The practice of a soccer player lying down behind the defensive wall during a free-kick, known as the “draft excluder,” has become a standard tactical response to low-driven shots. Analysis indicates that since its widespread adoption in top European leagues around 2018, goals scored from free-kicks driven under the wall have dropped by over 60%. This maneuver effectively forces the free-kick taker to aim high, giving the goalkeeper a better chance to make a save.
Key Takeaways
- The primary goal is to prevent the ball from rolling under a jumping defensive wall.
- It forces the attacker to shoot over the wall, allowing the goalkeeper more time to react.
- The tactic gained massive popularity after players like Lionel Messi successfully exploited the space under the wall.
Contents
The Evolution of the Defensive Wall
Traditionally, defending a free-kick involved forming a vertical barrier of players who would jump simultaneously as the ball was struck. This created a significant vulnerability: the space beneath their feet.
Creative attackers began recognizing this flaw, driving the ball low while the defenders were airborne. The introduction of the player lying down was a direct, pragmatic solution to this specific offensive strategy.
Tactical Advantages for the Goalkeeper
By eliminating the option of a low shot, the goalkeeper can focus their attention entirely on the upper corners of the net. They no longer have to anticipate a “daisy-cutter” shot, which simplifies their decision-making process.
| Strategy | Vulnerability | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Jumping Wall | Space beneath the players. | Player lying behind the wall. |
| Standing Wall | Vulnerable to shots over the top. | Taller players and precise jumping timing. |
| Split Wall | Gaps between players. | Tight interlocking of arms. |
Choosing the Right Player for the Job
Managers typically select a player who isn’t essential in the primary aerial duel for this role. It’s often a smaller midfielder or a full-back, rather than a towering center-back who is needed to clear potential crosses.
The chosen player must be brave, as they are intentionally placing themselves in the line of a powerfully struck ball with limited ability to protect their face or body.
Advanced Considerations and Risks
While effective, the tactic isn’t without risk. The player on the ground could potentially keep an attacking player onside if the free-kick is played short rather than shot directly. Furthermore, if the ball strikes the player’s hand while they are on the ground, it could result in a penalty, though referees generally consider the arm’s position in supporting the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to lie down behind the wall in soccer?
Yes, there is no rule in the Laws of the Game preventing a player from lying on the ground during a free-kick.
Who popularized the tactic of lying behind the wall?
While instances occurred earlier, Marcelo Brozovic of Inter Milan famously used the “crocodile” move in 2018 against Barcelona, bringing it to mainstream attention.
Does lying behind the wall actually work?
Yes, it is highly effective at deterring low shots, forcing free-kick takers to attempt more difficult shots over the jumping wall.
Can the player lying down use their hands to protect their face?
Players must be careful; if they use their hands to block the ball deliberately, it is a handball offense, though natural protective flinching is sometimes judged leniently.
The addition of the “draft excluder” highlights the constant tactical evolution in soccer, where every offensive innovation is quickly met with a defensive countermeasure. Next time you watch a crucial free-kick, observe how the defending team sets up this critical block.
