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Corner kick
Corner kick
Corner kick
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Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham Hotspur) taking a corner kick against Manchester United. The Tottenham players (blue) attempt to move into position to direct the corner towards the goal, while the United players (red, with goalkeeper in yellow) attempt to defend. The assistant referee (green, with flag) ensures that the corner is taken from inside the quarter-circle area.
Alessandro Del Piero takes a corner kick for Sydney FC.
Corner area of the football field.

A corner kick, commonly known as a corner, is the method of restarting play in a game of association football when the ball goes out of play over the goal line, without a goal being scored and having last been touched by a member of the defending team. The kick is taken from the corner of the field of play nearest to the place where the ball crossed the goal line.

Corners are considered to be a reasonable goal-scoring opportunity for the attacking side, though not as much as a penalty kick or a direct free kick near the edge of the penalty area.

A corner kick that scores without being touched by another player is called an Olimpico goal,[1] or less commonly, Olympic goal.

Award

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Ball going out of play having been touched last by defending side

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A corner kick is awarded when the ball wholly crosses the goal line outside of the goal frame having been last touched by a member of the team defending that end of the pitch. For the purposes of this rule, it does not matter if this touch is deliberate; it is permissible to kick the ball at an opponent to win a corner kick.

A corner kick is also awarded instead of an own goal when the ball enters a team's goal, having been last touched by a member of the defending team, in the following rare situations:

  • directly from a kick-off,[2] free kick (whether direct or indirect),[3] throw-in,[4] goal kick,[5] or corner kick.[6]
  • from a dropped ball, if the ball has not been touched by at least two players.[2]

The corner kick is taken from whichever corner was closer to the point where the ball went out of play.

Goalkeeper not releasing ball in time

[edit]

Beginning in 2025, should a goalkeeper hold on to the ball for more than 8 seconds, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing side from the nearest corner to where this occurred. This rule was implemented to deter time-wasting and such penalisations are expected to be rare.[7][8]

Procedure

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Player takes a corner kick
  • The assistant referee will signal that a corner should be awarded by first raising his flag, then using it to point at the corner area on their side of the pitch; however, this is not an indication of which side the kick should be taken from. The referee signals the corner by pointing, with an upward extension of the arm, to the corner area from which the kick is to be taken.
  • The ball must be stationary and on the ground within the corner area formed by a quarter circle with a radius of one yard (1 metre) from the corner flagpost inside the field of play.[9][10]
  • All opposing players must be at least 10 yards (9.15 metres) from the corner area until the ball is in play. Marks may optionally be made on the goal line and touchline at a distance of 10 yards from the corner area to assist the referee in enforcing this provision.[11]
  • The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves; it does not need to leave the corner area.[9]
  • The player taking the corner kick may not touch the ball a second time before it has touched another player.[9]
  • The attacking side may score directly from a corner kick, though this is uncommon. An own goal may not be scored directly: in the extremely unlikely event of the ball going directly into the attacking team's own goal from a corner kick, a corner kick would be awarded to the opposing side.
  • An attacking player who directly receives the ball from a corner kick cannot be penalised for offside.

Infringements

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If the kick is taken with a moving ball, or from the wrong place, the corner kick is retaken.[12]

Opposing players must retire the required distance as stated above. Failure to do so promptly may constitute misconduct and be punished by a yellow card.[13]

A player who excessively delays the restart of play is cautioned.[14]

It is an offence for the kicker to touch the ball a second time before it has been touched by another player; this is punishable by an indirect free kick to the defending team from where the offence occurred,[15] unless the second touch was also a more serious handling offence, in which case a direct free kick is awarded to the defending team.[12]

Tactics in taking and defending a corner

[edit]
Liverpool (red) players prepare to defend a Chelsea (blue) corner.
Eden Hazard of Belgium (left, yellow) has the option to play a short corner against England (red) at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

A common tactic is for several attackers to stand close in front of the goal, whereupon the corner taker crosses the ball for them to head into the goal.

The defending team may choose to form a wall of players in an attempt to force the ball to be played to an area which is more easily defended. However, this is not done often because defending players must remain at least 10 yards from the ball until it is in play.

The defending team also has the choice of whether to instruct a player to adopt a position beside one or both of the goalposts to provide protection to the goal in addition to the goalkeeper. The thinking behind placing a player beside a goalpost is that it means more of the goal area is protected and there is no loss in the ability to play an offside trap because offside does not apply for the first touch from a corner, and it compensates for a keeper's positioning and/or reach.

The defending team also has to decide how many players it needs to defend a corner. Teams may withdraw every player into a defensive area, however this diminishes the potential for a counter-attack if possession is regained, and as such, allows the attacking side to commit more players to attacking the goal. Withdrawing all players into a defensive area also means that if the ball is cleared from an initial cross, it is more than likely that the attacking team will regain possession of the ball and begin a new attack.

