Setting up a wall for a free kick

Virtually half the goals scored in the Premiere League are scored from set pieces: corners, throwings, free kicks etc. If we own the opponents at free kicks we win more matches. Simples!

The diagram above shows the keeper (red dot) lining up the wall. The second player in the wall is placed inline between the near post and the ball. It is important to place another player outside this line so the ball cannot be bent around the wall into the near post.

The number of players in the wall is determined by the position of the ball on the pitch. See the other post http://sru13.blogspot.co.uk/2011/12/how-many-player-in-wall-at-free-kicks.html

Another very important player is lined up to stop the shot to the far post area. He may not be in contact with the wall depending on the position of the ball.

Defending against a long ball

Watch this video to see what we should do when the opposing team play a long ball into our half of the pitch. 

Main Points,

• One player goes to clear the ball with his head.
• He should be brave, shout his name to let everyone else know that he is going to attack it.
• He should head it at the highest point that he can reach it.
• He should aim to head it, high long and wide.
• Very Important - The other defenders protect the space behind him by closing up and positioning themselves between the header and our net.
• They should expect the ball to come to them and be ready to clear it.
• The keeper should be ready for the ball coming through to him.
• If our player wins the header and heads it back up the field we should move up the field and reform the back line.

Watch this video to see how Man City defended against Stokes constant aerial threat.

Positions at Defensive Corners - 28th July 2013

Setting up a wall at free kicks

Watch this video on setting a wall up to defend against free kicks.

Positioning when marking a player

Your position is important when defending. A good defender will stand inline between his opponent and the center of the goal.

Has the attacker moves around, the defender adjusts his position to stay inline with the center of the goal.

Why is this a good position?

• It stops the attacker going the shortest route towards goal. He has to run around you.
• If a ball is played in the direction of the goal the defender has the shorter distance to run to get it.
• The defender is in a good position to put the attacker under pressure if the attacker gets the ball to his feet.
• The defender can see his opponent and everything thats happening in front of him.

Watch this tactics board video to see what i mean:

How many player in a wall at free kicks

It is the job of the goal keeper to say how many should be in the wall and to position the wall.