One of the things that I wanted to do more in 2021 was to explore more. By exploring I mean looking at leagues that I didn’t look at before, especially leagues that do not figure in Europe. I’m looking to new leagues and leagues beyond the top tier, but somehow forget to analyse teams in the second tier in the Netherlands. So today I’m doing exactly that.
In this set-piece analysis, I will look at the attacking corner routines of Almere City FC. They are not only a very interesting team with progressive ideas, they are also hugely ambitious and would like to make their debut in the Eredivisie in the years to follow, so the project is definitely interesting to follow.
Almere City vs Helmond Sport
In the video above we Almere City in their game against Helmond Sport. The corner is taken from the right by a left-footed player, which means the ball will swing in rather than swing our. This also means that the ball is more likely to be delivered to the six-yard box and this can be seen by the number of players in the six-yard box.
On the right, we have a player close to the corner taker, just on the edge of the penalty are. In the six-yard box, we see two players. Just outside the box we have four players who all will move to the six-yard box as the corner is taken, but they will all asume different positions: Front post, central zones and far post.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see three players move to the front post, while one player remains in the central zone in the six-yard box. By doing so, the four players create space at the far post for the player there to attack a cross. The ball is headed to the far post and although it’s a difficult header, the ball is converted into a goal.
Almere City vs FC Dordrecht
In the video above we Almere City in their game against FC Dordrecht. The corner is taken from the left by a left-footed player, which means the ball will swing out rather than swing in. This also means that the ball is more likely to be delivered between the penalty spot and the six-yard box with deep-positioned runners.
On the left, we have a player close to the corner taker, just on the edge of the penalty area. In the six-yard box, we see two players. On the edge of the penalty area, we have three players who all will move to the six-yard box as the corner is taken, in the central zones and in the far post zones.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see three players/runners move to the central zones and to the far post, while the two players in the six-yard box remain in their positions. The opposition plays a second line of zonal marking, which makes it easier for the runners to get between the lines and actually score this goal.
Almere City vs Go Ahead Eagles
In the video above we Almere City in their game against Go Ahead Eagles. The corner is taken from the right by a left-footed player, which means the ball will swing in rather than swing out. This also means that the ball is more likely to be delivered in the six-yard box, which you can notice with the position of the players in the penalty are. In this case it’s quite obvious that the corner will be taken short.
On the right, we have a player very close to the corner taker for the short pass option which takes place. Outside the penalty area, we have a player tasked with the cleared balls and the first line of rest-defence in case of a counter-attack by Go Ahead Eagles. There is one player in the six-yard box against a two player zonal structure. On the edge of the penalty area, we have one player and, we have three players who all will move to the six-yard box as the corner is taken, in the central zones and in the far post zones.
The ball is taken short and the left-footed player receives the ball back and crosses the ball with his left foot into the central zones, but the ball is headed to the far post – after which it is quite easy for Almere City to score a goal. By taking the ball short, the defence organisation has been divided and Almere City does take advantage to this fact.
Almere City vs Excelsior Rotterdam
In the video above we Almere City in their game against Excelsior. The corner is taken from the right by a left-footed player, which means the ball will swing in rather than swing out. This also means that the ball is more likely to be delivered in the six-yard box, which you can notice with the position of the players in the penalty are.
On the right, we have a player close to the corner taker just outside the penalty area. There is one player in the six-yard box against a two player zonal structure. On the edge of the penalty area we have one player and, we have three players who all will move to the six-yard box as the corner is taken, in the central zones, front post zones and in the far post zones. Excelsior have a six player zonal structure.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see one runner go to the front post zone, while the others remain in the central zones and even the far post zones. The player deeper in the penalty box remains on his position and anticipates the cleared ball. The cross goes the front post and the runner in that position gets on the end of it and heads it towards the far post: another goal for Almere City.
I live in the Netherlands and that’s definitely not a surprise to many, but it does make me feel a bit weird towards Belgian football. I’ve always been told that we are ‘better’ than Belgian football and we should always strive to be better than them. I’m not sure this is because of historic sentiment or banter, but this has clouded me for a long time. Not anymore, I genuinely love Belgian football and that’s why I started to look at the leagues more closely.
In this set-piece analysis my eyes turn towards the attacking set-pieces of OH Leuven, playing in the Jupiler Pro League. They have been very interesting in their attacking routines, but in this piece I’m trying something different too.
First, I will look at the generated expected goals per corner per 90. I will look at their last 12 games to do that. After that I will look at the average expected goals generated per 90 per corner type, which I will explain later on. Then, I will have a look at the deliveries of the last 50 corners in those 12 games, to show where the first contact is and when a shot has been released. And finally, I will look at the successful corner routines during the 2020-2021 season.
Expected goals per corner
OH Leuven vs Waasland Beveren
Game
Side
Foot
Swing
Zonal structure
Length
Zone
xG
Goal
Minute
Waasland-Beveren
Right
Left
In
Two man
Short
Central
0
No
7
Waasland-Beveren
Left
Right
In
Two man
Long
Central
0,18
No
35
Waasland-Beveren
Left
Right
In
Two man
Long
Front post
0
No
64
Waasland-Beveren
Right
Right
Out
Two man
Long
Central
0,24
No
87
Waasland-Beveren
Right
Right
Out
Two man
Short
Front post
0
No
93
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Waasland-Beveren. We see that there is a total of 0,42 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that both of these corners were long and delivered to the central zone of the penalty area.
OH Leuven vs Cercle Brugge
Cercle Brugge
Right
Right
Out
Two man
Long
Far post
0
No
22
Cercle Brugge
Right
Left
In
Three man
Short
Front post
0
No
26
Cercle Brugge
Left
Right
In
Two man
Long
Far post
0
No
30
Cercle Brugge
Left
Left
Out
Two man
Short
Central
0,06
No
52
Cercle Brugge
Left
Right
In
Two man
Long
Central
0
No
52
Cercle Brugge
Left
Right
In
Two man
Long
Central
0
No
54
Cercle Brugge
Right
Right
Out
Two man
Long
Far post
0
No
59
Cercle Brugge
Right
Right
Out
Two man
Long
Central
0
No
69
Cercle Brugge
Left
Right
In
Three man
Short
Central
0
No
92
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Cercle Brugge. We see that there is a total of 0,06 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that the particular corner in questions was conducted from the left and played short, after which it was delivered to the central zone.
