Try a Corner Kick
Practice taking corner kicks by setting up target zones, experimenting with angles and spin, and measuring accuracy to learn control and teamwork.
About this activity
Practice taking corner kicks by setting up target zones, experimenting with angles and spin, and measuring accuracy to learn control and teamwork.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the materials and take them to the corner of a soccer field or your backyard.
- 2
Step 2
Use tape or chalk to draw the corner arc where you will place the ball.
- 3
Step 3
Put three target zones in the penalty area with cones or socks labeled near post mid zone and far post.
- 4
Step 4
Place the ball on the corner arc.
- 5
Step 5
Choose one target zone to aim for and say its name out loud.
- 6
Step 6
Take one corner kick using the inside of your foot to curl the ball toward the chosen target.
- 7
Step 7
Measure the distance from the ball’s landing spot to the center of the target zone with the measuring tape.
- 8
Step 8
Write the measured distance and note “hit” or “miss” in your notebook.
- 9
Step 9
Repeat Steps 4–8 four more times so you have five attempts aimed at the same target.
- 10
Step 10
Change your foot contact to the other side of the ball to add spin in the opposite direction.
- 11
Step 11
Take three corner kicks using the new spin while aiming at any target.
- 12
Step 12
Measure and record the results from those three kicks in your notebook.
- 13
Step 13
Invite a teammate to practice attacking the best corners while you take the kicks to practice teamwork.
- 14
Step 14
Compare your notebook notes to find which angle and spin gave the best accuracy.
- 15
Step 15
Share a photo or description of your corner kick practice and what you learned on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you run a 'Try a Corner Kick' practice to help kids learn corner kicks?
To run a Try a Corner Kick session, mark the corner spot and set 3–5 target zones in the penalty area with cones or small goals. Let the child take practice kicks from the corner, experimenting with different run-ups, foot placement, and inside or outside-of-the-foot spin. Record which zones are hit and adjust angle or power. Rotate players so everyone practices delivery and receiving; include a goalkeeper or teammate to practice crosses and teamwork. Keep repetitions short and positive.
What materials do I need for a corner kick practice at home or on the field?
Materials: a size-appropriate soccer ball, cones or flags to mark the corner spot and target zones, small goals or hoops as targets, a pump, pinnies for teams, a measuring tape or chalk for zone layout, clipboard or tally sheet to track accuracy, and optionally a goalkeeper or rebounder net. For indoor practice use tape instead of cones. All materials are inexpensive and portable for field or backyard use.
What ages is corner kick practice suitable for and how should it be adapted?
Suitable for ages 5 and up. For preschool/kindergarten (4–6) shorten the distance, use larger targets and focus on basic kicking technique. For ages 7–10 introduce run-up, aiming at zones, and simple spin. For 11+ add defenders, a goalkeeper, measured accuracy challenges, and tactical decision-making. Always adapt ball size, run-up length, and session length to the child’s coordination and attention span.
What are the benefits of practicing corner kicks for kids?
Benefits: Practicing corner kicks builds ball control, accuracy, and the ability to apply spin. It improves spatial awareness, timing for attackers and defenders, and decision-making under pressure. Repetitive, goal-oriented drills boost confidence and teamwork as players coordinate runs and communication. It also develops lower-body strength and balance. Short, frequent sessions give steady skill gains and transfer to game situations.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I don't have cones, tape, or a measuring tape for this corner kick activity?
Use rolled-up socks or water bottles as the three target cones (Step 3), draw the corner arc with chalk or a stick in the dirt (Step 2), and measure distances with a length of string with knots or a phone measuring app instead of a measuring tape when recording in your notebook (Steps 6–9).
My kicks aren't curling toward the chosen target—what should I try to fix this?
Check that you are striking the ball with the inside of your foot as instructed in Step 6, plant your non-kicking foot beside the ball, strike slightly off-center to create spin, and reduce power before repeating your five attempts to improve curl and accuracy (Steps 4–8).
How can I adapt this activity for younger children or older players?
For younger kids, move the corner arc closer, use large towels or socks as wider target zones, and reduce attempts to three while skipping the opposite-spin kicks in Step 10, whereas older players can increase distance, add a goalkeeper or defender in Step 12, and keep detailed measurements in the notebook (Steps 2, 3, 10, 12, 13).
What are some ways to extend or personalize the corner kick practice after completing the basic steps?
Record video of each kick to analyze spin and landing, create a point system for 'hit' versus 'miss' to track improvement, have the invited teammate practice attacking the best corners from Step 12, and share your findings and photos on DIY.org as suggested at the end of the activity (Steps 12, 13, final instruction).