Why can't professional footballers take corners?

thecremeegg · 27 Jan 2015 at 20:55

Title says it all really. So rarely do I see a corner nowadays that actually goes into the middle of the box, they always either hit the first man, go long or go straight down the keeper's throat!
How hard is it for someone who plays for a living to kick a ball in a certain spot with regularity?
Sure I don't expect a 100% record, maybe 75%? In reality I'd say it's probably more like 25% if that that go in a decent spot.

Just me that thinks this?

Purdy · 27 Jan 2015 at 22:39

They aren't all aiming for the middle of the box.
They don't just want to loft it as it can make it pretty easy for the keeper/generally no power in it
They like to vary how its hit
They sometimes aim for the front post
They sometimes aim for the back post
They are Iago Aspas

G-MAN2004 · 28 Jan 2015 at 02:13

It's some of the shots that get me. Putting it sky high into the stands despite having loads of space and time to get it right.

thecremeegg · 28 Jan 2015 at 08:10

Purdy said:
They aren't all aiming for the middle of the box.
They don't just want to loft it as it can make it pretty easy for the keeper/generally no power in it
They like to vary how its hit
They sometimes aim for the front post
They sometimes aim for the back post
They are Iago Aspas

Ok perhaps I communicated it wrong. I agree that they'll try and vary the area they put it, however they don't manage this as like I say it either hits the first man or goes long.

Shamikebab · 28 Jan 2015 at 10:42

They can't all be Phil Jones.

thecremeegg · 28 Jan 2015 at 12:31

Jimbeam3678 · 28 Jan 2015 at 13:21

G-MAN2004 said:
It's some of the shots that get me. Putting it sky high into the stands despite having loads of space and time to get it right.

What like Mario last night

MooMoo444 · 28 Jan 2015 at 13:56

G-MAN2004 said:
It's some of the shots that get me. Putting it sky high into the stands despite having loads of space and time to get it right.

Gust of wind maybe

Gribs · 29 Jan 2015 at 19:52

BBC sport had a thing about this a while ago

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29634200

The surfaces at the side of the pitch seems to make a large difference.

thecremeegg · 23 Jan 2021 at 12:30

Holy thread resurrection here! I just googled this having watched yet ANOTHER Arsenal corner fail to beat the first man and my own thread came up hah! Watched Chorley play yesterday, all their corners/free kicks were fantastic, right into the box, whereas Premier League players still can't do it? Maddening!

Shamikebab · 23 Jan 2021 at 12:35

Good lord, answer is still Purdy's reply.

HangTime · 26 Jan 2021 at 00:59

Loosely related, I've often wondered why teams don't put a player on the far side of the penalty area. I've seen numerous corners overhit and go sailing out for a throw-in or otherwise lost possession. I know its' a bit of a 'waste' of a player positionally if the ball never gets that far, but you should be able to cope with 1 player out of position. Put the winger there or something.

Rroff · 26 Jan 2021 at 03:22

I've noticed this TBH - some teams can consistently take a good corner and turn it into threatening play no matter who they are up against (with the quality of the other team making the difference if they score or not) while other teams more often than not it all falls apart irrespective of the quality of the other team and it is pure lucky if they score from it.

ScottyJKB · 26 Jan 2021 at 09:31

As a Leeds fan I think Phillips is actively aiming for the first man. He has a 100% record at hitting whoever it may be.

The counterpart to this is I'm terrified whenever we concede a corner, or any set piece for that matter.

wildman · 26 Jan 2021 at 16:26

forget about corners, the question to be asked is why professional football players can't take throw ins............

I have seen a number of foul throws called, Arsenal i am looking at you. This sort of thing only happened when you were 10 playing sunday football and didn't have enough upper body strength to throw the ball without lifting your feet or taking a mad run up and going over the line before throwing. Professionals should know better.

CliffyG · 26 Jan 2021 at 17:01

It happens every game (throw ins), ref's just rarely give them.

I think with corners they are just trying to hit that sweet spot in terms of height and power rather than sticking it in the mixer.

Bug One · 26 Jan 2021 at 17:05

Do you guys actually play football, or just armchair FIFA experts?

wildman · 27 Jan 2021 at 09:20

Bug One said:
Do you guys actually play football, or just armchair FIFA experts?

Pro Evo is where it's at............ FIFA is for amateurs

abbviper · 2 Feb 2021 at 09:18

Will be interesting to see what corners look like in the future when heading eventually banned.

The footballers could make good use of their diving capabilities to avoid the ball hitting their head or arms.