OH Leuven vs KRC Genk
Genk
Right
Right
Out
Two man
Long
Central
0
No
16
Genk
Left
Right
Out
Five man
Short
Front post
0,01
No
56
Genk
Right
Right
Out
Five man
Short
Front post
0
No
64
Genk
Left
Left
Out
Three man
Short
Front post
0
No
70
Genk
Right
Right
Out
Six man
Long
Central
0
No
77
Genk
Right
Right
Out
Five man
Short
Far post
0,07
No
79
Genk
Left
Right
In
Five man
Short
Front post
0
No
80
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Genk. We see that there is a total of 0,08 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that the two corners in question were both short corners, with one delivered to the front post and one delivered to the far post.
OH Leuven vs KV Mechelen
Mechelen
Left
Right
In
One man
Long
Central
0
No
16
Mechelen
Right
Right
Out
One man
Short
Central
0,02
No
66
Mechelen
Right
Left
In
One man
Short
Central
0,01
No
84
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Mechelen. We see that there is a total of 0,03 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that the two corners in question were both short corners, with both corners delivered to the central zone.
OH Leuven vs KAS Eupen
Eupen
Left
Right
In
Four man
Short
Front post
0
No
4
Eupen
Left
Right
In
One man
Long
Central
0
No
23
Eupen
Left
Right
In
Four man
Short
Central
0,05
No
59
Eupen
Right
Left
In
Three man
Short
Central
0
No
69
Eupen
Right
Right
Out
Three man
Long
Far post
0
No
91
Eupen
Right
Right
Out
Three man
Long
Central
0
No
97
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Eupen. We see that there is a total of 0,05 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that the corner in question was played short and to a central zone.
OH Leuven vs Royal Antwerp
Antwerp
Left
Right
In
Two man
Long
Far post
0,02
No
21
Antwerp
Right
Left
In
Three man
Short
Front post
0
No
36
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Antwerp. We see that there is a total of 0,02 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that the corner in question was played long and to the far post.
OH Leuven vs Club Brugge
Club Brugge
Right
Right
Out
Two man
Long
Front post
0
No
34
Club Brugge
Right
Right
Out
Three man
Long
Central
0
No
47
Club Brugge
Right
Right
Out
Four man
Short
Front post
0
No
52
Club Brugge
Right
Right
Out
Four man
Short
Front post
0
No
53
Club Brugge
Right
Right
Out
Four man
Short
Front post
0
No
68
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Club Brugge. We see that there is a total of 0 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that there were no deliveries to the far post.
OH Leuven vs KV Kortrijk
Kortrijk
Right
Right
Out
One man
Long
Central
0
No
6
Kortrijk
Right
Left
In
Two man
Short
Central
0,13
Yes
20
Kortrijk
Left
Left
Out
Four man
Short
Front post
0
No
62
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Antwerp. We see that there is a total of 0,13 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that the corner in question was played short and to the central zone. In the end this leads to a goal scored by Henry
OH Leuven vs Standard Liege
Standard Liege
Right
Right
Out
One man
Long
Far post
0,06
No
11
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Standard. We see that there is a total of 0,06 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that the corner in question was played long and to the far post.
OH Leuven vs Beerschot
Beerschot
Right
Right
Out
Three man
Long
Central
0
No
10
Beerschot
Right
Right
Out
Three man
Short
Front post
0
No
33
Beerschot
Left
Right
In
Three man
Long
Central
0
No
61
Beerschot
Left
Right
In
Two man
Long
Central
0
No
80
Beerschot
Left
Right
In
Three man
Short
Front post
0
No
80
Beerschot
Right
Right
Out
Four man
Short
Central
0,04
No
81
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Beerschot. We see that there is a total of 0,04 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that the corner in question was played short and to the central zone.
OH Leuven vs Charleroi
Charleroi
Left
Left
Out
Five man
Short
Front post
0
No
3
Charleroi
Right
Left
In
Five man
Short
Central
0,09
No
32
Charleroi
Right
Right
Out
Four man
Long
Front post
0
No
36
Charleroi
Right
Left
In
Five man
Short
Front post
0
No
37
Charleroi
Right
Right
Out
Five man
Long
Central
0
No
80
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Charleroi. We see that there is a total of 0,09 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that the corner in question was played short and to the central zone.
OH Leuven vs KAA Gent
Gent
Left
Right
Out
One man
Short
Front post
0
No
30
Gent
Left
Left
Out
Two man
Short
Front post
0,13
No
66
Gent
Left
Left
Out
One man
Short
Front post
0
No
66
In the table above we see the attacking corners conducted in the game against Gent. We see that there is a total of 0,13 xG generated from attacking corners in this game and that the corner in question was played short and to the front post.
Average expected goals per corner type
Corner type
Total xG
Average xG
Left
0,45
0,038
Right
0,66
0,055
Swing in
0,48
0,04
Swing out
0,63
0,053
Short
0,61
0,051
Long
0,5
0,042
Front post
0,14
0,012
Central
0,82
0,068
Far post
0,15
0,013
One man zonal
0,09
0,008
Two man zonal
0,56
0,047
Three man zonal
0
0
Four man zonal
0,09
0,008
Five man zonal
0,17
0,014
Six man zonal
0
0
In the table above I’ve divided the corners into certain categories to assess how many xG has been generated per corner type. If we look at which side is most successful in generating that xG, then this is the right side. When we look whether short or long corners generate the most xG, then it is the short corner option.
When we have a look at which zone – the ball is being delivered into – generates the most xG in these games, then we can conclude that the central zone generates the most xG. Finally, if we look at the successful generating xG against certain zonal structures, we can conclude that OH Leuven generates the most xG against two player zonal structures in the six-yard box.
Successful corner routines
The analysis of the corners in video will happen below, but I have a few things to say. Against Kortrijk, there was a goal scored from a corner – but that doesn’t show up in the delivery. The reason for this is that there have been a few passes before the cross came, hence the position of every player is different to the corner set up.
What I also wanted to say is that the games against Waasland-Beveren and Gent, are not the same as analysed above with the xG generated per game.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #1 from OH Leuven in their game against Kortrijk. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. The position of the runners is more advanced because the ball will go towards the six-yard box.
In the penalty area we see two players on the right closer to the kick taker, two players just inside the penalty area, and one player on the penalty spot. Just outside the penalty are we have another player who will anticipate any cleared balls and/or tasked with the first line of the rest-defence. There also is an option for the short pass option, to take the corner quickly.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see that Leuven opts for the short pass option and that players are overlapping on the right and left side from the player on the ball. The ball goes into the central zones of the penalty area where we see the highlighted player winning the duel. He is strong in the air and lures the defending players to him, creating space for the player at the far post. Eventually the latter gets the ball and scores a great goal for Leuven.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #2 from OH Leuven in their game against Mouscroun. The corner comes from the left from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out towards the penalty box, rather than swing in. In this example it’s quite clear that the ball will be played short to the player close to the kick taker.
