175cm Premium Inflatable Football Defender (Thick Vinyl)

These inflatable football defenders are premium models, using 0.7mm PVC vinyl, versus 0.5mm for models from elsewhere.

This particular defender is the larger 175cm model. It comes with handles for lifting and moving it. It can weigh up to 20kg if fully filling the base with water, but it is only suggested to half fill it, so 10-12kg.

Two separate chambers - one for air, and one for water.

• Water in the bottom, air in the top. The manual recommends the water chamber about half full. That keeps it upright while staying light enough to carry, and puts less stress on the lifting handles. Filled completely, this size would reach 22kg, while half full would be around 10kg, which is a real difference when it has to be moved.
• Inflating. About three minutes by mouth for this size, or a pump if the valve size matches. The manual asks for firm rather than hard and warns against overinflating.
• Turn the handles to the back before a session starts, so you're not bumping into the handles.
• Material. 0.7mm thick PVC vinyl with lifting handles. Because the ballast is water, it empties out for transport and storage. At 175cm, this size stands closer to adult height, which is what makes it usable for crossing, finishing and free kick walls.
• A repair patch is included. Deflate the defender, cut the patch to size, clean the area and let it dry for ten minutes, press the patch down firmly, then leave it for twenty minutes before inflating again.

Which height to choose

We stock two. At 175cm, this one is close to adult standing height, so it is the one for a realistic defensive wall and for senior training. The 110cm version suits junior players and low free kick and passing work. Both are the same 0.7mm PVC vinyl. How many you buy depends on the drill. An individual training activity might use one to four defenders, and the height is a matter of preference: taller defenders act as a more challenging defensive wall, which is what this size is for.

How much water should go in the bottom chamber?

About half full, which is what the manual recommends. Filled completely, this size would reach 22kg which is heavy to carry and puts more load on the lifting handles. Half full already keeps it upright and is a more manageable weight. The top chamber is separate and holds air, taking about three minutes by mouth for this size, or less with a pump if the valve size matches.

What can the 175cm size be used for?

It stands closer to adult height than the 110cm, which is what makes it usable for crossing, finishing and free kick walls, and several of them are needed to build a wall. It is 0.7mm PVC vinyl with lifting handles and two chambers, ballasted with water, so it empties out for transport and storage.