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Lesson 4 of 5 · 4 min

Defending Crosses and Set Pieces

Set pieces are the one part of the game where defending is almost entirely about preparation, not reaction.

The Six-Yard Box on a Corner

The most dangerous area on any corner: the zone a defense organizes around first, whether they mark zonally, man-to-man, or with a mix of both.

Primarily active in the attacking third, central area of the pitch.

Zonal vs. Man-Marking at Corners

The same zonal-versus-man question from open play applies at set pieces too, just under more pressure and with less time to react. Compare the two setups defending the same corner.

Primarily active across the attacking third, left side and the attacking third, central area and the attacking third, central area of the pitch.

Clearing Your Lines

When a cross does arrive, the first priority is height, distance, and width: heading the ball up, away, and wide of the danger area, not just anywhere. A weak, central clearance is often more dangerous than not clearing it at all.

Try it

Watch a corner kick and see whether the defending team looks zonal, man-marking, or a mix. The near-post runners are usually the easiest to spot.

Quick check

When clearing a dangerous cross, what should a defender prioritize?

Key takeaways