Abstract: In order to clarify the influence of support resistance on the depth of plastic zone of roadway surrounding rock, the relationship between support resistance and the depth of plastic zone of roadway surrounding rock is analyzed by Castner formula and FLAC^3D software. The analysis results show that the support resistance provided under the current technical level can not significantly reduce the depth of plastic zone of roadway surrounding rock, and it is difficult to effectively avoid plastic failure of roadway surrounding rock. Even if the support resistance is as high as 2.50 MPa, the depth of plastic zone of roadway roof surrounding rock is not significantly reduced. Therefore, it is an effective way to maintain the stability of roadway surrounding rock by using supporting materials with sufficient bearing capacity, anchorage depth and elongation to anchor the damaged rock in the plastic zone to the stable rock outside the plastic zone. In the fifth middle yard of Xinhu Coal Mine, the large deformation flexible anchor cable is used to reinforce the return airway, which has achieved good control effect, reduced the shrinkage of the roadway section, and ensured the long-term use of the roadway.