Free Kick

Free kick (association football)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(Redirected from Indirect free kick)
Jump to navigationJump to search
A direct free kick being taken by the team in white and red
A free kick is a method of restarting play in association football. It is awarded
after an infringement of the laws by the opposing team.

Contents
1 Direct and indirect free kicks
2 Procedure
2.1 Signal
2.2 Location
2.3 Kick
2.4 Scoring a goal directly from a free kick
3 Infringements and sanctions
4 Quick free kick
5 Scoring opportunities
6 Strategy
7 Offences for which the free kick is awarded
7.1 Direct free kick / penalty kick
7.2 Indirect free kick
8 History
8.1 Before 1863
8.2 The 1863 FA Rules
8.3 Abolition (1866–1872)
8.4 Reintroduction (1872–1873)
8.5 Subsequent developments
8.6 Summary
9 References
10 External links
Direct and indirect free kicks
Free kicks may be either direct or indirect, distinguished as follows:
An attacking goal may be scored directly from a direct free kick, but not from an
indirect free kick.
Direct free kicks are awarded for more serious offences (handball and most types of
foul play – see below for a complete list), while indirect free kicks are awarded
for less serious offences
A direct free kick cannot be awarded in the offending team's penalty area: if a
team in its own penalty area commits an offence normally punished by a direct free
kick, a penalty kick is awarded instead. An indirect free kick may be awarded for
an offence committed anywhere.
Procedure
Often several players (red) will line up for a free kick, so as to mask their
intentions to the defending team (blue).
Signal
The referee signals an indirect free kick by raising the arm vertically above the
head; a direct free kick is signaled by extending the arm horizontally.[1] A
popular method for identifying the different signals is that, for indirect free
kicks, the referee holds his hand above his head, creating the letter "I", for an
indirect free kick.[2]
Location
The free kick is taken from the place where the infringement occurred, with the
following exceptions:
if the offence was within the kicking team's own goal area, the free kick may be
taken from anywhere within the goal area.
if an indirect free kick is awarded for an offence within the offending team's own
goal area, the kick is taken from the nearest point on the goal area line which
runs parallel to the goal line.
if the offence took place outside the field of play, the free kick is taken from
the boundary line nearest to where the offence occurred.
for certain technical offences (a substitute starts a match without the referee
being informed; a player or team official enters the playing area without the
referee's permission but without interfering with the game) play is started with an
indirect free kick from the place where the ball was when play stopped.
Kick
The ball must be stationary and on the ground. Opponents must be at least 9.15 m
(10 yards) from the ball until it is in play, unless they are on their own goal-
line between the goal-posts. If the free kick is taken from within the kicking
team's penalty area, opponents must be outside the penalty area.
If the defending team forms a "wall" of three or more players, all attacking
players must be at least 1 m (1 yard) from the wall until the ball is in play.
The ball becomes in play as soon as it is kicked and clearly moves.[3] The ball
must be kicked (a goalkeeper may not pick up the ball). A free kick can be taken by
lifting the ball with a foot or both feet simultaneously. It is legal to feint to
take a free kick to confuse opponents. (This distinguishes the free kick from the
penalty kick, where feinting is illegal once the run-up has been completed).[4]
A player may be penalised for an offside offence from a free-kick. This

distinguishes the free-kick from most other methods of restarting the game, from
which it is not possible for a player to commit an offside offence.
Scoring a goal directly from a free kick

