CORNER OF THE MONTH

The Trenton State

By Al Mattei

Founder, Top Of The Circle.com

When NCAA rules allowed scoring anywhere from inside the 25-yard line, the team formerly known as Trenton State College feasted on goals generated from outside of the circle -- whether they went straight in or not. Even though you can't score from outside the circle anymore in U.S. college rules, generating chances from outside the circle is still a good idea, especially against an overaggressive corner defense unit.

After the insert (yellow arrow), the corner stick stop is well outside of the circle, preferably at least five yards outside. Reason: by rule, a corner is over when the ball is five yards outside the circle: therefore, you do not necessarily need a dead stop for your corner striker (depending, of course, on the umpiring crew). The striker will take a much longer shot that normal. There is, however, more time for the ball to pick up speed on artificial turf, as well as more time for your offensive cutters (red arrows) to get in position for a tip in front of the cage.

Executed correctly, this corner tortures a defense. The opposing corner flyer must run 21 yards on every coner, rather than 16. She will be getting to the striker that much later, which can make all the difference -- especially late in the game after a dozen corners or so.

In addition, the remaining three field players and goalkeeper must stretch their defense vertically because of where the attack sets up. They have more area for which to account.

A good through pass (green arrows) to a left-wing or right-wing cutter can either be tipped in or received in the circle, depending on how the non-flyers on the corner defense unit responds on that particular corner. The wingers should endeavor to cut behind trailers and in front of the goalkeeper or the posters. The inserter should provide support on rebounds or screening the goalie.

A caveat: don't try this corner in the last half-minute of play. The corner is over when the ball goes five yards outside the circle. And after the clock expires, the half is over as well.