put the two full backs
on the post and three attackers on the edge of the area. It is important to
give the three attackers responsibilities. I hits inside of near post, one penalty
spot and one far post.
6. Add your right back and left back to lock off the outside of the penalty
box. They should stand 5 yards outside the penalty box, mid way between the
edge of the box and the middle of the penalty area (the "D") The opposite
back player works in the back half of the area. Add three defenders. The job
of the penalty taker is not finished yet. He must come in and lock up the edge
of the box to the goal line If the ball is under hit the players on the edge
of the area must be alert because it is probably coming back to you. If it is
over hit you will need to step in. I don't want one ball beating all, so the
attacker hitting the back post delay your run until you have assessed the flight
of the ball.
7. Add to defenders and your goalkeeper on the half way line. Best to use one
nominated midfield player plus 1 full back. Normally the opposite full back
to the side of the corner. You need to expect the unexpected
8. Now let them play for a bit. 11 v 11 or small sided game.
9. Variation. Short ball. Devise a signal, 1 hand up. When the 'flicker' hits
the 6 yard line, the 'sniffer' sprints forward to receive the short corner.
He can either cross himself or play it back to the corner taker. Aim to shoot
just inside the far stick.
Set Pieces
Low Corners |
