Abstract: To obtain the optimized design of support schemes of gob-side entry retaining in fully mechanized caving face, the paper analyzed the structural features of the overlying strata of gob-side entry retaining in fully mechanized caving face based on the theory of key rock stratum control, and the overlying strata activity rules were summarized. The results show that in the early stage of overlying strata activity, the main features are direct roof rotary caving; in the transitional period, the basic roof stress is adjusted on the gob side and solid coal side; in the stable period, the plastic zone of solid coal side expands and the roof sinks in parallel. The mechanical model of the roof structure was established, and the theoretical values for the optimal design of the supporting structure were obtained, which was composed of the anchorage structure of the roof, anchorage structure of the solid coal wall, and the gob side filling body. Based on the engineering background of gob-side entry retaining in 4311 fully mechanized caving face of Chengzhuang Coal Mine, the optimized design of the supporting structure was carried out and the deformation of surrounding rock of retaining roadway was observed by the mine pressure. The results show that the proportion of surrounding rock deformation in the early, transitional and stable period of overlying activity is 12%, 77% and 11%, respectively, the surrounding rock deformation is mainly concentrated in the transitional period; the section of the retained roadway changes from 3.0 m×3.2 m to 2.3 m×2.7 m, and the overall maintenance effect of the roadway is good.