In the penalty area, we see two players just inside the penalty area and also two players on the penalty spot, as well as another player in the six-yard box. Just outside the penalty area, we have another two players who will anticipate any cleared balls and/or tasked with the first line of the rest-defence. There also is an option for the short pass option, to take the corner quickly – which is obviously used in this example.
As soon as the ball is with the player that receives the short pass, he prepares to swing the ball into the box. We see a total of five players preparing to attack the cross. The ball does land in the central to far post zone, after which the ball is headed to the near post again. The three players at that near post have outpaced their markers and have space and time to score a goal.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #3 from OH Leuven in their game against STVV. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the penalty box, rather than swing out. In this example it’s quite clear that the ball will be played short to the player close to the kicktaker.
We have one player for the short pass option and one player just arriving outside the penalty area, who will make a run in the penalty area. Just inside the penalty area we have a unit of four players who are tasked with making runs into the six-yard box, and one player is on the left just outside the six-yard box.
As soon as the ball is kicked, into the player arriving in the penalty area, movement in that unit starts towards the central zone. The pass is played directly into the six-yard box and confuses the defensive organisation of STVV. At the end, the highlighted player gets at the end of the pass and converts the pass into a goal.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #4 from OH Leuven in their game against Gent. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the penalty box, rather than swing out. In this example it’s quite clear that the ball will be played short to the player close to the kicktaker.
We see the player for the short pass option who receives the ball. In the box we see three players who are man-marked, and are going to make runs into the six-yard box when the cross comes from the right. Just outside the box we see two players tasked with cleared balls and/or the first line of defence in case of a counter-attack.
The player who receives the ball passes the ball back to the corner taker who has progressed more to the left side. From that position, he can swing the ball into the far post where a unit of four players made runs forward, but the player doesn’t cross it. Instead, he shoots and scores against Gent.
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #5 from OH Leuven in their game against Waasland-Beveren. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the penalty box, rather than swing out. In this example it’s quite clear that the ball will be played short to the player close to the kicktaker.
We see the player for the short pass option who receives the ball. In the box we see six players who are man-marked, and are going to make runs into the six-yard box when the cross comes from the right. There is a two player zonal structure in the six-yard box, so the delivery needs to good as well as the runs in that six-yard box.
The player who receives the ball passes the ball back to the corner taker who has progressed more to the left side. From that position, he can swing the ball into the far post where a unit of four players made runs forward, but the player doesn’t cross it. Instead he makes moves forward into the penalty area and shoots to the far post. His shot is successful and he scores for OH Leuven.
Final thoughts
OH Leuven was often mentioned as one of the most exciting teams to look at in terms of attacking corner routines, and they were absolutely right. Not only were there successful routines widely varied, but to look at which type of corner generated the most expected goals was a new thing for me to look at, but a very happy development as well.
Another monday, another article on set-pieces. This time I travel to Scandinavia and focus on the clubs in Denmark. In this article I will talk about the attacking set-pieces, corners to be precise, by Odense BK. They play in the Danish Superligaen in the 2020-2021 season.
In this analysis, I not only look at the successful corners routines that have resulted in a goal, but I also look at the deliveries of the set-pieces: where did they go, which were used the most and what the first ball contact was like. I’ve looked at the last 50 attacking corners Odense haven taken and made the analysis below. The video footage is from Wyscout.
Odense BK vs Aalborg BK
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #1 from Odense in their game against Aalborg. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. The position of the runners is more advanced because the ball will go towards the six-yard box.
In the six-yard box, we see two players against a two-player zonal structure with two man-markers. Just outside the six-yard box, there is another player who makes a run forward. On the penalty spot, we see two players who are trying to make a run forward against their man-makers. There is another play who is standing far outside the penalty area, who is tasked with the first line of rest-defence.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see that the unit of two that is positioned on the penalty spot makes their run forward. They both move towards the front post zone, as are two players in the six-yard box. What follows is that the unit of two runners breaks and #20 goes more centrally in order to attack the ball. Eventually he scores the goal after this particular routine.
Odense BK vs Aalborg BK
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #2 from Odense in their game against Aalborg. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. The position of the runners is more advanced because the ball will go towards the six-yard box.
There is a little difference in set up compared to routine #1. In the six-yard box, we see two players against a two-player zonal structure with two man-markers. Just outside the six-yard box, there is another player who makes a run forward. On the penalty spot, we see three players who are trying to make a run forward against their man-makers. There is another play who is standing outside the penalty area, who is tasked with the first line of rest-defence and to attack cleared balls. In the penalty area a players moves deeper after he isn’t chosen for the short pass option.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see a lot of movement to the near post, but the deciding factor in this set-piece is the way Odense tries to overload the six-yard box in the front post zone and in the central zone. With six players in and around the box they want to create numbers in the box, and force something. In the end the ball is not cleared well enough and Odense scores the goal.
Odense BK vs AC Horsens
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #3 from Odense in their game against AC Horsens. The corner comes from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. The position of the runners is more advanced because the ball will go towards the six-yard box.
In the six-yard box, we see one player against a two-player zonal structure with one man-marker. On the penalty spot, we see six players who are trying to make a run forward against their man-markers. There is another play who is standing outside the penalty area, who is tasked with the first line of rest-defence and to attack cleared balls.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see a certain movement from the runners. The unit of six becomes a unit of five. The player that breaks off goes to the front post together with the player already in the six-yard box. The unit of five moves toward the far post and in the crowd they manage to shoot the ball into the net, a goal is scored for Odense BK.
Odense BKvs SønderjyskE
In the video above we see attacking corner routine #4 from Odense in their game against SønderjyskE. The corner comes from the left from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. The position of the runners is more advanced because the ball will go towards the six-yard box.
In the six-yard box, we see four players On the penalty spot, we see two players who are trying to make a run forward against their man-markers. Just outside the six-yard box there is another player. Finally, there is another play who is standing outside the penalty area, who is tasked with the first line of rest-defence and to attack cleared balls.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see the four-man unit in the six-yard box move to the front post, opening up space in the central zone and in the far post zone. There is even more space created because the player just outside the six-yard box moves to the central zone as well – making it easier for the unit of two on the penalty spot, to move forward into that space. In the end, this results in another goal for Odense.