Ball goes
directly into Type of free kick
Direct Indirect
Opponents' goal Goal scored Goal-kick to opponents
Own goal Corner-kick
to opponents
A goal may be scored directly from a direct free kick against the opposing side. A
goal may not be scored directly from an indirect free kick, and an own goal may not
be scored directly from any free kick. If the ball goes directly into the opposing
team's goal from an indirect free kick, a goal kick is awarded to the opposing
team. If the ball goes directly into the kicking team's own goal, a corner kick is
awarded to the opposing team.[5]
When an indirect free kick has been awarded, the referee must maintain the
vertically-raised arm until the kick has been taken and the ball touches another
player, goes out of play, or it is clear that a goal cannot be scored directly. If
the referee fails to signal that the free kick is indirect, and the ball goes
directly into the opponents' goal, the kick must be retaken.[1]
Infringements and sanctions
Vanishing spray has been utilised in recent years to indicate the minimum distance
for free kicks.
If the ball is moving, or in the wrong place, the kick is retaken. A player who
takes a free kick from the wrong position in order to force a retake, or who
excessively delays the restart of play, is cautioned.
If an opponent is less than 9.15 m (10 yards) from the spot where the kick is
taken, the kick is re-taken unless the kicking team chooses to take a "quick free
kick" before opponents have been able to retreat the required distance. An opponent
also may be cautioned (yellow card) for failing to retreat 9.15 m (10 yards),[5] or
for deliberately preventing a quick free kick from being taken.
If the kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched another player,
an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, unless this second touch is
an illegal handball offence, in which case a direct free kick or penalty kick is
awarded.
If an attacking player stands within 1 m (1 yard) of a "wall" of 3 or more

defending players, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team.[3]
Quick free kick

A team may choose to take a "quick" free kick, that is, take the kick while
opponents are within the 9.15-metre (10-yard) minimum required distance. This is
usually done for some tactical reason, such as surprising the defence or taking
advantage of their poor positioning. The referee has full discretion on whether to
allow a quick free kick, and all other rules on free kicks still apply. However, in
taking a quick free kick the kicking team waives their entitlement to retake the
kick if an opponent who was within 9.15 m (10 yards) intercepts the ball.[5]
Football governing bodies may provide further instruction to referees on
administering quick free kicks; for example, the United States Soccer Federation
advises that referees should not allow a quick free kick if a card is shown prior
to the restart, if a trainer has to enter the field to attend to an injured player,
if the kicking team requests enforcement of the 10-yard (9.15 m) rule, or if the
referee needs to slow the pace of the match (e.g., to talk to a player).[6]
Scoring opportunities
Guilherme Finkler (blue, no. 7) attempts to score from a direct free kick for
Melbourne Victory FC
Direct free kicks awarded near the opponent's goal can often lead to scoring
opportunities, either from the kick itself or from an ensuing set piece.
Accordingly, developing plays from free kicks are an important part of team
strategy, and defending against them is an important skill for defenders.
There are various techniques used with direct free kicks.[citation needed] The
player taking the direct free kick may choose to strike the ball with as much force
as possible, usually with the laces of the boot. Alternatively, players may attempt
to curl the ball around the keeper or the wall, with the inside or outside the
boot. Additionally, certain free-kick specialists will choose to kick the ball with
minimal spin, making the ball behave unpredictably in the air (similar to the
action of a knuckleball pitch in baseball). The kicker may also attempt to drive
the shot under the wall formed by the opposition defenders using the inside of
their boot in a passing manner. Free kick takers may also attempt to cross the ball
to their centre-backs or strikers to get a header on goal, since they usually are
the tallest members of the team, especially if the position of the free kick is
close to the wings.
Strategy
A defending team (red) attempts to block the direct path to goal with a "wall" of
players.
Most teams have one or two designated free kick takers, depending on the distance
from goal and the side of the pitch from which the free kick is to be taken. The
strategy may be to score a goal directly from the free kick, or to use the free
kick as the beginning of a set piece leading towards a goal scoring opportunity.
The kicking team may have more than one player line up behind the ball, run up to
the ball, and/or feint a kick in order to confuse or deceive the defence as to
their intentions; this is usually legal as long as no other infringements occur.
Where there is a potential for a shot on goal to occur from a direct free kick,
often the defending side will erect a "wall" of players standing side by side as a
barrier to the shot. The number of players composing the wall varies based on
distance and strategy. It is not fully known when the wall was started. A kicker
who has the skill to curl the ball around a wall is at a distinct advantage. Since
2000, referees at the highest levels of football have used vanishing spray to
enforce the 9.15-metre (10-yard) minimum required distance for the wall; referees
without vanishing spray may indicate the minimum distance verbally and/or with hand
gestures. In 2019, Law 13 was changed to require attacking players to maintain a
minimum 1-metre (1-yard) distance from a defensive "wall" until the ball is in
play.[3]
Offences for which the free kick is awarded

