Setting Up the Defensive Wall!

Defensive Walls

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Angle of Free Kick Determines Setup
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The purpose of the Defensive Wall is to block a free kick on our goal by the opposing team.

The angle of the kick determines how many of our players are needed to form an effective wall.

When the ball is directly in front of our net, use a 5 player wall. As the angle becomes greater, use fewer players, as illustrated in the diagram on the left.

Speed of Execution is Key - It is important that the offense comes back quickly to help form the wall. The keeper is responsible for determining the angle and clearly yelling out the number of players needed: "Four!" and directing players, as needed, to ensure that the keeper has a clear view of the field and the ball.

Important - You must leave 10 yards space between your wall and the ball, when the opposing team requests it. If they don't ask, that's their problem. Therefore, initially setup just 8 yards away and make them ask for more. Why 8 yards? It's 20% less than 10 yards and may go unnoticed. If you allow too little, they will definitely ask.

Which Players form the Wall? Because the purpose of the wall is to shield the goal from a free kick, the most effective wall should be tall and wide. If at all possible, the tallest and stockier players should be the ones to form the wall. Line up perpendicular to the flight of the ball, standing as straight and tall as possible, while keeping proper balance.

After the Shot - Unless there are uncovered players, immediately get back into your normal position!

Size of Wall:

5 Players	Use for a Direct Shot on Net! The 5 players line is most effective in this situation. The player on either end of the wall is responsible for deflecting a bending shot.
4 Players	Use for a shot from a slight angle taken anywhere from the corner of the goalie box to about 1/3 of the way in on either side. The player on the end closest to the middle needs to deflect any bending shots.
3 Players	Use for a shot from a fairly wide angle taken anywhere from the mid-side of the goalie box to the corner on either side of the field. The player on the end closest to the middle needs to deflect any bending shots.
2 / 1 Players	Use for a shot from a very wide angle taken anywhere form the goal line to the mid-side of the goalie box. The player on the end closest to the middle needs to deflect a bending shot.
Coaching Points	Use the Correct Size Wall depending on angle of shot Quickness of Execution Team Work - All Players Must Work Together

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