One of the things that I wanted to do more in 2021 was to explore more. With exploring I mean looking at leagues that I didn’t look at before, especially leagues that do not figure in Europe. When looking to non-traditional covered leagues, I tend to look at the top tier leagues – but that is changing now. That’s why I’m focussing my next set-piece analysis on North-America, the United States to be precise.
The MLS is the obvious choice to look at, but I wanted to delve deeper into different levels of football in the United States and that’s why I have chosen to look at the USL Championship – the second tier of the closed system in the United States. Because only one matchday has passed, I’m looking at a few interesting corner routines from just a few clubs, to have an idea of what their routines are.
Louisville City FC vs Atlanta United II
In the video above we Louisville City in their game against Atlanta United II. The corner is taken from the left by a right-footed player, which means the ball will swing in rather than swing out. This also means that the ball is more likely to be delivered in the six-yard box and this can be seen by the number of players in and around the six-yard box.
On the left, we have a player close to the corner taker, which is a short pass option in case he wants to progress the ball. Just outside the penalty are we have another player, but he is tasked with the cleared balls and to be the first line of rest-defence in case of a counter-attack by Atlanta United II. In the six-yard box, we see three players: one at the front post near zone, one at the near central zone, and one at the far central zone. Just outside the box we have three players who as a unit will make a run into that specific six-yard box as the ball is being delivered.
As soon as the corner is taken, we have six players going into the six-yard box, but they don’t go into the same direction. We see a 4-2 formation, with the four players going to the front post near zone – which creates space at the central zones. The two players make use of that space and go into that zone, after which the goal is scored.
LA Galaxy II vs Sacramento Republic FC
In the video above we LA Galaxy II in their game against Sacramento Republic. The corner is taken from the right by a left-footed player, which means the ball will swing in rather than swing out. This also means that the ball is more likely to be delivered in the six-yard box. In the example above we saw players assembled in and around the box, but in this example they stay deep in the penalty area, ready to make runs forward.
On the right, we have a player close to the corner taker, which is a short pass option in case he wants to progress the ball. Just outside the penalty are we have another player, but he is tasked with the cleared balls and to be the first line of rest-defence in case of a counter-attack by Atlanta United II. Just outside the penalty there is another player who is going to make a run into the penalty area. Inside the box there is a unit of four player who are going into the six-yard box as soon as the ball is kicked.
Tha ball swings into the six-yard box and we see that unit of four move to the six-yard box as one horizontal line. They go wide a bit, so each players covers a certain zone of the six-yard box. The player on the edge of the penalty area also makes a run into the box to anticipate a ball coming on the penalty spot.
Hartford Athletic vs New York Red Bulls II
In the video above we see Hartford Athletic in their game against New York Red Bulls II. The corner is taken from the left by a right-footed player, which means the ball will swing in rather than swing out. This also means that the ball is more likely to be delivered in the six-yard box.
On the left, we have a player close to the corner taker, which is a short pass option in case he wants to progress the ball. But in this case he drops deep and doesn’t take part in the routine. Just outside the six-yard bord there is a unit of four player who are going into the six-yard box as soon as the ball is kicked to challenge the four player zonal structure by the opposition.
As soon as the ball is kicked, the unit of four breaks into two separate units of two. The left unit goes to the front post near zone, opening up space in the central zones for the other unit. The other unit moves into that space and tries to attack the ball in the central zones.
Oklahoma City Energy FC vs FC Tulsa
In the video above we see OKC in their game against FC Tulsa. The corner is taken from the left by a right-footed player, which means the ball will swing in rather than swing out. This also means that the ball is more likely to be delivered in the six-yard box.
On the left, we have a player close to the corner taker, which is a short pass option in case he wants to progress the ball. Just outside the penalty are we have another player, but he is tasked with the cleared balls and to be the first line of rest-defence in case of a counter-attack by Atlanta United II. In the six-yard box, we see one player: Just outside the six-yard box, we have three players who as a unit will make a run into that specific six-yard box as the ball is being delivered.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see that unit of three break into a 2-1 formation. The two nearest players go to the near post with the other player going into the far post zone. This is possible because the player in the six-yard box blocks the defender and therefore leaves space to run in the far post zone.
I’ve only written one set-piece article on women’s football before this one and I want to write more. It’s a corner of the football world that deserves more attention and I genuinely find their set-pieces fascinating. That’s why I also wanted to focus on national teams. They don’t play as many games are domestic clubs, but their corner routines are very interesting nonetheless.
I’ve chosen to look at Sweden National Team as they seem to have particularly interesting routines and have been quite successful with them. In this analysis I not only look at the the successful corners routines that have resulted in a goal, but I also look at the deliveries of the set-pieces: where did they go, which were used the most and what the first ball contact was like.
I’ve looked at the last 60 attacking corners Sweden haven taken and made the analysis below. The video footage is from Wyscout.
Sweden vs USA
In the video above we see Sweden against the USA with an attacking corner. The corner comes from the left from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in towards the six-yard box, rather than swing out. We see a pass option on the left which can be used as a shorter pass option, after which that particular player will swing the ball into the box.
In the six-yard box we see two players a four player zonal structure with two man-markers. Just outside the six-yard box there is another player who makes a run forward. On the penalty spot we see two players who are trying to make a run forward against their man-makers, and just inside the penalty area we see a player unmarked who might anticipate the cleared ball.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see a lot of movement to the near post, but the deciding factor in this set-piece is the way the 2v2 is won by Sweden at the penalty spot and both players can go forward quite easily. This results in a header from the near post, guided to the far post, scoring a goal for Sweden.
Sweden vs Austria
In the video above we see corner routine number two and this is the game of Sweden against Austria. We see the corner taken from the right side with a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out rather than in. On the right there is an option for the short pass.
Just outside the penalty area we see a player who is tasked with the cleared balls, but also serves as the first line of defence in case of a counter-attack. Further more, we see one player in the six-yard box and a line of five players between the penalty spot and the six-yard box, waiting to make their runs forward.
As soon as the ball is kicked we seen that the unit of five breaks. Three players of that unit join the player in the six-yard box and move as an unit of four towards the near post. The other two players move to the central area with a bit more emphasis on making a run to the far post, which results in a very decent header into the goal of Austria.
Sweden vs Slovakia
In the video above we see Sweden in their game against Latvia. The corner is taken from the left by a right-footed player which means that the ball will swing in rather than out and that the runners have more possibilities to come in. We see the option for the short pass again, but this player is relatively marked tight by their opponent.
In the penalty area we a very characteristic set up by the Swedish outfit. We see one player in the six-yard box and then we see two units of two. Two player play wider from each other just outside the six-yard box, and on the penalty spot we see two player playing closer to each other. Deep in the penalty area we see another player who is looking to make run behind the defence.