The following are the offences punishable by a free kick in the 2019 Laws of the
Game. A free kick may be awarded only for an offence committed while the ball is in
play, or at a restart of play.[7] If an offence is committed in any other
circumstance, the offending player may be punished with disciplinary action, but
play restarts in the same manner it would have restarted without the offence.[8]
Direct free kick / penalty kick

handball (except for the goalkeeper within the penalty area)[9]
a player commits any of the following acts against an opponent in a manner
considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:[9]
charges
jumps at
kicks or attempts to kick
pushes
strikes or attempts to strike (including head-butt)
tackles or challenges
trips or attempts to trip
holding an opponent[10]
impeding an opponent with contact[10]
biting or spitting at someone[10]
throwing an object at the ball, an opponent or a match official, or making contact
with the ball with a held object[10]
any physical offence, if committed within the field of play while the ball is in
play, against a team-mate, substitute, substituted or sent-off player, team
official or a match official[11]
a player who requires the referee's permission to re-enter the field of play,
substitute, substituted player, sent-off player, or team official performs one of
the following acts:
enters the field of play without the referee's permission, and interferes with
play[12]
is on the field of play without the referee's permission while that person's team
scores a goal (the goal is disallowed)[13]
throws or kicks an object onto the field of play, if the object interferes with
play, an opponent, or a match official.[14]
Indirect free kick
offside[15]
illegal handling by the goalkeeper within the penalty area[16]
preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from the hands[16]
kicking (or attempting to kick) the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of
releasing it[16]
playing in a dangerous manner (without committing a more serious offence)[16]
impeding the progress of an opponent without any contact being made[16]
dissent[16]
offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures[16]
any other verbal offences[16]
after having already been guilty of serious foul play, violent conduct or a second
cautionable offence, a player challenges or interferes with an opponent while the
referee is playing advantage (unless another more serious offence was committed)
[17]
an offence committed outside the field of play by a player against a player,
substitute, substituted player or team official of their own team[11]
the player taking a kick-off, free kick, penalty kick, throw-in, goal kick, or
corner kick touches the ball a second time before it has been touched by another
player (unless the second touch is a handball offence punishable by a direct free
kick / penalty kick)[18]
when a free kick is taken, an attacking player is less than 1 m (1 yard) from a
"wall" formed by three or more defending players[19]
a penalty kick is kicked backwards[20]
the kicker taking a penalty kick feints once the run-up has been completed[21]
a team-mate of the identified player takes a penalty kick[20]
at a penalty kick, both the kicker and goalkeeper commit an offence at the same
time, and the kick is scored (the goal is disallowed, and the indirect free kick is
awarded to the defending team)[21]
at a penalty kick, an attacking player encroaches, and the ball does not enter the
goal[20]
at a throw-in, an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower, or is closer
than 2 metres to the place where the throw-in is to be taken, and play is stopped
after the throw-in has been taken[22]
a player who requires the referee's permission to re-enter the field of play re-
enters without the referee's permission, but does not interfere with play, and the
referee decides to stop play to deal with the offence[12]
any other offence for which play is stopped to caution or send off a player[16]
History
Before 1863
The concept of a free kick -- i.e., an opportunity to kick the ball without being
challenged by opponents -- is found in public school football games from the early
nineteenth century. The three situations in which the free kick was typically found
are:[23]
as a reward for a fair catch

