CONTROL
SHOOTING
PASSING
DRIBBLING
TURNING
HEADING
CREATE SPACE
INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING
SUPPORT PLAY
GOALKEEPING
CROSSING
TACKLING
THE THROW IN
ATTACKING SET PLAYS
DEFENDING SET PLAYS
THE FREE KICK
THE FREEKICK
Please select a subsection from the topics below :
 Free Kicks (Long) Defending  Free Kicks (Long) Defending 2  Free Kicks (Long) Defending 3  Free Kicks Defending (4) – The Wall (a)  Free Kicks Defending (4) – The Wall (b)

Free Kicks (Long) Defending

  • Defenders facing a free kick 50 yards from goal should always maintain a discipline of (a) being alert and (b) always facing the ball.
  • In the diagram (A5) is about to take the free kick, so (D7) is positioned the regulations 10 yards away in case (A5) is looking for a quick free kick and follow up.
  • (A7) is wide right – so (D5) stands goal side of him.
  • (A9) is wide left – so (D8) stands goal side of him.
  • (A8) has come short – (D6) stays in attendance.
  • This leaves the other attackers on the edge of the penalty area – all marked (goal side) by defenders.
  • (A4) may try to push the defenders closer to the goal area
  • BUT THE DEFENDERS MUST STAY DISCIPLINED, RETAINING THEIR LINE AND ALLOWING A SPACE BETWEEN THEM AND GOALKEEPER G – encouraging (A4) to go offside.
  • Obviously they may have to move once the ball has been kicked by (A5) and aimed high into the area, and if (A4) is clever enough not to move until the ball has been kicked – they must while moving retain their marking duties on their opposing attacker.