How to Take a Corner Kick in Football: Tips for Beginner Players

A corner kick is not just a standard position, but also an important strategic opportunity in football. Knowing how to take corner kicks correctly and play them effectively can significantly increase a team’s chances of success. Different teams develop their own unique tactics and strategies for playing corner kicks, which makes this element of the game varied and interesting for fans. From our article, you will learn when and  how to take a corner  kick.

What is a corner kick in football?

A corner kick, or “corner,” in football is one of the set pieces awarded when the ball crosses the goal line (but does not enter the goal) and was last touched by a player from the defending team. When taking a corner in football, the ball is placed inside or on the line of the quarter circle near the corner flag.

Unlike a throw-in, a corner is not taken with the hands but is put back into play by kicking the ball, usually into the opponent’s penalty area. Any player may take the kick. From this set piece, many dangerous chances can be created, often leading to goals.

Rules for taking a corner kick

A corner kick is taken according to the following rules:

• The ball is placed within the quarter circle near the nearest corner flag, and opposing players must not come closer than 9.15 meters.

• The kick is taken only after the referee’s whistle. The player who takes the corner may not touch the ball again until it has been touched by another player.

If the ball goes directly into the goal, the goal counts. However, if in a similar situation a player sends the ball into their own goal, the goal is not counted and the kick is retaken, but toward the opposing team. Offside is not called when taking a corner.

How are corner kicks played?

Goals from corner kicks in football are scored quite often. One of the most common tactics is a cross into the penalty area. This tactic works perfectly for teams with tall players who can connect with a cross from the flank. Such set pieces are practiced in training, so players already know how to act. It is also common to see a player raise their hand before the kick—this signal may indicate that the ball will be crossed to the near or far post.

A corner kick does not always lead to a cross. First, not all teams have enough tall players capable of heading the ball into the goal with a single touch. Second, some setups are ideal for a low pass across the opponent’s penalty area. In such cases, this option is preferred.

A corner kick is not just a set piece but also an important strategic opportunity in football. Knowing how to take corner kicks correctly and play them effectively can significantly increase a team’s chances of success. Different teams develop their own unique tactics and strategies for taking corner kicks, making this element of the game varied and interesting for fans.