As soon as the ball is kicked, the player sitting deep moves behind the defence and moves into the far post zone. She can do that because the other players all make runs forward to the near post. The ball is not cleared well enough by Slovakia and the unit of two that is playing close to each other, moves forward and can finish the set-piece and score a goal.
Sweden vs Latvia
In the video above we see Sweden play against Latvia in their attacking corner routine. The corner is taken from the left side by a right-footed player which means the ball will swing in rather than out. There is a player for the short pass option who can swing the ball in as well.
We see one player outside just inside the penalty area tasked with the cleared balls and/or rest-defence in case of a counter-attack. There is another player just outside the six-yard box who makes run into that box. The six-yard box is packed with four players trying to make the most of the ball swinging in.
This routine is different because the players are not making runs into the six-yard box, but are already there and anticipating the ball in that particular area. It’s all about winning aerial duels in that position. As soon as the ball is kicked the player just outside the six-yard box moves into that box and the five players make life very difficult for the defending side. The duel is won by one of the Sweden players and she converts the ball into a goal.
Final thoughts The Swedish national makes very interesting runs going forward with their attacking corner routines as we have seen in the examples above. They have shown that the attention to the smallest details can give you an edge over the opposition when using set-pieces well.
O Flower of Scotland. When will we see your like again? The first lines of the Scottish anthem and they are beautiful. I always relate them to Scottish football in relation to the rest of Europe, but I’m well aware of the historical significance of the song. I’m saying this because I think that there’s nothing to compare to Scottish football bar Scottish football. Excellent country to delve into for set-piece analysis.
My eye turned to the Scottish Premiership and while there are a few teams that might seem obvious, I choose Dundee United to analyse. After being promoted at the end of the 2020 season they are doing quite well and staying up in the Scottish Premiership.
In the analysis below I will look deeper into the attacking corners of Dundee United in 2020-2021 and give six examples of corner routines they have executed in the last few games they have played.
Dundee United vs Aberdeen
In the video above we see Dundee United in their game against Aberdeen. The corner is taken from the left side from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out rather than in. This can also be seen in the starting position of the runners, they play a bit deeper.
We see two player outside the penalty area for the cleared balls and/or in case of a counter-attack to guard the rest-defence. The player on the left also poses as an option for the short pass, so he occupies a player of the opposition as well. We see two player at the edge of the six-yard box in the near central and central zone. Three players on the edge of the penalty area act as a unit and are in the central and far central zone.
As soon as the ball is kicked we can see a change in the positioning of the players. We see that one player goes into the six-yard box, while the other play remains just outside the six-yard box. The unit of three makes a run forward, but the formation breaks into a 2-1 formation. The two players move towards the near post and the other player remains deep in the penalty area.
Dundee United vs Aberdeen
In the video above we see another exampe of Dundee United in their game against Aberdeen. The corner is taken from the left side from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out rather than in. This time the positioning of the runners is quite different.
This attacking routine is different because we have two units of two and a split unit of two as well. In the six-yard box we see two players against two man-markers and the keeper. The two players just outside the six-yard box are man-marked as well as they are positioned in the near central. A bit deeper we see one player inside the penalty area and one player just outside the area. The player inside the area is tasked with making runs, while the player outside the area is there for the clearances and/or rest defence.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see the two units of two move into the six-yard box and the player deeper inside the penalty area going to the penalty spot. We see a 4-1 formation closer to goal. Three players of that 4-man unit move towards the front post near zone while the other player stays in the central zone with a movement to the deep back post zone.
Dundee United vs Celtic
In the video above we see Dundee United in their game against Celtic. The corner is taken from the left side from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in rather than out. The ball will go to the six-yard box and the runners want to move into that area as well.
We see two players in the six-yard box pinned against two defenders from Celtic. In the deep back post zone we see another player of Dundee United and just inside the penalty area we see two players of Dundee United as well, who are planning to make a move forward to the area where the ball will be delivered.
As soon as the ball is kicked the two players just inside the penalty area and the player in the deep far post zone, move towards their goal. One player of the two goes to the near post as is the player from the deep far post zone – the other player moves to the far post where he receives the ball and attempts to have a shot on target.
Dundee United vs Kilmarnock
In the video above we see Dundee United in their game against Kilmarnock. The corner is taken from the right side from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out rather than in. The ball will turn away from the six-yard box and the runners want to move into the area that is deeper than when the ball would swing in.
In this situation we see a 3-2 formation in the penalty area from Dundee United. There are three players playing close to the edge of the six-yard box and two players are playing behind that in the area on the penalty spot. There is also one player playing in the six-yard box who occupies a man-marker and poses as a blocker.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see the two players on the penalty spot move forward and sideways. The left player moves into the near far post zone, while the right player moves towards the near post zone. The ball goes over the top and into the far post, but the delivery has not been adequate to make something out of it.
Dundee United vs Livingston
In this fifth and last example, we see Dundee United in their game against Livingston. The corner is taken from the left side from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out rather than in. The ball will turn away from the six-yard box and the runners want to move into the area that is deeper than when the ball would swing in.
We have a player for the short pass option on the left who would swing it when given the ball. There is a player outside the penalty area who is there for the cleared balls and the rest-defence. We have one player in the six-yard box pinned against the keeper and a man-marker, two players just outside the six-yard box, and two players deeper inside the penalty area.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see certain movements going forward. We see three of the four players in the penalty area move to the near post as soon as the ball is kicked. At the same time we see the other player who is in the box make a different run, as he moved to the far post anticipating the ball coming there. In this case he doesn’t make that run, but there is space for him to go into.
Final thoughts Dundee United is an incredibly interesting team to look for corners as they have a few standard routines, but they switch it up with deep runners and positioning in the six-yard box. The breaking of units in the set-pieces formation makes it possible to confuse the opposition and gain advantage when attacking the ball from a corner.
Since I’ve started writing about set-pieces I’ve only concentrated on set-pieces in men’s football. This has no specific reason other than there is broader variety of leagues with good coverage. This, however, is starting to change. Thankfully. There are loads of interesting sides in the women’s game and that’s why I’m writing about them, because there are interesting to look and have exciting routines.
There are different countries with great leagues in the women’s game and different top teams obviously, although the traditional top countries in men’s football are starting to catch up. I’ve always been fascinated with Scandinavian football anad that’s why I choose to look at Sweden.
