Mastering the Futsal Corner Kick: Rules, Positions, and Essential Training Drills

In futsal, set-pieces often decide the flow of the game, from a well-executed futsal freekick to a perfectly planned corner kick. Corner kicks, in particular, offer a golden opportunity to create high-quality scoring chances when executed with precision. But to master them, players must understand the rules, build strong offensive and defensive strategies, and train with purpose. 

In this guide, we’ll break down what a futsal corner kick is, how to position players effectively, the correct procedure for taking both attacking and defensive corners, and the essential training drills you need to sharpen your execution.

What Is a Futsal Corner Kick?

A corner kick in futsal is a restart awarded when the entire ball crosses the goal line (ground or in the air), last touched by a defending player, and no goal is scored. 

In futsal, a goal may be scored directly from a corner kick. This means if the ball is delivered well, attackers have a real chance to finish without a second touch. 

Positions & Roles During a Corner Kick

In a corner kick, there are two points of view: one is the offensive point of view, which will take the corner kick, and the other is the defensive point of view, which will defend the corner kick. We will learn about the positions and roles of both points of view.

1. Offensive Side

• Corner taker: The player who delivers the ball from the corner arc.
• Support players: These might include one or two players near the post or edge of the area, ready to receive a cross or make a run.
• Target players: Attackers positioned to make runs into the goal, to flick the ball on, or to shoot directly.

2. Defensive Side

• Goalkeeper: Positioned to protect the near post and react to crosses or flick-ons.
• Defenders: Players marking the danger zones (near post, far post, or free space) and guarding against runs or set-piece routines.
• Security or "sweeper": Sometimes a defender will stay just outside the six-meter arc or central area to clear any loose balls or second chances.

Procedure & Rules for Futsal Corner Kicks

Understanding the rules and procedure for a corner kick is essential for players and coaches, as mistakes at set-pieces can be costly.

1. Taking the Kick

The ball must be placed inside the nearest corner arc and kicked within four seconds. It becomes in play as soon as it is kicked and moves, and only the kicker is allowed to be off the pitch just before taking the corner unless given permission otherwise.

2. Defensive Positioning

Opponents must stay at least five meters from the corner arc until the ball is in play; if a defender is too close when the kick is taken, the corner is retaken and the player may receive a caution.

3. Kicker Restrictions

The kicker may not touch the ball again until another player has made contact doing so results in an indirect free kick for the opponents. If the kicker commits a handball before anyone else touches the ball, the opposing team receives a direct free kick or a penalty kick if the offense occurs inside the kicker’s own penalty area.

4. Time Limit Violation

If the corner kick isn’t taken within four seconds once the kicker is ready, the restart switches to a goal clearance for the opposing team instead of another corner.

5. Interference

If a defender unfairly distracts or impedes the kicker, that defender can be cautioned for unsporting behavior, and the kick may be retaken. 

Offensive & Defensive Corner Kick Drills

To make your corners more dangerous on attack, you need to train with purpose. Here are some effective drills to improve your set-piece routines:

1. Offensive Corner Kick Drills

First, set up attackers near the posts and around the penalty arc, then have the corner taker deliver various types of crosses to different zones. The goal is to practice accuracy, experiment with different ball trajectories, and coordinate the timing of player runs.

You can also have attackers practice varied movement patterns such as switching posts, making back-flick runs, or overlapping. By constantly mixing these runs during training, players become less predictable and harder to defend, helping create confusion, open space, and boost scoring opportunities.

Last, remember to practice winning a corner and taking it immediately, with the kicker delivering the ball quickly and teammates reacting fast with supporting runs and readiness for rebounds. This drill trains speed, awareness, and the ability to exploit defenses before they’re fully organized.

2. Defensive Corner Kick Drills

First, set up defenders in key zones and attackers in their usual positions, then repeatedly practice corner deliveries. Defenders focus on clearing the ball, tracking runners, and covering space, while emphasizing strong communication, smart decisions, and well-timed movements.

Next, you can place defenders in tight man-marking roles against specific attackers, then deliver repeated corners. Defenders must track their assigned opponent closely and contest every ball, helping them develop stronger one-on-one defending, better aerial challenges, and more confidence under pressure.

Last, you can try setting up extra balls around the box after a corner delivery so attackers can immediately attack second-chance opportunities. Defenders must react quickly, clear under pressure, and coordinate with the goalkeeper. 

This drill trains both teams to handle chaotic rebounds, sharpen reactions, and recover faster when the ball comes back into play.

Corner Kick is a Highly Chance for Scoring Goals!

Mastering futsal corner kicks takes practice, confidence, and the right environment, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Rockstar Academy, a leading Sports & Performing Arts Academy in Indonesia. 

With structured futsal programs, professional coaches, and a supportive training culture, Rockstar helps young athletes sharpen both their technical and tactical understanding of the game. 

Students also get the chance to grow through Rockstar’s official futsal competitions such as Elite Championships and RockOlympics, giving them real-game experience and the excitement of performing under pressure. 

One of the highlights is our Futsal Dream Team, a Competitive Sports Program created to help students reach their highest potential both on the field and in life. 

Open to boys and girls, Dream Team offers 120 minutes of high-intensity training led by our most experienced instructors on professional fields. It’s the perfect space for motivated players to sharpen their skills, build confidence, and take their love for futsal to the next level in a fun, supportive environment.

And the best part? You can try it first, book a free trial class and experience Rockstar’s futsal program for yourself!

FAQ

Can a goal be scored directly from a futsal corner kick?

Yes, in futsal, a player can score directly from a corner kick, as long as it’s kicked by an attacking player and the ball moves. 

How far must defending players stay from the corner arc?

Defenders must be at least 5 meters away from the corner arc until the ball is kicked. 

What happens if the kicker touches the ball twice before another player touches it?

If the kicker plays the ball again before it touches another player, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team.