Defending Free-kicks

Any free-kick taken by an opposing team from a range of 30 yards or closer, where a shot on goal is possible, requires a wall of defensive players. The number of players in the wall depends on the positioning of the ball on the field relative to the goal. The goalkeeper is responsible for setting up the wall of defensive players so that he or she can ensure each is correctly positioned. A wall typically covers one end of the goal, and it is the goalkeeper’s responsibility to be in position to cover the rest of the goal. It is important that the goalkeeper is able to see the ball as the free-kick is taken. The goalkeeper relies entirely on his or her wall to block any free kick aimed at that side of the goal. Obviously not every free-kick will be blocked by the wall or saved by the goalkeeper, but it is much harder for an attacker to hit a powerful shot on goal with a wall than it is without.