In situations where a set-piece, such as a corner, is awarded to a side trailing by a single goal at the closing stages of a match where conceding further is of minimal consequence (i.e. in a knockout tournament) a team may commit all their players, including their goalkeeper, to the attack.[citation needed]

Man versus zonal marking

[edit]

Two popular strategies used for defending corners are called man marking and zonal marking. Man marking involves each defensive player at a corner being given an attacking player to defend, with their objective being to stop the attacking player from heading the ball. The other tactic, zonal marking, involves allocating each player to an area of the box to defend (their "zone"). The objective for players in zonal marking is to get to the ball first if it enters their zone and head it away from danger before an attacking player can reach it.

Alternate tactics

[edit]

Rather than the kicker attempting a cross, an alternative strategy for the attacking team is the short corner. The ball is passed to a player close the kicker, to create a better angle of approach toward the goal.[citation needed]

Teams attempting to time-waste may keep the ball in the corner of the pitch for as long as possible rather than attempt an attack.[citation needed]

Scoring a goal directly from a corner: Olimpico goal

[edit]
Cesáreo Onzari scores a goal for Argentina against Uruguay at Estadio Sportivo Barracas. This was the first goal scored direct from a corner kick, in 1924.

It is possible to score with a corner kick if sufficient swerve is given to the kick and/or if wind is blowing toward the goal. The goalkeeper is usually considered at fault if a goal is scored from a corner.[16]

This type of goal is called an Olympic goal or Olimpico goal. On 14 June 1924, the IFAB formally legalized scoring in this manner; the first such goal was scored on 2 October 1924 by Argentina's Cesáreo Onzari against Uruguay, who had just won the 1924 Olympic title.[17][18][16]

For decades, English speakers generally used the term Olympic goal. But the 21st century has seen the rise in the use of Olimpico goal, derived from the Spanish and Portuguese term gol olímpico widely used in Latin America.[17][18] Max Bretos has used it on Fox Soccer Channel in the United States, reflecting Latino influence on the sport's culture there. Virtually all reports of Megan Rapinoe's goal in the bronze medal match at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics referred to it as an Olimpico goal.[1]

Notable examples

[edit]

Corner instead of own goal from restart

[edit]

Most methods of restarting the game do not permit the scoring of an own goal directly from the restart;[nb 1] if the ball enters the goal directly, a corner is awarded instead. This is the case for the kick-off,[39] goal kick,[nb 2] dropped ball,[nb 3] throw-in,[41] corner kick,[nb 2][45] and free kick (direct or indirect).[46] Such incidents are extremely rare, and in some cases require unusual or extraordinary circumstances in order to occur (for example, a ball from a corner kick would have to travel the entire length of the field and enter the kicker's own goal without being touched by any other player).

In a 1983–84 English Third Division match, Millwall were incorrectly credited with a goal against Wimbledon rather than a corner, when Wally Downes' free-kick backpass eluded an off-guard Dave Beasant.[47][48] In a 2002–03 FA Premier League match, Birmingham City scored against their local rivals Aston Villa when Olof Mellberg's throw-in backpass was missed by Villa goalkeeper Peter Enckelman, who reacted with dismay but later claimed he had made no contact and the goal should not have been awarded. His reaction may have persuaded referee David Elleray that Enckelman had grazed the ball; manager Graham Taylor suggested it showed he was unaware of the corner rule, a charge Enckelman denied.[49][50][51]

History

[edit]

Background

[edit]
1895 painting, "A Corner Kick", by Thomas M.M. Hemy, depicting an 1895 match between Sunderland and Aston Villa
A corner-kick in the annual Oxford v Cambridge match (photograph published 1905)

Under the original 1863 rules of the Football Association, a ball kicked behind the goal-line was treated similarly to present-day rugby: if an attacking player touched the ball down first, the attacking team was awarded a free-kick at goal (similar to a conversion in rugby), while if a defending player touched the ball down first, the defending team was awarded a goal-kick.[52] These rules were subsequently simplified, so that by 1867 a goal-kick was awarded in all circumstances, regardless of which team touched the ball.[53]

During this period, clubs around Sheffield played their own distinctive code of football. The laws promulgated in early March 1867 by the newly formed Sheffield Football Association contained a similar rule: a goal-kick was awarded whenever the ball went behind the goal-line, regardless of which team touched the ball.[54]

One problem with these early rules was mentioned at the 1867 FA meeting:[55]

Where one side was very much weaker than the other, a very great deal of time was wasted by players intentionally letting the ball go behind their own goal-line (in some instances kicking it there themselves) particularly in playing against time.

Introduction in Sheffield rules

[edit]

An early law providing for a throw-in from the corner flag had already been used by the Sheffield Mechanics' Football Club for the 1865–66 season:[56]

When the ball is in touch, the side that first touches it must bring it to the edge of the touch at the place where it went in, and throw it straight out at least six yards, and it must touch the ground before coming in contact with any player, except it be kicked out at the goal-sides, then it must be taken to the corner-flag and thrown in.