I’ve chosen to look at Sweden’s Linköping FC and their attacking routine as they are a side that performs well and is always up there to take into account. In this analysis, I will focus on the goals scored from attacking corners, because I want to illustrate what routines have been successful too. In the analysis below I’ve looked at four different goals scored from a corner in the Swedish Damallsvenskan .
A little disclaimer: the season has just started and I appreciate it’s a small sample, but I’m looking at four corner routines from the first two games of the season.
Linköping vs FC Rosengård
In the video above we see Linköping have an attacking corner vs FC Rosengård from the left. The ball is kicked by a right-footed player meaning the ball will swing in, towards the six-yard box. In the six-yard box we have one player standing close to the keeper and one player just outside the six-yard box. Those two play against the four-player zonal structure.
On the penalty spot we have three players of Linköping against three opponents, as they try to make a move forward in order to attack the ball. Outside the penalty area there are two players guarding the first line of defence in case of a counter-attack, but also to attack the ball in case of a cleared ball.
As soon as the corner is kicked, the unit of three moves forward into the near post area. The creativity in this routine is that they try to go like a train and have space between them. This makes it harder for the opponent to defend and gives the attacking side more opportunities to create something out of this set-piece.
Linköping vs FC Rosengård
Above you can see another corner routine by Linköping against Rosengård. The routine is different on a few details. In this corner we see a left-footed player taking the corner which means that the ball will swing out, away from the six-yard box. We see a player outside the penalty area on the left, which is there for the short pass option.
In the six-yard box we have one player standing close to the keeper and one player just outside the six-yard box. Those two play against the four-player zonal structure and one specific man-marker. On the penalty spot, we have three players of Linköping against three opponents, as they try to make a move forward in order to attack the ball. Outside the penalty area there is one player guarding the first line of defence in case of a counter-attack, but also to attack the ball in case of a cleared ball.
As soon as the corner is kicked, the unit of three moves forward into the near post area. The creativity in this routine is that they try to go like a train and have space between them. This makes it harder for the opponent to defend and gives the attacking side more opportunities to create something out of this set-piece. This time they don’t keep in an order, but the second placed player moves into the most front position.
Linköping vs AIK
In the video above we see an attacking corner by Linköping in their game against AIK. We see that the corner is taken from the left side by a right-footed player, meaning that the ball will swing in, into the six-yard box. There are two players in the six-yard box against a three player zonal marking structure.
On the penalty spot, we have the three players that make a run towards either the near post or far post. They act as a unit of three most times, but not always. Outside the penalty area there are two players guarding the first line of defence in case of a counter-attack, but also to attack the ball in case of a cleared ball.
As soon as the ball is kicked, the ball goes to the far post and the unit of three players becomes a 2-1 formation making a run. In the end they move to the central and far post, trying to make the most of this deep ball.
Linköping vs AIK
In the video above we see an attacking corner by Linköping in their game against AIK. We see that the corner is taken from the right side by a left-footed player, meaning that the ball will swing in, into the six-yard box. There are five players in the six-yard box.
Outside the penalty area there are two players guarding the first line of defence in case of a counter-attack, but also to attack the ball in case of a cleared ball. There is also a player there for the short pass option.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see that the unit of five players breaks and we have a 3-2 formation in that six-yard box. The front two players move the near post in order to head the ball towards goal or to head it backswards to the three playes that run more centrally.
Final thoughts It has been incredibly interesting to look at the set-piece routines from a team playing in the Swedish Damallsvenskan. The difference in inswingers and outswingers can definitely make a difference when going forward to score a goal.
Until now I’ve based my analysis on attacking corners of several clubs that don’t feature in the top-5 leagues in Europe, but that’s just one part of set-piece analysis. As we all know they are attacking routines to master, but also a defensive set up to master. In this analysis, I will focus on the defensive set up by a team.
Looking at defensive set ups is a different story from attacking routines. In attacking routines you try to escape the defensive set up via different runs and creating opportunities. Defensive set ups are designed to defend against a variety of attacking runs in order to deal with set-pieces correctly.
In this defensive corner analysis, I will focus on Paris FC’s defensive corners. The Parisians played in Ligue 2 and are currently 6th in the table.
Paris FC vs EA Guingamp
In the video above we can see Paris FC defending a corner against EA Guingamp. The corner is taken from the left from a right-footed player, meaning that the corner will swing towards goal rather than to the deep penalty area. In the six-yard box, we see one player from the opponent (in red) and three players from Paris FC: the player in front of the opponent is a man-marker and marks the player in the box. The other two players are zonal-markers, the first player marking the zonal area at the near post and the second player marking the zonal area behind that in the six-yard box.
At the far central zone and deep back post we see a 4v4 situation with four runners from the opposition and four man-markers from Paris FC. They are tasked with blocking the runs and/or clearing the ball when the ball gets in that position. Now they don’t remain in that position because of movements, but still are able to defend the ball near the six-yard box.
Deeper into the high back post we see another zonal-marker close to the edge of the penalty area. In this case, it doesn’t seem like he is included in the play but the ball often comes in that area after a clearance or a player tries to advance from the middle third. In the front far zone, we see a man-marker who marks the opponent who offers himself as a short pass option.
Paris FC vs EA Guingamp
In the video above we can see Paris FC defending another corner against EA Guingamp. The corner is taken from the right from a right-footed player, meaning that the corner will swing away from goal rather than to the six-yard box. In the six-yard box, we see two players. These zonal-markers, the first player marking the zonal area at the near post and the second player marking the zonal area behind that in the six-yard box.
At the far central zone and deep back post we see a 5v5 situation with four runners from the opposition and four man-markers from Paris FC. They are tasked with blocking the runs and/or clearing the ball when the ball gets in that position. Now they don’t remain in that position because of movements, but still are able to defend the ball near the six-yard box. This is slightly different from the previous corner where there would be one player in the six-yard box man-marking and 4v4, but not it’s a 5v5.
Deeper into the high back post we see two zonal-marker close to the edge of the penalty area. In this case, it doesn’t seem like he is included in the play but the ball often comes in that area after a clearance or a player tries to advance from the middle third. In this case, there is no option for the short pass to be given, hence the two zonal markers at the edge of the penalty area.
Paris FC vs Clermont Foot
In the video above we see Paris FC playing against Clermont Foot. Clermont takes the corner from the left with a left-footed player, meaning that the ball will swing out rather than in. In the six-yard box, we see two players. These zonal-markers, the first player marking the zonal area at the near post and the second player marking the zonal area behind that in the six-yard box.
