In issue 11 Simon Letchford, Current England Under 16 & 21 Coach and co-founder of coaching company Hooked on Hockey, explained Penalty Corner Defence. Here’s some extra routines…
THE 2:2 CORNER DEFENCE
This routine sees two defenders on both sides of the goal keeper, the Flier and Pads Player to the foot-side and the Head Side and Bits ‘n’ Pieces to the head-side. Each individual has certain tasks. Flier
This formation has the advantage of the left slip being the responsibility of the Head Side Player. The Flier must be mindful of any potential for the ball to be slipped right beyond their own left foot as there is no longer the protection of the
Bit ’n’ Pieces player on the foot-side. Bits ‘n’ Pieces Rather than staying on the foot-side, Bits ‘n’ Pieces moves behind the goalkeeper and adopts a position that protects the line that the ball that would travel to get back to the injector just outside of the post. This position must be such that anything going inside their left foot would go in the goal and is therefore the responsibility of the goalkeeper. If the attacking side look to exploit the now vacant deflecting zones then Bits ‘n’ Pieces must try to step up and into it. The Bits ‘n’ Pieces player must also turn in and physically protect the goalkeeper and allow the Pads Player to clear the ball to safety in the event of a direct strike. The exception to this rule is in the event that the goalkeeper makes a save with their glove or stick that leaves it too far away from the Pads Player. Then the Head Side Player must take responsibility. Head Side
Rather than going about half way into the circle the Head Side Player now travels closer to the top though not as high as the Flier. From here they take responsibility for the left slip. It is important that the line taken is on the inside of the opposing left slip so that they can close down on their forehand and also offer a little protection directly behind the Flier. If the opposition slip the ball right then the Head Side must try to get back into the deflecting zones. Pads Player
While retaining all of the roles and responsibilities that they had when running a 3:1, given the lack of protection on the foot-side the Pads Player must also take responsibility for the opposing side slipping the ball right. If they see the ball moved they must look to close down as quickly as possible though recognise the liklihood of them actually getting there is slim. At least pressure will be applied to the striker who will be in the knowledge that they are being closed. Finally if the attacking side look to exploit the now vacant deflecting zones then the Pads Player must try to step up and into it.
Advantages of running a 2:2
Immediate protection from the left slip corner
Support given to Flier
Disadvantage of running a 2:2
Deflecting zones left empty
No protection against right slip corner
Less protection around goalkeeper (hence 2nd phase risk)
THE LOW 2:2 CORNER DEFENCE
Like the standard 2:2, the Flier and Pads Player remain on the foot-side while the Head Side and Bits ‘n’ Pieces are on the head-side. The roles of each individual again differ. Flier
Will only go to just beyond the penalty spot, making sure that the goalkeeper is given a good sight of the ball. The Flier fills the deflecting zone to the goalkeepers foot-side and will turn in to aid in second phase defence in the event of a direct strike. The flier is effectively saying to the attackers “Our goalkeeper will save your efforts from the top, I am
going to stop you delivering for
deflections and help out with the second phase”. Bits ‘n’ Pieces
Like the 2:2 the Bits ‘n’ Pieces loops behind the goalkeeper to appear on the head-side. From there they protect against the ball going back to the injector and are mindful of helping with second phase defence and in particular protecting the line that the Pads Player will be seeking to take the ball away from danger through. The exception to this rule is in the event that the goalkeeper makes a save with their glove or stick that leaves it too far away from the Pads Player. Then the Head Side Player must take responsibility. Head Side
Like the Flier the Head Side will only travel to a point just beyond the penalty spot, this time ensuring the goalkeeper has a clear line of sight over / beyond their own left shoulder. Like the Flier they will physically protect a deflecting zone and help with 2nd phase defence in the event of a direct strike. Again the message to the opposition is “If you’re good enough off the top then all the best, but we don’t think you are!” Pads Player
Cover the space beyond the goalkeepers feet and take responsibility for the ball after the goalkeeper has made a save.
Advantages of running a Low 2:2
Maximum cover around the goalkeeper and in the most dangerous area of the circle
Deflection zones protected
Disadvantages of running a Low 2:2
Allows the shot off the top
The Goalkeeper
Early in the article I said the goalkeeper was the most important person in the corner defence team, since then I have not mentioned them too much. Not being a goalkeeper coach it would not be right of me to speak technically but I would always expect my own goalkeeper to;
Analyise opponents working out their corners strengths and weaknesses and plan their own PCD strategy accordingly.
Try to read opposing corners during the game and call PCD accordingly.
Take pride in achieving a successful PCD team.
Review perfromance at PCD in each game.
Corners at all levels are vital and can win or lose you games or indeed leagues and cups. As an attacking force you would usually expect to be scoring one in three corners. Turning that around if you are only conceeding one in four then you are doing OK, one in five and you are well on top!
When it comes down to it defending corners it is like a game of poker, can the defence out think the attack or the attack out think the defence and then can either side hide their intention to the others? If you adhere to the principles of PCD and guess right then you have every chance!!
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This position must be such that anything going inside their left foot would go in the goal and is therefore the responsibility of the goalkeeper. If the attacking side look to exploit the now vacant deflecting zones then Bits ‘n’ Pieces must try to step up and into it. The Bits ‘n’ Pieces player must also turn in and physically protect the goalkeeper and allow the Pads Player to clear the ball to safety in the event of a direct strike. The exception to this rule is in the event that the goalkeeper makes a save with their glove or stick that leaves it too far away from the Pads Player. Then the Head Side Player must take responsibility. 