The corner-kick itself was suggested in a letter to the editor of the Sheffield Daily Telegraph published on 22 March 1867.[57] The author, writing under the pseudonym "Rouge", argued that the then-current rule was "a great inducement to foul and dishonourable play, for it is manifestly to the advantage of a defending side to allow the ball to pass their goal line, they having the great advantage or a free kick-off". Instead, Rouge suggested, "when the ball is kicked behind the goal-line, the players [should] run for touch, and the side winning the touch, kicks in from the nearest corner-flag".[57]

The corner-kick was introduced to Sheffield football the following year, as the result of a rule-change proposed by Norfolk F.C. The law, adopted in October 1868, ran:[58]

When the ball is kicked over the bar of the goal, it must be kicked-off by the side behind whose goal it went, within six yards from the limit of their goal. The side who thus kick the ball are entitled to a fair kick-off in whatever way they please; the opposite side not being allowed to approach within six yards of the ball. When the ball is kicked behind the goal line, a player of the opposite side to that which kicked it out, shall kick it in from the nearest corner-flag; no player to be allowed within six yards of the ball until kicked.

This Sheffield form of the corner-kick had two significant differences from today's version:

  • The corner-kick could be awarded to either the attacking or the defending team, depending on which team kicked the ball behind the goal-line.
  • When the ball was kicked directly over the crossbar, by either team, a goal-kick was awarded to the defending team.

The Sheffield clubs would retain this form of the corner-kick rule until they adopted the FA's rules wholesale in 1877.

Introduction in association football

[edit]

In 1872, the Sheffield Association successfully introduced the corner-kick into the Football Association's code. The new FA rule was identical to the Sheffield rule, as described above.[59]

1873 changes

[edit]

The next year, 1873, the FA rule was rewritten, under a proposal by Great Marlow FC, to essentially its current form:[60]

  • When the attacking team kicked the ball behind the goal-line, a goal-kick was awarded to the defending team
  • When the defending team kicked the ball behind the goal-line, a corner-kick was awarded to the attacking team.

The FA rule of 1873 stated:

When the ball is kicked behind the goal-line by one of the opposite side, it shall be kicked off by any one of the players behind whose goal line it went, within six yards of the nearest goal post; but if kicked behind by any one of the side whose goal line it is, a player of the opposite side shall kick it from the nearest corner flag-post. In either case no other player shall be allowed within six yards of the ball until kicked off.

Subsequent developments

[edit]

Name

[edit]

The name "corner-kick" first appears in the laws of 1883.[61] Before this, the phrase "corner-flag kick" was used (1875). [62]

Position of the kick

[edit]

In 1874, the kick was allowed to be taken from within one yard of the corner-flag, rather than from the flag itself.[63]

Position of other players

[edit]

Initially, all other players were forbidden to be within six yards of the ball at a corner-kick; this was altered to all opposing players in 1888.[64] In 1913 and 1914, the distance was increased from six yards to ten yards.[65][66][67] In 2006, the minimum distance was specified as ten yards from the corner area, rather than from the ball.[68]

Putting the ball into play

[edit]

In 1905, it was specified that the ball "must make a complete circuit or travel the distance of its circumference" before being in play.[69] In 1997, this requirement was eliminated: the ball became in play as soon as it was kicked and moved.[70] In 2016, it was specified that the ball must "clearly" move.[71]

Offside from a corner-kick

[edit]

When first introduced in 1872, the corner-kick was required to be taken from the corner-flag itself, which made it impossible for an attacking player to be in an offside position directly from a corner. In 1874, the kick was allowed to be taken up to one yard from the corner-flag, thus opening up the possibility of a player being in an offside position by being ahead of the ball. At the International Football Conference of December 1882, it was agreed that a player should not be offside from a corner-kick; this change was incorporated into the Laws of the Game in 1883.[61]

Scoring a goal from a corner-kick

[edit]

When it was first introduced in 1872, there was no restriction on scoring a goal directly from a corner-kick. In 1875, this was forbidden,[62] but it was subsequently legalised by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) meeting of 14 June 1924 with effect from for the following season, and is now referred to as an Olimpico goal.[17][18][72] In 1997, the laws were amended to remove the possibility of scoring an own goal directly from a corner kick.[73]

Touching the ball twice from a corner-kick

[edit]

When initially introduced in 1872, there was no restriction on dribbling from a corner-kick. In 1875, this was changed: it was forbidden for a player to touch the ball again after taking a corner-kick, before the ball had been touched by another player.[62]

In 1924, this restriction was accidentally removed, as an unintended consequence of the law-change allowing a goal to be scored directly from a corner.[74] This possibility was exploited by Everton winger Sam Chedgzoy in a match against Arsenal on 15 November of that year.[75] At the end of November, the International Football Association Board issued emergency instructions that dribbling was once again forbidden.[76] The law was formally amended to prohibit dribbling at the next annual meeting of the Board, in 1925.[77][78]

Punishment for infringement

[edit]

In 1882, an indirect free-kick was awarded when the player taking the corner-kick touched the ball again before it had touched another player.[79]

In 1905, an indirect free-kick was awarded for any infringement at a corner-kick.[80]

These penalties were accidentally removed from the laws in 1924, as described above. In 1930, both penalties were reinstated.[81] In 1973, the remedy for infringements other than the double touch was changed to a retake.[82]

Pitch markings

[edit]

The one-yard quarter-circle pitch marking is first explicitly mentioned in the Laws of the Game in 1938, but appears in the diagram of the pitch as early as 1902.[83] In 1995, the Laws of the Game were updated to explicitly allow optional marks on the goal line 11 yards from the corner flag, at right angles to the goal-line, to aid the referee in enforcing the minimum distance from the corner kick.[84] In 2008, similar optional marks were permitted at right angles to the touch lines.[85] (In 1977, the Scottish FA had proposed an additional pitch-marking of a quarter-circle with a radius of 11 yards for this purpose, but the suggestion was rejected).[86]

