Corner kick

Man U vs Spurs 2006, Jenas taking a corner kick

Alex Del Piero Sydney FC (cropped)

Corner area of a football field

BarwellFC

Chelsea 1 lLiverpool 0 (2-1 agg) Capital One Cup semi final 2nd leg On our way to Wembley! (15768333164)

Corner kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football. It is awarded to the attacking team when the ball leaves the playing field over the goal line without a goal being scored, and having last been touched by a defending player. The corner kick is taken from the corner of the field nearest to where the ball exited the playing field.

Procedure

According to the Laws of the Game, the ball is placed inside the corner arc at the nearest corner flagpost. The corner kick is executed by a player of the attacking team. The ball is considered in play when it is kicked and clearly moves; it does not need to leave the corner area. The player taking the corner kick cannot touch the ball again until it has touched another player. Opponents must remain at least 9.15 meters (10 yards) from the corner arc until the ball is in play.

Tactics

Corner kicks are a significant part of football strategy, often leading to goal-scoring opportunities. Teams employ various tactics, such as short corners, where the ball is played to a teammate close by, or long corners, aimed towards a group of players in the penalty area in an attempt to score directly or create a scoring opportunity through a header or volley. The positioning and movement of players during a corner kick are crucial for both attacking and defending teams.

History

The corner kick has been a part of the Laws of the Game since their inception in 1863 by the Football Association in England. The rule has undergone various amendments over the years, but the fundamental principle remains a key aspect of the game.

Significance

Corner kicks can significantly influence the outcome of a match. They provide the attacking team with an opportunity to score from a set piece, which can be particularly advantageous in closely contested matches. For the defending team, effectively clearing a corner kick can prevent a goal and potentially lead to a counter-attack opportunity.