A good corner kick is delivered with pace into a dangerous area where attackers can meet it before defenders or the goalkeeper. To take one well, place the ball in the corner area, pick an agreed target zone such as the near post, the six-yard box or the far post, choose an in-swinging or out-swinging delivery, and strike the ball with the inside of your foot to add curl and pace. Short corners, played to a nearby teammate, are another option to change the angle. Under the Laws of the Game, opponents must stand at least 9.15 meters away, a goal can be scored directly from a corner, and players cannot be offside directly from a corner kick.
Rulebook note: Corner kick rules follow Law 17 of the IFAB Laws of the Game. Youth leagues and small-sided formats may adapt them, for example by using smaller distances on reduced pitches. Check your league’s rules.
Corner kick deliveries
| Delivery | Effect | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| In-swinger | Curves toward goal; hard for goalkeepers | Targeting the six-yard box and near post |
| Out-swinger | Curves away from goal; attackers run onto it | Strong headers arriving from deep |
| Near-post | Flick-ons and quick finishes | Beating zonal markers at the front |
| Far-post | Header back across goal | Overloading the back post |
| Short corner | Pass to a teammate to change angle | Drawing defenders out or creating a cross from a better angle |
Corner kick rules
A corner kick is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, on the ground or in the air, having last touched a player of the defending team, and a goal is not scored. The ball must be placed in the corner area nearest to where it crossed the line, and the corner flag post must not be moved. Opponents must remain at least 9.15 meters, or 10 yards, from the corner arc until the ball is in play. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves; it does not need to leave the corner area. The kicker must not touch the ball again until another player has touched it. A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team; if the ball goes directly into the kicker’s own goal, a corner is awarded to the opponents. Players cannot be penalized for offside when receiving the ball directly from a corner.
How to take a corner kick
- Place the ball inside the corner arc, ideally on a flat spot.
- Check the signal or routine agreed with teammates.
- Look at your target zone, such as the near post or penalty spot area.
- Take a short, angled run-up of a few steps.
- Plant your standing foot beside the ball, pointing slightly toward the target.
- Strike the ball with the inside of your foot, slightly off-center and below the middle to add curl and lift.
- Follow through across your body toward the target.
- Get back into position quickly in case of a counterattack.
In-swinging vs out-swinging corners
An in-swinging corner curves toward the goal. It is typically taken by a right-footed player from the left side or a left-footed player from the right. In-swingers can be dangerous because a slight touch from an attacker, or even no touch at all, can send the ball into the net, and goalkeepers can find them difficult to judge in a crowded box. However, they can also be easier for goalkeepers to claim if delivered too close to goal.
An out-swinging corner curves away from the goal. It is taken by a right-footed player from the right side or a left-footed player from the left. Out-swingers allow attackers to run onto the ball and generate power in their headers, and they stay away from the goalkeeper. They require well-timed runs and strong heading from attackers arriving from deeper positions.
Pace, height and conditions
The best corner deliveries usually combine pace and a height that clears the first defender at the near post while staying below the reach of the goalkeeper. A driven ball arriving at head height is difficult to defend, since defenders have little time to react and any touch can divert it. Floated deliveries give defenders and goalkeepers more time to judge the flight and are easier to clear, although a well-placed floated ball to the far post can still be effective. Wind and weather affect delivery: into the wind, strike the ball harder and lower; with the wind behind you, reduce power slightly to prevent overhitting. On wet pitches, low, skidding deliveries can be awkward for defenders. Takers should practice in different conditions so they can adjust quickly during matches.
Olympic goals
A goal scored directly from a corner kick is sometimes called an olimpico or Olympic goal, a name linked to a goal scored directly from a corner by Argentina’s Cesáreo Onzari against Uruguay, the reigning Olympic champions, in 1924. Such goals are rare but usually come from in-swinging corners that deceive the goalkeeper or are helped by wind.
Target zones and routines
Near post. A quick delivery to the near post allows an attacker to flick the ball on toward the far post or finish directly. Near-post runs can also drag defenders out of position.
Six-yard box. Deliveries into the six-yard box create chaos but are close enough for goalkeepers to challenge, so pace and accuracy matter.
Penalty spot area. Balls aimed at the area around the penalty spot give attackers space to attack with a run-up.
Far post. A higher delivery over the crowd to the far post can find a runner who heads the ball back across goal.
Short corners. A short pass to a teammate can pull defenders out and create a better crossing angle. Some teams use short corners to switch the point of attack or work a shot from the edge of the box.
Roles in the penalty area
Effective corners depend on attackers knowing their jobs. Target players attack specific zones, blockers use legal body positioning to screen defenders, one player may stand in front of the goalkeeper, and others wait around the edge of the box for rebounds. At least two players, sometimes more, should stay back to guard against counterattacks. Clear, simple signals tell teammates which routine is on.
Practice drills
Target delivery. Place cones or hoops in target zones and practice hitting them from both corners with in-swinging and out-swinging deliveries.
Delivery with runners. Add attackers who time runs to meet the ball, then add passive and finally active defenders.
Short corner patterns. Rehearse two or three short routines with teammates until they are automatic.
Both feet. Takers should practice corners with their weaker foot to add variety.
Defending corners
Teams defend corners with zonal marking, man marking or a mix. The goalkeeper should command the six-yard box, calling early for balls they intend to claim. Defenders should attack the ball, clear it high, far and wide and then step out together. Having a player positioned near the corner to block short routines and quick deliveries is common.
Common mistakes
- Weak delivery that fails to beat the first defender.
- Hitting the ball too close to the goalkeeper.
- Attackers standing still instead of attacking zones.
- No clear routine or signals.
- Leaving no cover against counterattacks.
- Touching the ball twice before another player, which gives away a free kick.
Frequently asked questions
Can you score directly from a corner kick?
Yes, a goal can be scored directly against the opposing team.
Is there offside on a corner kick?
Not directly from the kick, but offside can apply to later passes.
What is an in-swinging corner?
A corner that curves toward the goal as it travels.