Use as a tiebreaker

[edit]

In the early 1920s, some charity matches began using corner-kicks as a tie-breaker in order to avoid replays.[87] In response, the laws of the game were amended in 1923 to state explicitly that the goal was the only means of scoring, and that a match that ended with equal number of goals scored was drawn.[88] Despite this, the Dublin City Cup (until the 1960s) and Dublin and Belfast Inter-City Cup (in the 1940s) used corner count as a tiebreaker in knockout rounds.[89][90] The use of corner-kicks in this manner was never approved by the International Football Association Board, and in 1970 IFAB endorsed the penalty shoot-out as its approved method of breaking ties.[91]

Summary

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This table includes only kicks from the corner flag awarded to the attacking team after the ball goes out of play over the goal line. For kicks awarded to the defending team, see the goal kick article.

Date Awarded when Location of corner-kick Minimum distance required (team-mates) Minimum distance required (opponents) Kicker may play ball again before it is touched by another player Attacking goal may be scored from a corner-kick Own goal may be scored from a corner-kick Player may be offside from a corner-kick
1863 Never —
1872 Ball last touched by a player on the defending team, and ball did not go out of play directly over the goal From the corner-flag itself 6 yards 6 yards Yes Yes Yes No
1873 Ball last touched by a player on the defending team
1874 From within one yard of the corner-flag Yes
1875 No No No
1883 No
1888 None
1913,1914[67] 10 yards
1924 (June) Yes Yes Yes
1924 (November) No
1997 No

Footnotes

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Corner kick

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A corner kick is a method of restarting play in when the whole of the ball passes over the line, either or in the air, having last been touched by a player of the defending , and a is not scored. Awarded to the attacking , it provides a strategic opportunity near the opponent's , typically resulting in approximately 10 such kicks per in elite competitions. Goals can be scored directly from a corner kick against the defending , though only about 2-3% of corners lead to immediate goals, underscoring their role as high-value set pieces that often influence outcomes through aerial duels and tactical setups. The procedure for a corner kick requires the to be placed stationary within the corner area—nearest to the point where it crossed the line or the goalkeeper's position if applicable—and kicked by a player from the attacking team. Opponents must remain at least 9.15 meters (10 yards) from the corner arc until the is in play, which occurs when it is kicked and clearly moves; the no longer needs to leave the corner area to be considered in play. The corner flag must not be moved or obstructed, and infringements such as the kicker touching the twice before another player results in an indirect to the opponents. Originating in the Sheffield Rules of 1868 before being formally adopted by in 1872, the corner kick evolved from earlier "kick from the corner" provisions to standardize restarts and prevent defensive advantages when the ball exited play near the goals. Over time, it has become a cornerstone of modern tactics, with deliveries often curved using inswinging or outswinging techniques to exploit zones in the , leading to headers or volleys; defensive strategies emphasize zonal or man-marking to counter these threats. As of the 2025/26 season, a new rule awards a corner kick to the opposing team if the holds the ball for more than eight seconds, further emphasizing in set-piece scenarios.

Awarding a Corner Kick

Circumstances for Award

A corner kick is awarded in when the whole of the passes over the line, either on the ground or in the air, having last been touched by a player of the defending , provided that no is scored. This typically occurs during attacking plays where the is crossed into the and is then deflected, headed, or saved by a defender (including the ) such that it crosses the line without entering the net. The restart is granted to the attacking from the corner arc nearest to where the crossed the line, distinguishing it from a , which is awarded if the last touches an attacking player. An additional circumstance arises from specific goalkeeper infringements under Law 12. If a , within their , controls the ball with their hands or arms for more than eight seconds before releasing it—where control includes holding it between the hands/arms, against the ground or body, in an outstretched open hand, or while bouncing or throwing it upward—a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team. The signals the final five seconds of this period by raising an arm and visually counting down, and opponents may not challenge the during this time. The corner kick serves as a set-piece restart exclusively in , governed by the (IFAB), though similar mechanisms for restarting play after the ball crosses a goal line exist in other football codes without identical procedures.

