Systematic Observation of Corner Kick Strategies in Portuguese Football Players

Vítor Gouveia, João P. Duarte, Hugo Sarmento, José Freitas, Ricardo Rebelo-Gonçalves, Nuno Amaro, Rui Matos, Raúl Antunes, Adam Field and Diogo Monteiro
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Vítor Gouveia: University of Coimbra, Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra 3040-248, Portugal
João P. Duarte: University of Coimbra, Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra 3040-248, Portugal
Hugo Sarmento: University of Coimbra, Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra 3040-248, Portugal
José Freitas: ESECS—Polytechnic of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Ricardo Rebelo-Gonçalves: University of Coimbra, Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra 3040-248, Portugal
Nuno Amaro: ESECS—Polytechnic of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Rui Matos: ESECS—Polytechnic of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Raúl Antunes: ESECS—Polytechnic of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal
Adam Field: School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddesfield HD1 3DH, UK
Diogo Monteiro: ESECS—Polytechnic of Leiria, 2411-901 Leiria, Portugal

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: Set pieces are important for the success of football teams, with the corner kick being one of the most game defining events. The aim of this research was twofold: (1) to analyze the corner kicks of a senior football amateur team, and (2) to compare the corner kicks of successful and unsuccessful teams (of the 2020/21 sporting season). In total, 500 corners were observed using a bespoke notational analysis tool, using a specific observational instrument tool (8 criteria; 25 categories). Out of the 500 corner kicks, 6% resulted in a goal. A greater number of direct corners using inswing trajectories were performed (n = 54%). Corners were delivered to central and front post areas most frequently (n = 79%). Five attackers were most predominantly used for offensive corners (n = 58%), but defenders won the ball more frequently (n = 44%). Attempts at goal occurred following a corner most commonly from outside of the box (n = 7%). Goals were scored most frequently with the foot (n = 16%) and head (n = 15%). Successful teams are more effective at reaching the attackers and score more goals directly from corners. Unsuccessful teams deliver more corner kicks out of play, the first touch is more frequently from the opposition defenders, and fewe goals are scored from corner kicks. The study provides an insight into the determining factors and patterns that influence corner kicks and success in football matches. This information should be used by coaches to prepare teams for both offensive and defensive corner kicks to increase team success and match outcomes.

Keywords: set pieces; soccer; performance analysis; match analysis; team sports; observational methodology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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