Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Building wall (Start Time: 2026-03-09 18:00:00)
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Description
Preferred wall set up and GK positioning to defend free-kicks around the box. Credit to Andy Haworth who designed the graphics
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Zone 2
The goalkeeper should organize 1–2 players in the wall, depending on the distance of the ball from the 18-yard box.
If the ball is closer to the box, we can add a second player to the wall.
If the ball is farther away, we can rely on only one player in the wall.
From this zone, defenders should primarily be positioned inside the box to track runners, defend crosses, and deal with second balls.
Wall positioning based on delivery:
For out-swinging deliveries, the wall should be set slightly away from the front post.
For in-swinging deliveries, the wall should be set towards the front post.
Communication:
The player on the far side of the wall (the player furthest from the ball) is responsible for adjusting and moving the wall based on the goalkeeper’s instructions.
The goalkeeper must clearly demand players to move if the wall or defensive line is not correctly positioned.
Zone 3
The same principles as Zone 2 apply.
The goalkeeper decides whether to use one or two players in the wall depending on the distance and angle of the free kick, while defenders organize inside the box to manage attacking runs and crosses.
Wall positioning based on delivery:
Outswinger: wall positioned away from the front post.
Inswinger: wall positioned towards the front post.
Communication:
The far-side player of the wall is responsible for moving the wall according to the goalkeeper’s commands.
The goalkeeper must be vocal and demand movement and adjustments when needed.
Zones 4 & 5
There is no need for a wall in these zones.
Instead, the goalkeeper should focus on organizing the defensive structure:
Ensure all defenders are positioned outside the 18-yard box to maintain a compact defensive line.
The goalkeeper should step off the goal line and position closer to the 6-yard box, preparing to attack crosses or long deliveries into the area.
The goalkeeper must communicate clearly and demand the defensive line to step and stay organized.