Distinction from Other Restarts

A corner kick is distinctly awarded when the entire ball crosses the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, having last been touched by a player from the defending team, without a being scored. In contrast, a is granted under the opposite circumstance: when the ball fully crosses the goal line after last contact by an attacking team player, also without a . This fundamental difference in last-touch attribution determines possession restart, with the serving primarily to relieve defensive pressure by allowing the defending team to distribute the ball from within their goal area, often aiming to clear it upfield. The corner kick, however, positions the attacking team advantageously near the opponent's , taken from the corner arc, which facilitates potential scoring opportunities due to the proximity to the goalposts. Unlike a , which is awarded whenever the whole ball passes over the touchline (sideline) regardless of which team last touched it—with possession going to the opponents of that team—a corner kick specifically addresses events along the line. Throw-ins occur along the length of the field and are executed by the ball with both hands from behind the touchline, promoting a neutral restart without the territorial bias inherent in goal-line scenarios. The corner kick's location at the field's corner quadrant underscores its role as a punitive for defensive lapses near the , enhancing the attacking team's offensive positioning compared to the more peripheral nature of throw-ins. Free kicks, whether direct or indirect, differ markedly as they are penalty-based restarts for fouls, technical infringements, or misconduct committed during play, rather than resulting from the ball simply going out of bounds. free kicks allow a goal to be scored directly into the opponents' net, while indirect ones require the ball to touch another player first; both are taken from the location of the offence (or adjusted spots like the goal area if necessary). Unlike these, the corner kick is a possession-based out-of-play restart triggered solely by the ball crossing the goal line after defensive contact, without any foul involved, and it mandates execution from the designated corner arc to capitalize on the error's proximity to the goal. This setup provides a unique attacking edge, as opponents must remain at least 9.15 meters away, similar to free kicks but tailored to the corner's for heightened scoring potential.

Execution of the Corner Kick

Basic Procedure

A corner kick is taken by placing the ball stationary within the corner area, which is the quarter-circle arc marked with a radius of 1 meter (1 yard) from each corner flagpost, nearest to the point where the ball crossed the goal line. The ball may be positioned such that any part of it is inside the arc or overhanging the arc line, but it must not be placed outside this designated area. The kick is performed by any player from the attacking team, as the corner is awarded against the defending team for last touching the out of play. The kicker must ensure the is kicked and clearly moves to bring it into play; under current IFAB Laws of the Game (effective since the 2019/20 season), there is no requirement for the to a specific distance or leave the corner area, nor does it need to be touched by another player before a can be scored directly from the kick. This allows for various delivery types, such as inswinging or outswinging corners, where the is curved toward or away from the . Opponents must remain at least 9.15 meters (10 yards) from the corner arc until the ball is in play, promoting a restart while player positioning details, such as offside exemptions in the , are governed separately. The corner flagpost must not be moved or interfered with during the procedure to maintain the integrity of the restart.

Player Positioning and Restrictions

During a corner kick, the is placed within the designated corner area, which is marked by a quarter-circle arc with a radius of 1 (1 yard) drawn inside the field of play from each corner . The corner flagpost itself must be at least 1.5 (5 feet) high, topped with a non-pointed , and placed at each corner; it cannot be moved or interfered with during the execution of the kick to maintain consistency and safety. Attacking players, excluding the kicker, are permitted to position themselves anywhere on the field of play without restriction, allowing for strategic clustering in the to maximize scoring opportunities from the delivery. A key distinction is that the does not apply to players receiving the ball directly from a corner kick, enabling attackers to remain in advanced positions near the without risk of being flagged offside. The kicker must ensure the ball is stationary within the corner arc, and no attacking player may encroach into this small area to avoid obstructing the placement or kick. Defending players, including the , must adhere to a minimum distance requirement of 9.15 meters (10 yards) from the corner arc until the ball is in play, which occurs when it has been kicked and clearly moves. This rule applies uniformly to all opponents and is measured from the arc rather than the ball itself, promoting fair execution by preventing encroachment that could block the kicker. Unlike goal kicks, there is no mandate for defenders to stay outside the , permitting them to mark closely within it to headers or clearances effectively. The follows the same 9.15-meter distance restriction as other defenders but benefits from the ability to use hands within their once the ball is in play. However, they cannot handle the ball if it results from a deliberate back-pass by a teammate's foot or if received directly from a teammate's ; a direct reception from the corner kick itself is permissible, as it does not constitute a back-pass under the laws. Additionally, under the updated 2025/26 regulations, if the controls the ball with their hands or arms for more than eight seconds inside the , a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team to discourage time-wasting.

Infringements and Penalties

Common Violations

During the execution of a corner kick, several common violations can occur, primarily related to player positioning, ball handling, and timing, as governed by of the IFAB Laws of the Game. These infringements typically result in the restart being nullified or adjusted to maintain fairness, with referees enforcing strict adherence to prevent advantages to either team. One frequent violation is the kicker touching the ball a second time before it has been touched by another player, known as a double touch. According to , if this occurs after the ball is in play, an indirect is awarded to the opposing team from the location of the infringement. This rule ensures that the corner kick serves as a proper restart without the kicking team gaining an unfair second opportunity on the ball. In practice, this violation often arises from miscommunication during short corner routines, where the initial kicker inadvertently redirects a poorly received pass. Defenders encroaching within the required 9.15 meters (10 yards) of the arc before the is in play represents another prevalent issue. 17.1 mandates that all opponents remain outside this distance until the is kicked and clearly moves, and any breach leads to a retake of the . This enforcement promotes space for the attacking team and is commonly observed in high-pressure matches. Referees signal this violation by immediately after the if encroachment is evident, ensuring the is repeated without disciplinary action unless persistent. The corner flagpost must not be moved to take the kick. If a player moves it, the flag must be replaced to its original position before the kick; if the kick is taken with the flag displaced, the corner is retaken. The ball must be stationary within the corner arc when kicked, so moving it prematurely—such as rolling or adjusting it without a proper kick—invalidates the restart. Per Law 17.1, the ball is only in play once it has been kicked and moves, and any premature movement requires a retake to uphold the procedure's integrity. This violation is less common but can happen in windy conditions or during hasty setups, leading to quick referee interventions to reposition the ball. Excessive delaying of the corner kick, such as taking more than a reasonable time to prepare, falls under Law 12's provisions against delaying the restart of play. While no fixed time limit is specified for corner kicks in Law 17, referees may caution the offending player with a yellow card if the delay is deemed deliberate, as it disrupts the game's flow. This is particularly relevant for goalkeepers or players holding up play, though a new 2025/26 amendment introduces an 8-second limit specifically for goalkeepers holding the ball, resulting in a corner to the opposition if exceeded. Such delays are cited in match reports from leagues like the , where time-wasting tactics during set pieces prompt warnings.

