In football, defending free kicks is all about strategy, positioning, and discipline. But can defenders physically hold each other in the air to block or disrupt a shot during a free kick? The simple answer is no.
According to the Laws of the Game, players are not allowed to hold, push, or use unfair physical interference with others—teammates included. While players can position themselves to create a wall or jump to block the ball, physically lifting or holding another player in the air is not only impractical but also against the rules. Such actions would likely result in the referee awarding a foul or retaking the free kick.
The reasoning behind this rule is to ensure fairness and safety on the field. Football emphasizes skill, teamwork, and tactics rather than gimmicks or overly physical play. Instead of resorting to such unorthodox methods, defenders should focus on timing their jumps, maintaining their wall’s integrity, and following proper defensive techniques.
So, next time you watch a free kick, keep an eye on the strategies being used—but don’t expect to see defenders hoisting each other into the air!