At the far central zone and deep back post we see a 4v4 situation with four runners from the opposition and four man-markers from Paris FC. They are tasked with blocking the runs and/or clearing the ball when the ball gets in that position. Now they don’t remain in that position because of movements, but still are able to defend the ball near the six-yard box. There is also a man-marker just in front of the four-man defending unit, as he’s occupied with the sole striker just outside the six-yard box.
Deeper into the front far zone we see another zonal-marker close to the edge of the penalty area. In this case, it doesn’t seem like he is included in the play but the ball often comes in that area after a clearance or a player tries to advance from the middle third.
Paris FC vs Rodez AF
In the video above we see Paris FC in their game against Rodez AF. In this example the corner comes from the left side from a right-footed player, which means that the ball will swing in to the six-yard box. In the six-yard box, we see two players. These zonal-markers, the first player marking the zonal area at the near post and the second player marking the zonal area behind that in the six-yard box.
At the far central zone and deep back post we see a 4v4 situation with four runners from the opposition and four man-markers from Paris FC. They are tasked with blocking the runs and/or clearing the ball when the ball gets in that position. Now they don’t remain in that position because of movements, but still are able to defend the ball near the six-yard box.
Near the six-yard box there is a man-marker who marks the striker in the six-yard box. Further more we have a zonal-marker on the left-side of the penalty, just outside it. He applies zonal marking and this is needed in terms of the short pass option on the left.
Final thoughts Paris FC had caught my eyes for some seasons, but always on the attacking side of the game. It was very interesting to see how they defend corners in Ligue 2 and how they applied a two player zonal structure in the six-yard box and a third zonal-marker on the edge of the penalty area.
Analysing set-pieces is what I’ve been doing the most over the past week or two, and it’s very interesting to see different levels and different deliveries in set-piece. Previously I’ve analysed Hansa Rostock, Dundalk FC and Grulla Morioka – but this time my focus went to a league that has been overshadowed by it’s bigger brother, I’m talking about the Serie B.
Why Italy? Many people have the perception that Italian football is all about defending. While the Italian still defend very interesting, the attacking movements by teams in Italy are worth watching. Yes, I know your question: why not Serie A? – I think that the top 5 leagues in Europe already have so much coverage that I want to refrain from writing on them, especially on set-pieces. Some teams will feature in the Serie A in the next seasons to come and it’s a nice way of introducing these teams to a broader audience.
The Serie B is full of interesting sides. Teams with great history, teams who have been up and down the Italian professional game and teams with modern ideas. I’ve chosen AC Monza for this case study as their are in the promotion battle to go to the Serie A, but also are on top when looking at set-pieces.
In this analysis, I will focus on the goals scored from attacking corners, because I want to illustrate what routines have been successful too. In the analysis below I’ve looked at six different goals scored from a corner in the Italian Serie B.
Monza vs Pescara
In the video above you see Monza in the game against Pescara. As you can see the corner is taken form the left side and is taken by a right-footed player which means that the ball will swing in rather than swing out, which would have been the case with a left-footed taker.
On the left we see one player standing for the shorter pass option. He could receive the ball and cross it himself, or give it back to the original corner taker. We also see one player in the penalty to the right-hand side, who is anticipating a ball deeper into the penalty area. In the middle we have five players who are guarded by five defending players who are looking to make runs into the six-yard box. Pescara has two obvious zonal markers: on the near post and one closer to the edge of the penalty area.
As soon as the corner is taken we see a few movements in the penalty area. Kevin-Prince Boateng makes a movement behind the defensive line and moves towards the far post. At the same time, Davide Frattesi makes a similar run behind the defensive line, but he moves to the front post. This has the result that there is one player relatively free on the near post and one on the far post. In the end, it’s Frattesi scoring a goal at the near post.
Monza vs Virus Entella
In the video above you see Monza in the game against Virus Entella. This time the corners is taken from the right by right-footed player, which means that the ball swing out – away from goal. For that reason the Monza players begin closer to the edge of the penalty area and make a run to attack it.
In this case there is no option for a short pass, but the eight players concerned with this offensive corner routine are divided in two different roles. The two players just outside the penalty area are concerned with the cleared balls from the six-yard and looking to break the counter-attack. In this case the rest-defence is with a bit more risk, as the two players play high up the pitch. The six players in the penalty area move as two units of three towards the six-yard box and they need to make runs to set themselves in a good position. This is because Virus Entella plays complete zonal marking with corners.
The idea is that the corner taker will deliver the ball in the six-yard box and a bit closer to the near post, in the hope that one or two players are too quick and escape the zonal markers to convert the corner into a goal. This can also be seen in this routine. The run by Scaglia goes to exactly that area where the ball is delivered and heads the ball into the goal.
Monza vsPordenone
In the video above we see the third attacking corner routine of Monza, this time in the game against Pordenone. The corners is again taken from the right with no short passing option, meaning that the ball will go deeper and swing out.
We see two players standing outside of the penalty area, but they play deeper – which means that they are tasked with a more defensive duty. They need to get the cleared balls back into the box or are tasked with breaking counter-attacks as the first line of rest-defence. One player stands just outside the penalty box and is making a run into the box. There are two units of two players: one just inside the penalty area and one just outside the six-yard box. These units will make runs straight forward. On the left we have one player drawing defender to him, forcing a defender to make choices andd one player on the right who is unmarked and will make a run to the near post.
Kevin-Prince Boateng who stands wide on the left-side, turns more inverted and joins the far post. At the same time we see that the wide player on the right, Davide Frattesi moves toward the near post in order to attack the corner. The corner is again delivered in the area of the near post against the zonal marking employed by Pordenone. The endresult is the same: a goal from Monza at the near post.
Monza vs Frosinone
In the video above we see footage of a corner routine in the game against Frosinone. The corner is taken from the right from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing towards goal. A consequence of that is that players’ starting position for their runs is closer to the six-yard box.
There is one player on the left for a shorter pass option. He stand further away than in the previous examples, but the idea is that when he receives the ball, he will swing it in too but with a tighter angle. There are two players outside the penalty area anticipating cleared balls or to break any counter-attacks. On the edge of the penalty area there is one player sitauted, while in the penalty area there are 5 players who are man-marked but will run into the zonal marked six-yard box.
In the middle, there is a unit of two who make runs to the zonal marked six-yard box, but in doing so they break their united with each of the players going a separate direction: near post and the far post. The three other players also go near the near post, which means there opens space at the far post. The ball is headed towards the far post, which makes it easy to tap in at the far post, as illustrated in the video above.
Monza vs Brescia
In the video above we see the game against Brescia with the corner taken from the right side by a right-footed player. This means that the corner will swing out and the runners come from the edge of the penalty area rather than closer to the six-yard box.
