Rehearsed Attacking Corners: Three Plays with a Code

Each team designs three seven-a-side corner plays (a short corner, a near-post cross with a decoy run and a cutback to the edge of the box) and gives each one a number code. Then they run them against a defense that does not know the code and judge which one fools it most.

How to play

1. Explain the three types of play with cones in the box and show sample codes: raising an arm, calling a number or where the taker stands (4 min).
2. Each team of eight draws the three plays on its card, with every player's position and run, and chooses its codes (6 min).
3. Unopposed rehearsal: each play is run twice at an easy pace (5 min).
4. Competition: each team takes six corners against the other team, which defends with a mixed zone; a goal is three points and a shot on target is one (8 min).
5. Debrief: the defense tries to guess the codes and the attackers explain which play worked best (2 min).

Rules

• Headers are only allowed with a soft ball and gentle crosses.
• Screening moves are runs to fill space, with no pushing or holding.
• The goalkeeper wears gloves and nobody jumps into them.
• Waiting players stand outside the box, behind the far end line.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: acts as the strategist who draws the plays and gives the code from the sideline.
• Hearing impairment: codes are always visual, with gestures or raised pinnies.
• Autism: given the same movement in all three plays to reduce memory load.

Learning goals

• Design set pieces with clear roles.
• Communicate a plan within the team using codes.
• Execute synchronized movements to fool the defense.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 12
• pinnies: 16
• balls: 8
• goals: 2
• cards: 4

Teacher tip

Ask that every play has a clear purpose: free a finisher, drag a defender away or exploit the far post. If it does not, it is just running.

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