Question Number: 22656

Law 17 - Corner Kick 12/18/2009

RE: rec Other

sooxie of birmingham, west midlands uk asks...

how often does anyone benefit from a short corner?

Does any advantage or opportunity to score come from a short corner

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Every so often, the defense fails to adjust to the short corner and the attacking team gets an opportunity for its play maker to enter the penalty area or for a kick specialist to get open when the defense is late to cover.

But, my sense is that far more corners are wasted with a short corner than achieve greatness.

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Sooxie, thank you for thinking that we referees actually know how to play this game and asking our advice! It is a refreshing concept. Over the years I have been brainwashed to think that not only are we blind but we have no idea what is going on out there.
I speculate that for most players it is easier to have a shot on goal from a less formidable angle than being in a straight line with the goal posts. Few can bend it like Beckham. Another reason may be to bring the ball closer to the 'red' area from where most goals are scored.
But we don't worry about how to coach - you need to go to Askthecoach.com when they open shop.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Sooxie
At the highest level its benefit is greatly reduced through the defensive tactics of the opponents. For me there is benefit from short corners provided they are executed properly. The problem is in the execution.
At underage it is significantly more beneficial as maybe players don't have the long corner kicking ability coupled with the fact that young defenders may not be concentrating and don't see the need for two defenders to close the play down. Also the angle of delivery is much more dangerous as the ball is going towards goal with perhaps limited heading ability.
In general though having watched the Premier League for many many years the corner kicking ability is IMO mixed with some wooful attempts at corners, both short and long.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

We are a referee site on the laws of the game not a coaching site but I do love the game!
The tactical benefit of a short corner is dependant on the awareness of the defenders and the strengths of the attackers. A repositioning of the ball allow for different types of crosses an in swinger from say an out swinger because the ball is moved away from the goal line before crossing. Youth have issues with sufficient power to get the cross in so a bit closer or a rolling ball can get a bit more power. Taking advantage of slack defending you can even dribble in for a goal or pass off to an oncoming teammate for a shot. You take what the other team gives you AND you make them PAY!
cheers