Welcome to the Goalkeeping Newsletter. Today's
subject is defending corner kicks.
Defending corner kicks is one of the times when the keeper must be in total
control of the situation. The first thing she will want to do is make sure
the near post is covered. It's not good enough to simply have a player on
the near post; they must be close enough so that no ball can get between her and
the post. I recommend that the player be on the goal line with the shoulder
touching the post (if the corner kick is being taken from the keepers left side,
then the players left shoulder should be on the post). The rest of her
body should be along the goal line. I then like to get a player on the far
post in the same position (her right shoulder would be on the post this time).
The next area the keeper must be concerned with is a short corner or a low
driven ball to the near post. Placing a player on the end line, 10 yards
from the ball, can negate both of these. The next area to worry about is
the area between the 12-yard spot and the top of the D. This is the area
where most goals are scored on corners so get a player in that area as well.
The keepers next concern is to make sure that the 6-yard box is cleared. You
can't prevent opponents from coming into that area but you certainly can make
sure you don't have to fight teammates as well. You must know your range
as a keeper and take full responsibility for any ball played into that space.
The rest of the players can either mark up man to man or be placed in a zone.
The keeper should position herself in the middle of the goalmouth, approximately
1 yard off her line. Have your lower body facing out toward the middle of
the field. Your upper body (primarily your head) should be turned
facing the ball. This position will allow you to see the ball as well as
the rest of the field without having to turn all the way around. When the
ball is played, make a quick decision whether it is within your range and if so,
and there is nothing impeding your path, call for the ball and win it. If
you elect not to go get it, yell "away" and prepare for the header or
deflection. If you leave your line for the ball, your post players should
tuck in toward the middle to back you up. If you elect to stay back, then
the post players should stay where they are until you tell them to leave.
I am very specific in telling the players on the post that they should not step
out unless they are 100% sure they will win the ball, or the keeper tells them
to get out. No other
reason is acceptable. It is the keeper’s job to make this decision, and
to be quick and loud in letting them know what you want them to do.
Once the ball is cleared (or in your hands) look into the possibility of the
quick throw or punt for a counter attack. Many teams relax when the keeper gets
the ball and an aware team will capitalize upon this by attacking quickly.
If you have any questions or comments about this subject, please email them to
comments@finesoccer.com.
