The Near-Post Flick-On Corner Routine, Step by Step
The near-post flick-on is the most reliable goal-scoring corner at amateur level because it attacks the part of the goal a keeper struggles to defend. One attacker glances the ball on at the near post, redirecting it across the six-yard box for runners arriving behind the defence. It works with average delivery and ordinary players, as long as the timing and angles are right. Here is exactly how to set it up.
Open this routine on the free board — drag the players, draw your own runs, no account.
Position the flicker correctly
Your flicker stands roughly on the near-post corner of the six-yard box, facing the taker. Choose someone who attacks the ball well in the air and times runs, not just your tallest player. They start a yard or two off their spot and attack towards the front post as the ball is struck, meeting it in front of the defender. The contact is a glance, not a smash: they redirect pace, flicking the ball backwards across goal towards the penalty spot and far post.
Get the delivery right
This routine lives or dies on delivery. The taker hits a firm, flattish ball to the near-post zone at roughly head height, with pace already on it so the flicker only has to change its direction. An inswinger from the opposite side helps the flick travel naturally across goal. Too high and it sails over the flicker; too soft and a defender clears it. Drill the taker to land ten balls in a one-metre near-post zone before adding any runners.
Feed the runners behind
The flick is bait; the goal usually comes from a second attacker. Position one or two runners around the penalty spot and far post who start late and arrive as the flicked ball drops behind the defensive line. Their job is to gamble on the glance, attacking the space between the six-yard box and the goal line. Tell them to assume the flick is coming and react to it, because the half-second they save by anticipating is the difference between a tap-in and a clearance.
Avoid the common mistakes
Three things wreck this routine. First, the flicker standing still and waiting, which lets the defender attack the ball first. Second, the delivery floated too high. Third, the far-post runners arriving early and getting marked or caught offside. Fix all three with timing: nobody moves until the taker's plant foot lands, then everyone attacks at once. With a small squad you only need three players for this, so it is ideal when numbers are tight.
Key points
- Flicker stands at the near corner of the six-yard box and attacks the ball
- Delivery is firm and flat at head height into the near-post zone
- An inswinger helps the flick carry across goal
- One or two late runners gamble on the flick at the back post
- Trigger every run off the taker's plant foot, not before
Common questions
Does the flicker need to be tall?
No. Timing and a good leap matter more than height. The skill is meeting the ball early in front of the marker and glancing it on, which a well-timed jump achieves.
Inswinger or outswinger for a flick-on?
An inswinger works best because it curves towards goal and helps the flicked ball travel across the six-yard box naturally.
What if defenders mark the near post tightly?
Use a second attacker to screen or occupy that marker, or switch to a short corner to change the delivery angle and pull a defender out.