after a touch-down
after an offence by the opposing team
Fair catch
The fair catch was the most common reason for a free kick in football codes of the
early nineteenth-century. An early example is found in the testimony of Matthew
Bloxam, in the famous passage where he attributes the innovation of "running with
the ball" at Rugby School to the actions of William Webb Ellis in 1823:[24]
[Ellis] caught the ball in his arms. This being so, according to the then rules, he
ought to have retired back as far as he pleased, without parting with the ball, for
the combatants on the opposite side could only advance to the spot where he had
caught the ball, and were unable to rush forward till he had either punted it or
had placed it for some one else to kick, for it was by means of these place kicks
that most of the goals were in those days kicked, but the moment the ball touched
the ground, the opposite side might rush on.
The first published laws of football, those of Rugby School in 1845, confirm that a
free kick was awarded for a catch:[25]
Charging is fair, in case of a place-kick, as soon as a ball has touched the
ground; in case of a kick from a catch, as soon as the player's foot has left the
ground, and not before.
Although the 1848 "Cambridge rules" described by Henry C. Malden in 1897 have not
survived, Malden implies that they awarded a free kick for a fair catch.[26] The
1856 Cambridge rules, which do survive, explicitly awarded such a free kick:[27]
When a player catches the ball directly from the foot, he may kick it as he can
without running with it.
Other early codes awarding a free kick for a fair catch include Shrewsbury School
(1855),[28] Harrow School (1858),[29] Sheffield FC (1858),[30] Melbourne FC (1859),
[31] and Blackheath FC (1862).[32] All these kicks, except for Sheffield's, permit
a goal to be scored directly.
Touch-down
The free kick after a touch-down (also known as a "try at goal") is found at Rugby
School from the mid 1830s.[33] It is also found in Rugby-influenced codes, such as
Marlborough College,[34] and in the Cambridge Rules of 1863, which were drawn up by
a committee including representatives from both Marlborough and Rugby.[35]
After an offence by the opposition

