Tactics / Set pieces

Defending free kicks

The keeper decides the wall. The wall covers the near side of the goal, the keeper covers the far side, and everyone else marks a runner.

Set piecesFrom 9v9Match moment: Defend a free kick

WALL LINES UP WITH THE NEAR POSTGK810114569
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

A wall and a keeper who share the goal leave only a small target. Markers and a player on the edge of the box deal with the rest.

What players do

  • The keeper calls the number in the wall and lines up the end player with the near post.
  • Wall: stand together, arms in, and do not turn your back.
  • Everyone else marks a runner, goal side.
  • One player guards the edge of the box for rebounds and short routines.

Common mistakes

  • The keeper standing behind the wall, unable to see the ball.
  • The wall breaking up or jumping at the wrong time.
  • Nobody watching the short pass.

With young players

Never ask children to stand in a wall if they are scared of the ball. Smaller walls, or none, are fine in youth football.

Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch, showing the part where it happens. Orange attacks left to right and the other team is in blue; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.

Put it into your own team's plan in the team builder, and see what it asks of each player.

Next: A kick-off routine

What it asks of each player

The same idea, from every line of the team. Set it up for your own team in the team builder.

  • GK
    Goalkeeper
    • Set the wall from your post, then step to the far side.
    • Call the number in the wall.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Mark a runner, goal side.
    • Clear the second ball.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Stand in the wall, or guard the edge of the box.
    • Do not turn your back in the wall.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • One stays up for the counter.
    • Block the short pass to the side of the wall.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

Start with the first, and build up to the game.