Abstract: In order to study the deformation law of the surrounding rock in gob-side entry retaining by roof cutting and pressure release in thick coal seams, in the engineering background of S1201-II seam face in Ningtiaota Mining, the deformation of the roof and floor in the roadway and the pressure distribution of the surrounding rock support were researched, through field measuring and FLAC 3D numerical simulation. The results show that the distribution law of the stability of the surrounding rock in the thick coal seam can be divided into three stages: pressure change zone, pressure stabilization zone and pressure stabilization zone. During the forward direction of the working face, the rated value was 9.19MPa, the stability value was 8.47 MPa, the supporting pressure peak point away from the coal wall 6~9 m;the lagging working surface 200m was identified as conservative safe location, after this position, all the temporary support equipment can be withdrawn.As for within lagging working surface 90m surrounding rock deformation was obvious, this scope was the key support area to ensure production safety. The successful application of the research results in the actual engineering of the site provides a useful reference for the popularization and application of gateway retained along goaf Technology with roof breaking and pressure releasing in the thick coal seam.