The first Rugby School rules (1845) awarded a punt or a drop-kick to the opposition
after a player took "a punt when he [was] not entitled to it".[36] The 1846
revision of the Rugby School rules kept that rule, but added the provision that a
goal could not be scored from such a drop-kick, giving an early example of an
indirect free-kick.[37] Other codes that used a free kick to punish an infringement
of the rules included the Uppingham laws of 1857 (for offside),[38] and the
Melbourne FC laws of 1860 (for any offence).[39]
Summary
Year Code Name Free kick awarded for
Fair catch Touch down Offence by
opposition
1823 Rugby School
(uncodified, based on
later recollections) direct[40]
c. 1834 direct[41][42]
1845 Rugby School [43][44] Place-kick
Punt
Drop direct direct[45] direct[46]
1846 indirect[47]
1847 Eton Field Game[48] N/A No direct[49] No
1848 Cambridge Rules
(as recalled by Malden)[50] Yes
1855 Shrewsbury[51] Hoist Yes
1856 Cambridge Rules[52] "Kick it as he can" direct No No
1857 Uppingham School[53] "Kick it as best he can"
Fair kick direct No direct[54]
1858 Harrow School[55] Free kick direct No No
1858 Sheffield FC[56] Free kick indirect No No[57]
1859 Melbourne FC[58] Free kick direct No No
1860 Melbourne FC[59] Free kick direct No direct[60]
1862 Barnes FC[61] N/A No No No
1862 Blackheath FC[62] Free kick direct No No
1862 Eton Field Game[63] N/A No No[64] No
1862 The Simplest Game[65] N/A No No No
1863 Cambridge Rules[66] Free kick No direct[67] No
1863 Charterhouse School[68] N/A No No No
1863 Marlborough College[69] No direct[70]
1863 Winchester College[71] Yes No No
1863 Football Association[72] Free kick direct direct[73] No
The 1863 FA Rules
The original laws of the Football Association, published in December 1863, awarded
a free kick in two situations:[74]
Following a fair catch, which was defined as "when the ball is caught, after it has
touched the person of an adversary, or has been kicked or knocked on by an
adversary, and before it has touched the ground or one of the side catching it".
The player making the fair catch had to claim it by "making a mark with his heel at
once". As in the Rugby rules, opponents were allowed to come up to the mark in
order to challenge the kick, with the player taking the kick being permitted to
retreat backwards from the mark in order to evade the opponents' attentions. The
player making the fair catch had to take the resulting free kick, from which a goal
could be scored directly.
Following a touch down behind the opponents' goal-line, in a manner similar to the
contemporary Rugby "try at goal" or modern rugby conversion. The kick had to be
taken from a point 15 yards (14 m) from the goal-line, in line with the place with
the ball was touched down. The kick had to be taken at the goal, with opponents
being obliged to remain behind their goal-line until the kick was taken. The kick
could be taken by any member of the team who touched the ball down.
In both cases, the kick could be taken "in such manner as the kicker may think
fit". This was interpreted as allowing a kick from hand (a punt or drop-kick), in
addition to a place kick.[75] In the first ever game played under Football
Association rules, (Barnes v Richmond, 19 December 1863), Barnes FC attempted six
such "tries at goal", but missed all of them.[76]
Abolition (1866–1872)
At the first revision of FA laws, in 1866, the free kick was removed from the game.
[77] Reference to the fair catch disappeared from the laws (though catching was
still permitted), while the touch down, rather than being rewarded with a free
kick, became a tie-breaker to be used when an equal number of goals was scored by
each team.[78]
In 1867, Sheffield Football Club proposed to the FA that handling should be banned,
with a free kick awarded as punishment for handball.[79] Records of the FA's annual
meeting do not indicate that this proposal received any formal discussion, and it
was not adopted:[80] however, a similar proposal was incorporated into the
inaugural laws of the Sheffield Football Association later that same year.[81]
In 1870, handling was completely banned in the FA laws, upon the basis of a
proposal by Upton Park FC.[82] Wanderers FC and Civil Service FC both suggested
that handling should be punished with a throw-in to the opposition, but their
proposals were not adopted.[83]
Reintroduction (1872–1873)
In 1872, the free kick was reintroduced, on the basis of a proposal by Harrow
Chequers F.C.. It was awarded to punish illegal handling of the ball, and did not
allow a goal to be scored directly.[84] The 1872 laws neglected to define exactly
how a free kick should be taken; this omission was made up in 1873, when it was
specified that the ball must be on the ground, with opponents at least six yards
(5.5 m) from the ball, unless behind their own goal-line.[85] These restrictions
were proposed by Clapton Pilgrims, and amended by Francis Marindin of Royal
Engineers FC.
Subsequent developments
Position of opponents
In 1913, the distance opponents were required to retreat was increased from six
yards (5.5 m) to ten yards (9.15 m).[86] In 1936, it was further specified that
players could be less than ten yards (9.15 m) away only if they were on the goal-
line between the posts (rather than anywhere on the goal-line).[87]
In 1965, opponents were required to remain outside the penalty area when a free
kick was being taken from within the kicking team's penalty area. (A similar change
had been made to the laws for the goal kick in 1948).[88]
Position of teammates
In 2019, members of the team taking the free-kick were forbidden from standing
within one metre of any "wall" made by the defensive team.
Putting the ball into play

In 1887, it was specified that "[t]he ball must at least be rolled over before it
shall be considered played".[89] This requirement was made more precise in 1895:
the ball "must make a complete circuit or travel the distance of its circumference"
before being in play.[90] In 1997, this requirement was eliminated: the ball became
in play as soon as it was kicked and moved (and left the penalty area, if
necessary; see below).[91] In 2016, it was specified that the ball must "clearly"
move.[92]
In 1937, a free kick taken within the kicking team's own penalty area was required
to leave the penalty area before being considered in play. This followed a parallel
change in the goal-kick law the previous year.[93] Both changes were reversed in
2019.
Method of kicking
In 2007, the laws specified that feinting, and lifting the ball with one or both
feet, were both legitimate methods of taking a free kick.[94]
Dribbling
In 1874, the player taking the free kick was forbidden from touching the ball again
until it had been played by another player.[95]
Scoring a goal directly

