What Is a Corner Kick in Football? Rules and Tactics
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TL;DR
A corner kick gives the attacking team a set-piece restart from the corner nearest where the ball crossed the goal line. The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
When the referee awards one
The ball must fully cross the goal line, and the last touch must belong to a defender. If an attacker touches it last, the restart is a goal kick instead.
How the kick is taken
The ball sits inside the corner area. Opponents must respect the required distance, and the kicker cannot touch the ball again until another player does.
Common attacking routines
Teams may deliver an inswinging cross, outswinging cross, short corner or low near-post ball. The best choice depends on height, marking and the goalkeeper’s starting position.
Defensive responsibilities
Defenders mark zones or opponents, protect the near post and prepare for a second ball. A clearance can start a counterattack if the first cross is headed away.
Related rules
Compare free kicks, penalty shootouts, offside and stoppage time.
Sources
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