Elevating Corner Kicks: How Trackman Technology Transforms Set-Piece Precision

Elevating Corner Kicks: How Trackman Technology Transforms Set-Piece Precision

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"The taker is the most important player in the set piece; they 100% make the difference".

Renowned Set-Piece Coach Gianni Vio (2023)

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Recent standout corner routines and goals have highlighted the rising use of Trackman technology in club corner-kick practices. A growing number of teams now incorporate Trackman to enhance the precision of these set plays.

As Gianni Vio explains, the delivery of the corner is the cornerstone of the entire routine. Even the most well-planned or meticulously choreographed moves hinge on the ball arriving at the exact spot, with the right trajectory, speed, and timing.

Delivering a dead ball from the corner quadrant to a specific target in the penalty area might seem straightforward for elite players, who can place the ball with incredible precision—or so it seems. However, this skill is far from simple, even at the highest levels. Why is it so challenging? First, consider the distance: it's approximately 33.5 yards (30.6m) to the near post, 37.5 yards (34.3m) to the middle of the goal, and 41.5 yards (38m) to the back post. The ball may need to arrive at the back post to be headed and therefore the length of the kick required could be considerably longer than the actual distance to target. It is not just about the ball arriving to the target location, at what height must the ball arrive? at what timing, speed, and trajectory? Perhaps it needs to beat a front post defender, or avoid a trajectory easily taken by the Goalkeeper. Executing such a consistent, pinpoint delivery is a difficult skill.

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Target and Contact Zone

Trackman provides teams with target zones linked to “first contact” areas. Research indicates that around 95% of corners are initially contacted within a specific height range along the ball's trajectory. With this data, Trackman users can set target areas and desired first-contact zones for more effective practice.

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Insights from Trackman Data

The data below shows results from two different players at different clubs using Trackman for corner-kick practice. The “first contact zones” are marked in white and green, indicating whether or not the ball reached the target area. Initially, both players hit their targets roughly 30% of the time. Based on extensive observations with top European teams, this result is typical for new users of the system.

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Improving Precision Over Time

Through practice, feedback, and a deeper understanding of how technique aligns with target zones, players can significantly improve. The data below shows an elite player initially overhitting their target area (left). With practice, the player corrected their delivery length and achieved increased consistency and accuracy, moving from 30% to over 65% on target success.

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In the example below we see a high-performing Trackman user with an 80% success rate. While perfection in corner kicks may be elusive, achieving such consistency greatly benefits set-piece routines. This enables coaches to execute complex plans with confidence, knowing that the ball will reach its target 8 or 9 times out of 10, rather than just 2 or 3 times. This level of precision gives the entire team confidence for every set-piece.

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Trackman Training Practices: Building Consistency and Mastery

The biggest hurdle is for teams to commit to consistent, scheduled corner-kick practice. In a previous article, “Unravelling the Pivotal Role of Set-Pieces, Set-Piece Coaches, and Trackman in Football,” we discussed how many clubs find it challenging to dedicate adequate time to set-piece drills. Using the system regularly, and consistently creates successful routines and habits around the use and practice with the system. it’s no secret that you get better with dedicated and deliberate practice. If left to ad hoc usage, then it’s highly unlikely any gains will be made.

Teams that are successfully utilising Trackman for corners are generally practicing with the system two or three times per week. Successful Trackman implementation for Corner Kick practice looks like the following:

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Successful Trackman practice programs include:

Individual Practice: Players practice on their own (or in a small group of 2 or 3 takers max), usually to some form of a visual target (see below). Players will be on the system for 20-25 mins and take their highest volume of reps (10-20) in this session as they look to master and fine-tune their skill. They will focus on their technique, consistency, accuracy, and optimisation, consistently cross checking their Trackman data to marry and dial in with their technique and feel. Here the players may also experiment to understand the impact of subtle tweaks to their routine or may experiment with their ability to reach different targets.

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Key Player and Team Practice: Normally reserved for match days -2 or -1, some teams will practice corner deliveries with Key players either unopposed or semi opposed. This allows the taker to synchronize timing with moving parts and align with teammates’ positioning. This may be a practice of between 5-10 kicks max. Normally reserved for match day -1, teams may engineer corner situations in their final match practice. This is a low rep exercise consisting of likely only 2 or 3 kicks and this is where it’s about timing and execution of the taker under match conditions and also to synchronise plans with teammates.

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Talent Identification and Strategic Adjustments

Much in the same way that freekicks may have specialists from different distances and angles depending on the type of kick required, so too might corner kicks. Some trackman users have identified corner takers through use of the system who were never previously identified for the role, whilst others have also discovered optimisations and limitations of their takers. Some takers may be better suited to near post and others to far post targets. What is clear is that having multiple options for in swinging, out swinging, near or far deliveries can only be to the advantage of the team and keep the opposition guessing as to what delivery is coming.

What is apparent, is that Trackman has proven to be a valuable coaching tool, engaging players and coaches on a journey of continuous improvement. With consistent dedication to precision, teams can elevate their set pieces, bringing confidence and consistency to every corner kick.

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