When reintroduced in 1872, the free kick did not permit a goal to be scored.[84]
In 1891, the penalty kick was introduced, for certain offences committed within 12
yards (11 m) of the goal-line.[96] The penalty kick permitted a goal to be scored
directly (unlike the free kick, which was still exclusively indirect).
In 1903 the direct free-kick was reintroduced, for the same offences penalized by a
penalty kick when committed in the penalty area.[97]
In 1927, the laws were amended to prevent an own goal from being scored directly
from any free kick (whether direct or indirect).[98]
Awarded within the goal area

In 1978, it was specified that a free-kick awarded to a team within its own goal-
area could be taken from any point within that half of the goal-area in which the
offence occurred. This change was made in order to remove any disadvantage that
might come from being forced to take the kick from a "restricted position" near the
goal-posts.[99] In 1992, this provision was further widened to permit such a free-
kick to be taken from any point within the goal-area.[100] This change, which was
proposed "to reduce time-wasting", was made in conjunction with a parallel change
to the goal kick law.[101]
In 1984, it was specified that an indirect free kick awarded for an offence within
the opposing team's goal area should be taken at the closest point on the six-yard
(5.5 m) line. This change was made in order to avoid "crowding" and "jostling".
[102]
Remedy for infringements

In 1882, an indirect free kick was awarded to the opposing side if the player
taking the free kick touched the ball twice.[103] In 1905, encroachment by the
opposition at a free kick was also punished with an indirect free-kick.[104] In
1938, this punishment was eliminated; it was specified instead that, in the event
of encroachment, the referee "shall delay the taking of the kick until the Law is
complied with".[105] In 1937, it was specified that if a free kick taken from
within the kicking side's penalty area did not leave the penalty area, it should be
retaken.[106] This requirement was removed in 2019.
In 2019, the laws were modified to state that, if a team-mate of the kicker was
closer than one metre to a "wall" formed by the defending team, an indirect free-
kick should be awarded.
Offside from a free kick

The laws of football have always permitted an offside offence to be committed from
a free kick. The free kick contrasts, in this respect, with other restarts of play
such as the goal kick, corner kick, and throw-in.
An unsuccessful proposal to remove the possibility of being offside from a direct

free-kick was made in 1929.[107] Similar proposals to prevent offside offences from
any free-kick were advanced in 1974 and 1986, each time without success.[108][109]
In 1987, the Football Association (FA) obtained the permission of IFAB to test such
a rule in the 1987-88 GM Vauxhall Conference.[110][111] At the next annual meeting,
the FA reported to IFAB that the experiment had, as predicted, "assisted further
the non-offending team and also generated more action near goal, resulting in
greater excitement for players and spectators"; it nevertheless withdrew the
proposal.[112]
Offences for which the kick was awarded

Illegal handling
As mentioned above, the free kick was revived in 1872 to punish illegal handling
(by the goalkeeper or any other player).[84] In 1903, when the direct free kick was
reintroduced, it was used to punish handball: technical handling offences by the
goalkeeper continued to be punished by an indirect free kick.[97]
Foul play
In 1874, the use of the free kick was extended to cover offences resulting from
foul play.[95] Since 1903, when the direct free kick was reintroduced, most forms
of foul play have been punished by a direct free kick. The exceptions, punished by
an indirect free kick, are listed below:
Dangerous play (since 1903) [97]

