AD Alcorcón 2023/24: Why clarity during corner kicks is crucial – set-piece analysis

AD Alcorcón are currently sitting in the relegation zone following promotion from the third tier of Spanish football last season. Their owner, David Blitzer, also owns Bundesliga side Augsburg, Estoril in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, and other clubs scattered around Europes football-obsessed nations, with shares in Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Almost every club he owns has been positively impacted regarding league position, proving that it is no coincidence.

From a set play angle, AD Alcorcón have been interesting to keep an eye on, although have not achieved much success thus far. The four set-piece goals they have achieved do make up a significant portion of their goals scored, and with nearly a league-low of 76 corner kicks in 22 matches, it is fair to argue opportunities have been limited. The corner kick routines have varied from game to game; however, while there have been many positive intentions, there has been a lot of inconsistency within the movements and actions of each player, which is a cause for concern. With the relegation battle being so tight, Alcorcón have the opportunity to use set-pieces to gain those crucial points needed to survive in the division, only if they improve upon the current standard.

In this tactical analysis, we will look into the tactics behind AD Alcorcóns offensive set-pieces, with an in-depth analysis of the critical elements of corner kicks they have managed to achieve. This set-piece analysis will also look into the problems with some of their set-piece routines and some solutions that can be used to increase output in the future and potentially save their season from relegation.

Positive Intentions

One of Alcorcóns best routines shows precisely why clarity is crucial during corner kicks. Clarity during corner kicks refers to players making movements toward the balls intended path as a corner is taken rather than reacting to where the cross is heading. During Alcorcóns most successful routine, each player knew their role, with some players tasked to create space and some to attack both the space and the ball. A successful corner kick should always consist of two main elements;

1) Players creating space (through screens/decoy runs, etc.) for 2) to have easy access to

2) Players attacking the ball, with clear separation from their marker (to make the first contact). This can also be achieved through screens, as well as varying the starting position of the run or individual player advantages (timing, vertical leap, movement)

In instances where the ball is designed to be flicked on or headed down, some players should also attack the space where the ball is intended to travel following the first contact.

Alcorcón have been able to create space at the near edge of the six-yard box consistently through the use of a ball side screen. As the corner taker begins his run-up, the attacker who starts beside the goalkeeper makes a sharp movement to plant himself in front of the nearest zonal defender. This makes it possible for a flat delivery to arrive into the near side of the six-yard box without getting cleared, where an attacker from deep can access the highlighted area to make the first contact.

While the above movements are set in motion, the deepest attacker holds his position behind his markers shoulder, waiting to make the sprint toward the back post to make the second contact and finish the move. The image below shows the trouble the marker has with the attacker lurking behind him, unable to see both the ball and the man. As soon as the defender turns his eyes towards the ball, the attacker is able to change the angle of his approach to arrive at the back post unopposed.

When all of the elements of a su