Soccer 101: Fundamentals of Corner Kicks

While it is a basic part of soccer, a powerful, well-executed corner kick can be a critical part of a team’s attack. Let Pro Tips show you how.

Your team is pushing down the field late in the game. A teammate sends over a quick pass and you connect on a shot at the opposing goalkeeper. The save is made, but the ball rebounds off the keeper’s hands and out of play.

Now your team has been awarded a corner kick. A well-placed shot could be the difference between scoring a goal and being denied the taste of victory.

A corner kick is given to an attacking team when a member of the defending team puts the ball out of play over the goal line.

To set up a corner kick, place the ball in the designated area known as the corner arc. This is marked by a quarter circle in the corner of the field, on the side where the ball went out of play. Play resumes once the ball has been moved out of that space.

Once is ball is set, you are ready for the kick. Take a few steps back, run up to the ball and place your plant foot next to it. As you strike, connect with the top of your kicking foot.

The placement of your body can affect your kick. By leaning back, the ball should get more air under it. Going over the ball could lead to a low-driven corner kick.

Looking to master more soccer fundamentals? Learn how to improve your free kicks and penalty kicks, too.