Defending ยท U11 to adult

Setting up a defensive wall

The keeper organises a wall quickly for free kicks: the right number, lined up with the near post, and everyone else marking. Practise it so it's automatic on match day.

U11 to adultAges
6 to 12 plus a keeperPlayers
Edge of the boxArea
10 minsTime

Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.

Set-up

  • Free-kick taker 20 to 25 metres out.
  • Defenders ready to form a wall; others mark attackers.

Equipment: Goal, cones, balls

How it works

  1. Coach places the ball; keeper calls the number in the wall.
  2. End player lines up with the near post; wall 9.15 metres back.
  3. Free kick is taken; defenders react to rebounds.

Coaching points

  • Keeper calls quickly and clearly.
  • Wall stays together and doesn't turn its back.
  • Everyone else: mark a runner.

Add this drill to a session plan โ†’

Make it easier

  • No time pressure

Make it harder

  • Quick free kicks to catch the wall unready

AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ†’ Passโ†’ Runใ€ฐโ†’ Dribble

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