Corner kick rule in soccer

A method for restarting a play after the goal cross the goal line, awarded to attacking team when the opposition is last to touch the ball

Definition of the corner kick rule

The corner kick is taken to restart the play after the ball wholly crosses the goal line, other than within the goal mouth, after a player from the defending team touches it last.

A corner kick is awarded if the ball enters the goal from a throw-in or indirect free-kick. The attacking team restarts play by placing the ball in the corner arc nearest to where it crossed the goal line.

Corner kick rule explained

A corner kick will be awarded to the attacking team if any player from the defending team causes the ball to get out of play through the goal line, except through the goal in which case it would be an own goal.

The corner kick is taken from either sides of the goal area, closer to where it left the playing field. In other words, corner kick is taken from the right corner if the ball crosses the goal line on the right of the goal post and from the left corner if it crosses the line on the left.

How corner kick rule works

The ball is placed inside the corner arc, which is a one yard section at the intersection of the goal line and the touch line. According to the Laws of the Game, the ball is back in play once it has been kicked and moved.

Since the corner kick is a direct free kick, the same rules of a direct free kick apply. The closest opposing player stands at least 10 yards before it is taken. The referee ensures that no player moves closer and any sort of failure in observing that may be considered misconduct and punished accordingly.

A player from the attacking team has to step up and take the corner. The player is not supposed to touch the ball again after kicking unless another player has. An immediate second touch is regarded to be an infringement that warrants the referee to award an indirect free kick to the defending team at the point of the violation. If the player handles the ball then the opposing team is awarded a direct free kick instead.

Any player can gain possession of the ball once it has been kicked. On the part of the attacking team, they have a chance to keep threatening the opponent’s goal by retaining possession. On the other hand, the defending team may gain possession and mount a counter-attack immediately before the opponents get a chance to settle back into their positions. Therefore, both teams will try to manage the number of players in the area while the corner is being taken in order to be better placed for either outcome.

Corner kick strategies

A number of strategies are used by different teams while taking a corner kick. At times, the kicker sends the ball directly into the box where most players are positioned. Alternatively, the kicker may take a short corner to a player within the 10 yards who is better positioned to deliver the ball into the penalty area.

Generally, a corner kick provides a remarkable opportunity for the attacking team to score and this is evident when the kick is being taken. Players in the penalty area keep on pushing and shoving their opponents in a bid to gain possession of the ball once it lands in the area. Basically, each team has to train on how to take as well as defend corner kicks.

The goalkeeper of the defending team may choose to stand close to the near post, at the middle or at the far post as he awaits the corner. Normally, two other defenders will help to cover both posts to ensure a larger part of the goal area is defended as the other team mates try to mark the opponents.

Many attackers will stand by the penalty area waiting to head the ball to goal. The fact that there is no offside offense resulting directly from a corner kick allows them to stand wherever they please close to the goal. A corner kick can directly result into a goal. In this rare situation, the player taking the corner plays it directly into the goal. However, such incidents are normally attributed to the goalkeeper's fault or strong winds blowing towards the goal area to provide the required swerve.

Check out this youtube video showing perfectly executed corner kicks.