Consequences of Infringements

When opponents encroach by moving closer than 9.15 meters (10 yards) to the corner arc before the is in play, the corner kick is typically retaken if the infringement affects the execution, ensuring fair play without awarding an advantage to the attacking team. This rule aligns with procedures for other direct free kicks, promoting distance to allow proper delivery. If the player taking the corner kick touches the ball a second time before it has been played by another player, an indirect is awarded to the defending team from the place of the infringement. Similarly, an illegal kick by the taker, such as a deliberate , results in a direct to the opponents; if this occurs inside the attacking team's , a penalty kick is awarded unless the offender is the , in which case it becomes an indirect . Unsporting behavior during a corner kick, such as delaying the restart or feigning , incurs a caution (yellow card) for the offending player, followed by a retake of the corner kick or an indirect to the opponents depending on the violation's nature. The (IFAB) emphasizes disciplinary action to deter such conduct, with potential escalation to a red card for persistent or serious offenses. Goalkeeper handling violations, such as picking up a deliberate backpass from a teammate during the corner kick sequence, result in an indirect to the attacking team from the point of the infringement within the . This sanction upholds the prohibition on hand use to prevent time-wasting or unfair advantages. Although rare for set pieces like corner kicks due to their static nature, IFAB guidelines permit referees to allow advantage if a minor infringement does not significantly impact play, continuing the game rather than enforcing a restart.

Tactics and Strategies

Attacking Approaches

Attacking teams utilize a variety of delivery types to optimize corner kick outcomes, tailoring them to the defensive setup and player strengths. Inswinging deliveries curve towards the , allowing the ball to drop into the crowded for direct attacks on the or headers from . These are particularly effective against zonal marking, as the ball's can beat early defensive movements. Outswinging deliveries, by contrast, bend away from the towards the edge of the six-yard box or the , setting up cut-backs for volleys or crosses back into the danger zone. This type often creates more overall chances but requires precise timing to avoid easy clearances. Short corners, where the ball is passed to a nearby teammate instead of crossing, help retain possession and draw defenders out of position, potentially leading to overloads on the flanks. Set-piece routines further enhance these deliveries by coordinating player movements to exploit specific zones. Near-post flick-ons involve an attacker positioned close to the 's front post redirecting the incoming across the face of for a tap-in or volley from a teammate arriving at the far side. Far-post headers target the back of the , where taller players leap to connect with the , often aiming for a downward finish to beat the . Crowded box overloads pack multiple attackers into the six-yard area to create congestion, using screens and blocks to disrupt marking and force rebounds or loose for quick finishes. These routines emphasize timing, with runs triggered by the kicker's first step to maximize surprise. Player roles are crucial for executing these strategies effectively. The designated taker, typically a specialist with exceptional crossing accuracy—such as , renowned for his bending deliveries that created numerous scoring opportunities during his career—focuses on precision and variation to keep defenders guessing. Blockers, meanwhile, position themselves to screen or impede opponents, often facing away from goal to obstruct runs and create mismatches in the box. In the "train" tactic, for instance, attackers form a line near the penalty spot, with blockers at the front to shield incoming runners targeting the delivery path. Statistically, corner kicks contribute modestly but significantly to overall scoring in top leagues, with a conversion rate of approximately 2-3% per attempt leading to a in professional matches. This rises notably for set-piece-oriented teams; in the 2025-26 season (as of October 2025), corners have accounted for a record 19% of all league-wide, driven by clubs like that have refined these approaches to score 37 times from corners since the start of the 2023–24 season (as of October 2025). Such effectiveness underscores the value of rehearsed routines in modern tactics.

