Wide free kicks: Blocking the last defender in the line

This article focuses specifically on blocking the last defender in the defensive line, highlighting how attacking teams can create separation and space at the far-post zone, an area often exposed due to blindside positioning and limited cover.

A clear example of this strategy came at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ in a game between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami FC.

A breakdown of Inter Miami’s defensive organisation highlights several structural characteristics that expose the last defender to targeted blocks.

(1/5) Positioning and setup

In response to both the location of the free kick and PSG’s setup, five Inter Miami players are positioned close to the ball, either in the wall or protecting the short options. Consequently, only five players form the zonal line, offering limited horizontal coverage and a situation of numerical inferiority (4v2) at the far post.

(2/5) Line height

Inter Miami hold their line close to the edge of the penalty area, approximately 13 metres out, leaving space to exploit in behind the line.

(3/5) Body orientation

The defenders in the line adopt predominantly “closed” body orientations, limiting their ability to keep visual contact of both the ball and the attackers positioned behind them. This exposes the line to blindside runs and blocks, in particular the last defender who has no cover behind.

(4/5) Defender profile at the end of the line

Inter Miami position a smaller defender at the end of the zonal line who is vulnerable to a targeted block.

(5/5) Timing of the line movement

The defensive line initiates its movement early around the taker’s first/second step of the run-up. This adjustment aims to prevent attackers gaining a positional advantage to attack the delivery. However, the early movement can allow attackers starting offside to regain onside positions as the free kick is delivered.

Having identified the key features of Inter Miami’s defensive structure, we now examine how Paris Saint-Germain designed their routine to exploit these vulnerabilities.

(1/6) Target area

At the far-post PSG have a clear 4v2 numerical advantage. With only five players in the defensive line, blocking the last defender further reduces the line’s horizontal coverage and increases the chance of a direct finish on goal. The positioning of Inter Miami’s line leaves space in behind to exploit.

(2/6) Starting positions

PSG position two attackers to make runs from depth, while two additional attackers hold offside positions, occupying the final defenders and creating uncertainty around possible blocks while also diverting attention from the depth runs.

(3/6) Timing of runs and movement

The attackers use Vitinha’s first step as their trigger to synchronise their movements. Marquinhos’ run pulls Falcon infield, which further reduces the far-post protection, while Neves times his movement to stay onside. Pacho reacts to the same trigger and, with the line moving early, regains an onside position before applying the block.

(4/6) Exploit physical mismatch

PSG use their more physically dominant centre-back, Pacho, to engage Inter Miami’s last defender. This favourable matchup increases the probability of an effective block.

(5/6) Blocking technique

By screening with his back to the defender rather than making frontal contact, Pacho gets his body in position early and avoids using his arms. This allows him to block the recovery run without conceding a foul, while still being well placed for any second balls.

(6/6) Final contact

The inswing delivery meets Neves’ well-timed run from deep at the far post, where he arrives unmarked, with the block opening the space for a free header on goal. Falcon raises his arms anticipating the ball will go out of play, unaware of Neves’ run behind him as his closed body orientation limits his awareness.

To counter the threat of blocks on the last defender, teams have adopted different measures to protect this space. These approaches vary in their level of risk, subtlety, and proactivity, and offer alternatives to simply shifting the line towards the far post, an adjustment that can leave the front-post zone exposed. The following examples illustrate four strategies.

(1/4) Late line movement and proactive goalkeeping

Chelsea adopt a strategy of holding their defensive line until the moment the free kick is taken. This late movement helps play offside both attackers looking to perform blocks from offside starting positions and runners from deep. The goalkeeper is also proactive in defending the space in behind by coming to claim the ball.

(2/4) Dropping the line to deny space in behind

Juventus adopt a less common approach, forming two zonal lines positioned close to their own goal. While this leaves space in front of the line, it removes the depth in behind, brings the goalkeeper more into play and can push opponents away from targeting the far-post zone.

(3/4) Avoiding the block

Anticipating a blocking action, PSG rotate the last defender in the line. This dynamic movement makes the block harder to execute and helps maintain coverage of the far-post zone.

(4/4) Open body orientation and wider starting position

This Botafogo clip highlights two subtle adjustments from the last defender. First, an open body orientation helps maintain visual contact with the attacker on the blindside. Second, starting a few steps wider from the line gives the defender more room to negotiate the block.

While each solution differs in approach, they share a common aim: to disrupt blocking actions before they can be executed. This reinforces the importance of proactive behaviour rather than passive or static defending.

Blocking the last defender in the zonal line has become an increasingly effective strategy for accessing the far-post zone from wide free kicks. Its success is rarely based on the block alone, but rather on the interaction between defensive structure, attacking organisation, and delivery execution.

The following checklist can support coaches in evaluating defensive susceptibility to last-defender blocking routines: