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C h a p t e r 5
Teaching Soccer Strategy and Tactics
• A corner kick to the near post provides the offense with several options. A strong
heading player at the near post forces the defense to defend against a header. This
same player can be used for a decoy or to deflect the ball toward a teammate at
the back post. These options prevent the goalkeeper from focusing on only one
possible play. (Fig. 5-10)
• A shot to the far post provides the options of a long cross kick to clear defensive
players from the space in the back side of the goal or an inswinging shot that may
score or be headed into goal. Strong shooters or headers should be used to work the
back side play to the far post. (Fig. 5-11)
Defending a Corner Kick
Zone defense is the best method of defending corner kicks. Defenders should focus
on the area directly in front of the goal around the 6-yard line and penalty spot. Most
corner-kicks will be served to this area. Place one defender on the near post to prevent
a goal from being scored by an inswinger. Depending on the ability of your goalkeeper,
you may want to place another defender at the far post. Your best “in air” players
should take position in front of the goal just outside the 6-yard box and around the
penalty shot spot. To prevent a ball being driven low to the near post, put a player on
the endline, 10-yards from the ball. You may want to consider placing a player above
the top of the “D” to defend a pass played outside the penalty box. The same player
also can serve as a target outlet for the defenders inside the box.
Teach your players to clear the ball high out of the box so it won’t be intercepted by
the other team. Your players must be aggressive and go after head balls. The goalkeeper
must communicate with the defenders to control the penalty box. (Fig. 5-12)
FREE KICKS
Free kicks give the attacking team time to execute simultaneous runs to gain the
advantage or create space near the goal. Take the time to use a rehearsed play to give
your team the best possible chance to score. (Fig. 5-13)
General hints for free kicks:
• Have your players work on still ball shooting.
• Make sure each player executes a specific role in the set play.
• Have several players attack the goal on each free kick.
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