Defending Methods

Defending teams employ various organizational strategies to counter the threats posed by corner kicks, primarily focusing on preventing aerial challenges, blocking shots, and ensuring quick clearances to regain possession outside the . The core objective is to minimize scoring opportunities, with successful defenses typically resulting in the ball being headed or cleared away from dangerous zones near the . According to tactical analyses, effective defending relies on disciplined positioning and communication to handle the congestion in the penalty box. Additionally, under the 2025/26 rules, goalkeepers risk conceding a corner to the opponents if they hold the ball longer than eight seconds, influencing clearance timing and possession retention strategies. Marking systems form the foundation of corner kick defense, with teams choosing between man-marking, zonal marking, or hybrid approaches based on personnel strengths and opponent tendencies. In man-marking, each defender is assigned to a specific attacker, aiming to neutralize individual threats through close personal attention, particularly on key headers or finishers; this method excels in tracking dynamic movements but can leave gaps if attackers switch positions. Zonal marking, conversely, assigns players to cover designated areas of the penalty box, such as the six-yard line or far post, allowing for better spatial control and overloads against grouped attackers, though it risks exploitation by unmarked runs into zones. Hybrid marking combines elements of both, typically using zonal coverage for central and near-post areas while man-marking elite threats like tall forwards, providing flexibility and reducing vulnerabilities in high-density scenarios. Personnel selection emphasizes physical attributes suited to aerial duels, with tall center-backs positioned to contest headers and the playing a pivotal role in issuing commands for positioning and claiming crosses. The often directs traffic, ensuring defenders maintain depth and avoid bunching, while plans for half-clearances—incomplete headers that keep the ball in midfield rather than risking rebounds—allow for immediate counter-pressing. Clearance strategies prioritize directing the ball to the flanks or wide areas to facilitate transitions, using headed clearances to propel it beyond the penalty box and avoiding short rebounds that could lead to second-phase attacks in crowded spaces. Modern trends have shifted toward hybrid systems, informed by data analytics that evaluate opponent delivery patterns and defensive efficiency. Professional leagues like the see teams using video analysis and tracking data to optimize marking assignments, resulting in corner goals occurring in only about 3.4% of cases over recent seasons, indicating high overall clearance success. This data-driven approach, including for tactical simulations, has elevated concession rates to below 4% in elite competitions, underscoring the effectiveness of integrated marking and clearance protocols.

Special Cases

Direct Goals from Corners

A direct goal from a corner kick, commonly known as an "Olimpico goal," occurs when the ball is delivered from the corner arc and curls directly into the net without any touch from another player or deflection off the goalposts or crossbar. This feat exploits the goalkeeper's typical positioning near the goal line, allowing the ball to arc over them into the upper corner of the net. The term "Olimpico" originates from the first recorded instance in 1924, when Argentine player Cesareo Onzari scored directly from a corner against , the reigning Olympic champions, and has since become the standard nomenclature for such goals in . The physics behind an Olimpico goal relies on the , where spin imparted on the ball by the kicker creates a curved due to differences in air pressure around the spinning surface. A right-footed kicker, for example, striking the ball with clockwise spin from the left corner can cause it to bend inward toward the , often starting wide and dipping over the . This requires precise control of power, angle, and spin to navigate the 5.5-meter (18-foot) width and the goalkeeper's reach, typically succeeding only under ideal wind and pitch conditions. Such goals have been legal since a 1924 revision to the Laws of the Game by the (IFAB), which removed the requirement for the ball to be played by another player before entering the net on a corner kick. Prior to this change, corners were treated more like indirect free kicks, necessitating a second touch to score directly. The IFAB has maintained this rule, confirming that a direct entry from a corner is valid as long as the kick is taken from within the designated arc and the ball is stationary. Olimpico goals remain exceedingly rare in professional football. Their scarcity stems from the technical difficulty and the defensive adjustments that have evolved, such as goalkeepers standing deeper or using walls to block potential curves. Notable examples exist but are cataloged separately in historical .

Corners as Substitutes for Own Goals

In , certain scenarios during defensive restarts result in a corner kick being awarded to the attacking team rather than an own goal, to discourage punishing errors in non-attacking set pieces. This rule primarily applies to goal kicks and free kicks, where the ball is played directly into the defending team's own goal without touching another player. The purpose is to maintain fairness, as these restarts are intended for relieving pressure rather than initiating attacks, preventing unintended goals from routine clearances or passes. Under Law 16 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, if a is taken and the ball enters the kicker's own goal directly, no goal is awarded; instead, a corner kick is given to the opponents. This clarification ensures that mishandled goal kicks—such as a poorly struck clearance by the or defender—do not result in an , preserving the defensive nature of the restart. Similarly, Law 13 stipulates that for both and indirect free kicks, if the ball is kicked directly into the team's own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team, avoiding the concession from an errant defensive . A related occurs when a defender's clearance attempt during a or deflects the ball out over the own goal line (without entering the net), resulting in a standard corner kick to the attackers under Law 17, as the ball last touched a defender. While this does not directly substitute an , it aligns with the principle of not penalizing defensive errors excessively during restarts, as the outcome avoids a potential scoring opportunity for the opponents had the ball crossed into the goal. Such defensive deflections leading to corners are rare in matches, typically arising from miscommunications or awkward bounces in fewer than 1% of defensive set-piece situations analyzed in professional leagues.