This routine is not too different from the ones already looked at, but in this case, we see a player stand wide separate from the unit. That’s the player one should focus on as he will get into the near post and try to head the ball in the goal from the delivery. The two players in front going in to anticipate, but to also block defenders into going to one the post – also creating space at the far post for the four players on the edge of the penalty area.
The wide player on the edge of the box make a run to the near post where three defenders are marking zonally. Because of the threat of the other players it’s difficult for those three defenders to control all the runs, which Frattesi takes advantage of and heads the ball into goal from the near post.
Monza vs Virus Entella
In this last attacking corner routine we look at the reverse game against Virtus Entella of Monza. The ball is kicked from the right with a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out and that can be seen in the positioning of the players in and around the box: they sit deeper.
There is an option for the short pass on the right and we also see one player sitting deep outside the penalty area. This player is tasked with the cleared balls and as the first line of defence in the case there is a counter-attack from Entella. There are two units of three used in and around the penalty area. Three sit on the edge of the penalty area and three sit on the penalty spot.
As soon as the ball is kicked we see that most players in the penalty area move towards the near post, but the ball is going to the penalty spot. At the same time we see Kevin-Prince Boateng breaking from the unit he was in and moving to the far post. As a result the ball is headed towards the far post from the penalty spot and the Monza attacker can head the ball in the goal.
Final thoughts It was very interesting to analyse the successful set-pieces by Monza in the Serie B. What was particularly interesting was the way the defences of the opponents failed to deal with the units breaking up and making runs into separate directions, which proved to be a good way to score goals from offensive corners.
I’m genuinely intrigued, captivated and enchanted by set-pieces at this point. You might have seen that this is the third set-piece analysis article I’m writing in the last week or so, but I genuinely love them. Underappreciated and undervalued, but the effect of a set-piece can change a game or tilt the moment within a game. There are so many different routines and that’s why I continue writing these lovely analyses.
From Hansa Rostock to Dundalk, I’m concentrating on a whole different continent today. To be precise, I’m looking at the offensive corner routines of Grulla Morioka in Japan. They play in the third tier of Japanese football, the J3 League. Again, I’ve chosen this team and league to see how this is different from the top teams in Europe and to assess the qualities of that particular team in terms of set-pieces.
Grulla Morioka currently leads the J3 after fives games played and they have not lost since the start of the competition. Their aim will surely be to keep on top and get promotion to J2 League, but that’s something to concentrate on for the the future. I’m going to look at their attacking corner routines in their games this season.
Grulla Morioka vs Vanraure Hachinohe
In the video above you can see the first attacking corner routine as carried out by Grulla Morioka. They have set up as follows. The corner kick is taking from the right from a left-footed player, meaning the ball will swing in rather than swing out. There are two players standing outside the penalty area who have both a defending and attacking function; making sure to break any counter-attack or attacking the ball when it’s cleared by the defending team. In and around the six-yard box we see six players, but they have been divided in two units of three – as I’ve illustrated by connecting them in red.
At the moment the ball is kicked we see two separate runs/routines. The nearest unit moves as as an united to the near post luring defenders to the near post. At the same time, the second unit breaks. It’s expected that the unit moves into the space centrally, but only the player highlighted makes that run. In the process the defence is confused by the two player that stay deeper at the far post.
Those two players at the far post don’t get the ball, but in the case that one of the players at the near post heads the ball to the far post, they will have a clear opportunity to score a goal.
Grulla Morioka vs Imabari FC
In the video above we can see Grulla Morioka in their game against Imabari FC. The corner is taken by a left-footed player, meaning that it will swing in rather than out. Just like in the first corner routine – there are two players that are standing outside the penalty area with the function of attacking any cleared balls and providing guidance in case of a counter-attack.
When we look at what happens inside the penalty are we see that Morioka employs two units again. They have two units in this routine, but they each consist of two player instead of three. One unit occupies themselves centrally and the other unit stands at the near post. There’s one player standing deep into the penalty area, even past the far post who will make a run closer to the goal.
When the ball is kicked the front unit moves even more towards the corner on the right, dragging defenders with them. The other unit stays centrally, but because there is more space, the far post player moves in that position to create an overload in the air and hopefully head the ball on goal.
In this case the ball is touched and goes to the far post and there is no one there to profit from it, but it creates threat in the middle.
Grulla Morioka vs Nagano Parceiro
In the game against Nagano Parceiro, Morioka displayed a different routine to the ones mentioned before. In the video above we can see this. We see one player offering himself for the short pass option and we see another player standing outside the penalty area, who is responsible for guarding the first defensive duties in case of a counter-attack. In the penalty area we see one player at the penalty sport and we see another player standing in the six-yard box. The player in the six-yard box is tasked with blocking the defenders, while the player on the penalty spot tries to make use of that block, in running towards goal.
Past the far post, deeper into the penalty area we see a united of three who are guarded by three defending players. Their task is to make runs into the penalty area and move close to the far post. As we can see, the ball is played short and back, after which the right-footed player plays the ball deep into the penalty area.
The two players centrally move to the near post, which creates space in the middle and at the far post – as they drag players with them. That space is there to attack by the unit of three at the far post and the ball is played to them. A special role has been assigned to the player highlighted. He makes a run forward like the other players in the unit, but he also makes a run sideways so he ends up at the back – trying to confuse his marker.
Grulla Morioka vs Nagano Parceiro
In the video above we see another corner routine from Morioka, but this is from the same game as in attacking corner routine number 3. The idea of this corner doesn’t change on a lot of points, but the difference is in the details.
This time, the corner is taking from the right from a right-footed player, meaning the ball will swing out rather than in, which makes that the ball will land more in the middle of the penalty area. There is a short pass option and there’s one player standing just outside the penalty area to guard the line of defence and to attack the cleared ball. Again we see a unit of three past the far post and deep into the penalty area, while we see two players close to the six-yard box. The player closest to the goal has the task to drag his marker to an area that creates space elsewhere. That space can be attacked by the player on the penalty spot or by the three-man unit.
What’s different in this run is the way the three-man unit portray themselves in the run. Instead of playing close to each other, they break with one player going centrally, one player going to the far post and one player remaining on his position. This has the function that the ball can be played deep into the penalty area and there are different players to attack it, but it also has the function that the defenders need to make a decision if they defend the ball or the attacking players.
Final thoughts
Going into this analysis I didn’t know what to expect from the level of J3 League, but the routines were very interesting to see. Obviously the delivery and technique is different from top competitions in Europe, but that means that the players are more creative in their runs and details.
