Among a host of changes to the game and innovations popping up at every turn, short corners remain an understudied facet of the game. While they often frustrate fans in stadiums when they ultimately come to nothing, the right short corner kick routine can bear fruit for any team, creating an overload before whipping the ball into the box.
Kansas City Current have shocked the NWSL in 2022, going on an incredible run of form at the end of the season to win or draw 17 of their last 20 games, and secure a spot in the playoffs where they now await the Final. Along the way, Matthew Potter has played some of the most tactically flexible football in the division, creating a team of workhorses ready to fight each and every day for the betterment of the team. They've not only played some of the best football this season, but have done so with one of the lowest budgets, and arguably the least amount of star power in their ranks.
In our latest analysis series: Game of Numbers, we break down the various tactical undertones of the modern game, most notably the roles that individual players hold on the pitch to help their teams explore avenues for greatness. This is Issue No. 8, currently featuring KC Current's Alexis Loera and VfB Stuttgart's Silas Mvumpa.
Any time Canada and the States face off in women's football, fireworks are bound to explode. With the likes of Alex Morgan, Rose Lavelle and Christian Sinclair in full flow, the CONCACAF Women's Championship Final proved to be an exciting encounter, filled with heart and desire en route to an American victory. Here is our analysis of the fascinating final.
Out of all the 'Target Women' around, Bethany Balcer might be one of the very best in the modern game. Frequently used as an outlet for progressive passes, Balcer's back-to-goal incisiveness remains a threatening endeavour for her team, and one that is frequently useful in advancing OL Reign up the pitch. But now, after the arrival of Jordyn Huitema, Balcer's even upped her scoring game, ensuring Huitema has very little room to work with in stealing a spot in the squad at the start of her Reign career. Here is an analysis of Bethany Balcer's exceptional hold-up play, and the vast array of traits that make her one of the best forwards in the NWSL.
The game is deeply rooted in all five aspects of the common coaching model, and in fact, every decision a player makes boils down to all five elements simultaneously. Here's why the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of football are all deeply intertwined.
While brilliant, this set-piece won't work 100% of the time. But if your team can properly assess a time to play a short corner like this (such as having a player unmarked at the top of the box) and capitalize on that opportunity, this corner kick routine courtesy of Kansas City may just guarantee you goals.
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