Historical Development

Early Origins

The roots of the corner kick trace back to the unstructured handling of out-of-play situations in 19th-century English folk football, often referred to as mob football. These chaotic games, played on festival days like , involved large crowds advancing a toward distant goals—typically natural landmarks such as trees or church doors several miles apart—using any part of the body, with minimal rules governing play. Boundaries were ill-defined, and when the ball crossed what passed for a goal line or went , it was typically restarted informally by the nearest players without standardized procedures, reflecting the games' emphasis on communal participation over regulation. In the Sheffield Rules, codified by Sheffield FC in 1858 and refined through the 1860s, early mechanisms emerged for restarting play when the ball crossed the goal line, laying groundwork for the corner kick. By 1862, the rules introduced the "rouge," a minor scoring opportunity (similar to a try in other games) awarded when an attacking player first touched the ball after it had been driven between two rouge flags positioned behind the goal line; if a defender touched it first, the defending team received a from in front of the goal. This system, borrowed from traditions, provided an incentive for aggressive play while penalizing defensive errors in sending the ball over their own line, but it was not a restart from the corner area. The rouge mechanism was replaced in 1868 by corner kicks or s, depending on which team last touched the ball. The FA's Laws of the Game of further refined these concepts by distinguishing restarts based on which team touched the ball after it went behind the line without scoring a . Under these rules, if a player on the defending side first touched the ball, one of their side was entitled to a from the ; if touched by an opponent (attacking side), the kick was to be taken from the corner flag. This differentiation promoted fairness in boundary infringements. These regional innovations remained informal and varied until the formation of in 1863, which marked the split from rugby and set the stage for standardized rules without immediate formal codification of the modern corner kick.

Introduction and Standardization

The corner kick was formally introduced into the Laws of the Game by the (FA) in 1872, marking a significant in to address the issue of balls crossing the line last touched by a defender. Under the 1863 FA Laws, when the ball went behind the line without a , if a defender touched it first, their team took a from the ; if an attacker touched it first, a kick was taken from the corner flag. The 1872 revision, influenced by proposals from the , simplified this by awarding a "kick from the corner flag" to the attacking team whenever the ball crossed the line last touched by a defender, taken from the corner of the field nearest to where the ball exited play, promoting fairer restarts and reducing disputes. Positioning for the corner kick in its initial form required the ball to be placed within six yards of the corner flagpost, with no defined arc or quarter-circle boundary on the pitch at that time; opponents had to remain at least ten yards away until the was in play. This setup emphasized a direct restart from the field's edge, aligning with the era's rudimentary markings, and the kick was explicitly indirect, prohibiting a direct goal from the initial touch to prevent exploitation. Refinements between and , during discussions leading to the FA's adoption, clarified the indirect nature of the kick and specified that it could not score directly, ensuring the ball required a second touch by another player to count as a —a rule that persisted until 1924. These changes were proposed amid growing alignment between London-based FA rules and regional variations like Sheffield's, which had trialed corner kicks since 1868. The corner kick's adoption extended rapidly to competitive play, first appearing in matches during the 1872-73 season, where it became a standard restart and influenced international standardization as spread beyond . By the mid-1870s, it was integral to organized matches, contributing to the game's tactical evolution without the punitive own-goal outcomes of earlier rules.

Key Rule Evolutions

The corner kick was first introduced in the Laws of the Game in 1872 as a method to restart play when the ball crossed the goal line last touched by the defending team, replacing earlier systems where restarts depended on who touched the ball after it crossed the line. By 1882, the International Football Conference agreed to suspend the for corner kicks, allowing attacking players to be in any position without penalty when receiving the ball from the kick. The 10-yard rule for opponents was extended to corner kicks in 1913, requiring all defending players to remain at least 9.15 meters (10 yards) from the corner arc until the ball is in play, a measure initially applied to free kicks to promote fair restarts. During the early , field markings for corner kicks were standardized in with the addition of the quarter-circle arc (radius of 1 meter) in each corner of the field, defining the exact position for the ball and aiding in the enforcement of the 10-yard distance. The prohibition on the kicker touching the ball a second time before it contacts another player—a rule preventing double touches—has been a core component since the kick's early in the and remains unchanged in principle today. In 1924, the (IFAB) amended the laws to permit a to be scored directly from a corner kick against the opposing team, and the term "corner kick" was formally in use. In 1997, the (IFAB) amended the laws to define the ball as in play when it is kicked and clearly moves during corner kicks, rather than requiring a specific touch or distance traveled, which facilitated more fluid short-corner routines and inswinging deliveries. That same year, IFAB clarified that a could be scored directly from a corner kick only against the opposing team; if the ball entered the kicker's own directly, a corner kick would be awarded to the opponents instead of counting as an , eliminating rare but controversial scoring outcomes. The introduction of (VAR) technology in 2016 marked a significant evolution, with IFAB approving its use for reviewing potential encroachment by opponents during corner kicks if it impacts play leading to a ; this protocol was fully integrated into major competitions by 2018, enhancing accuracy in high-stakes set pieces. Between 2016 and 2023, hybrid corner strategies emerged alongside VAR scrutiny, but no substantive procedural changes to the core rule occurred, despite IFAB trials in 2020 exploring time-wasting penalties like awarding corners for prolonged goalkeeper possession, which were later refined without altering the kick itself. In 2025, IFAB amended Law 12 to award a corner kick to the opposing team if the controls the ball with their hand(s)/arm(s) for more than eight seconds inside the , effective for the 2025/26 season. Historically, corner kicks have rarely served as tiebreakers in competitive formats, though some early cup competitions and charity matches in the mid-20th century used corner counts to resolve drawn ties before the widespread adoption of penalty shootouts in 1970, a practice never formally endorsed by IFAB.

References

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