Obstructing / impeding the progress of an opponent(1951-2016)[113] and impeding an
opponent without contact (from 2016)[114][115]
Charging when not attempting to play the ball (1948-1997)[116][117]
Charging the goalkeeper in an illegal manner (1903-1997)[97][117][118]
Preventing the goalkeeper from releasing the ball (from 1997)[118]
Kicking (or attempting to kick) the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of
releasing it (from 2016)[115][119]
Disciplinary offences / misconduct
Since 1907, an indirect free kick has been awarded whenever play is stopped to send
off a player (unless the laws called for a direct free kick or penalty kick).[120]
In 1934, this principle was extended to cautions.[121][122]
From 1967 to 2000, there was a separate offence of timewasting by the goalkeeper,
punishable by an indirect free kick.[123]
Offences at the restart of play
In 1882, an indirect free-kick was awarded for a double touch at a free kick,
throw-in, goal kick, or kick-off.[124] In 1901, this was extended to a double touch
at a penalty kick. Encroachment by the opposition has been punished by an indirect
free-kick at various times:
at the kick-off (1887-1903)[125][126]

at a free kick (1905-1938)
at a goal kick (1905-1937)[127][128]
at a corner kick (until 1973)[129]
The indirect free-kick was also awarded for a foul throw from 1882.[130] In 1931,
this remedy was changed to a throw-in to the opposition.[131]
Offside
Offside has been punished by an indirect free-kick since 1874.[95]
Summary
Date Goal may be scored directly May be kicked from hand Ball may be touched
twice Minimum distance (opponents) Taken from kicking team's penalty area
Position when taken from goal area Remedy for infringement Date
Attacking goal Own goal Ball must leave penalty area Opponents must be
outside penalty area Of kicking team Of opponents Double-touch
Encroachment
by opposition
1863 Yes Yes Yes N/A[132] N/A N/A 1863
1866 N/A 1866
1872 No Not specified Yes Not specified N/A N/A N/A 1872
1873 No 6 yards (5.5 m) Not specified 1873
1874 No Not specified 1874
1882 Indirect free-kick 1882
1902 No No From place of offence From place of offence 1902
1903 Direct free kick only 1903
1905 Indirect free-kick 1905
1913 10 yards (9.15 m) 1913
1927 Direct
free kick
only No 1927
1937 Yes 1937
1938 Retake 1938
1965 Yes 1965
1978 From that half of goal area in which offence was committed 1978
1984 From the nearest point on the six-yard (5.5 m) line 1984
1992 From anywhere within the goal area 1992
2019 No 2019
References
"Laws of the Game 2019/20" (PDF). p. 70.
"Introduction to Youth Soccer" (PDF). kickit. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
LAW 13 – FREE KICKS – The direct free kick -FIFA.com
"Free Kick and Restart Management" (PDF). United States Soccer Federation. 10
February 2009. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
Laws of the Game 2019/20, passim; see esp. p. 103
Laws of the Game 2019/20, p. 87
Laws of the Game 2019/20, pp. 88, 119, 123, 128, 131, 135
The following situations are excluded:
starting the game, starting the second half, or restarting after a goal (this is
discussed in the kick-off article)
returning the ball into play after it has gone over the sidelines of the field of
play (this is discussed in the throw-in article)
returning the ball into play, by the defending side, after it has gone over the
goal-line (this is discussed in the goal kick article).
Bloxam, Matthew Holbeche (22 December 1880). "Rugby School Football Play". The
Meteor. Rugby (157): 155–156.. Emphasis added.
Laws of Football as played at Rugby School (1845) – via Wikisource.
Alcock, C. W. (8 January 1898). "Association Football: No. 1 -- Its Origin". The
Sportsman. London (8851): 3. Well, sir, years afterwards some one took those rules,
still in force at Cambridge, and with very few alterations they became the
Association Rules. A fair catch, free kick (as still played at Harrow) was struck
out. [emphasis added]
Cambridge Rules (1856) – via Wikisource.
Description of the Rules of Football as played at Shrewsbury School (1855) – via
Wikisource. A player who caught the ball direct from a kick could take a 'hoist'
(i.e. drop kick)
Rules of Harrow Football (1858) – via Wikisource. Whoever catches the Ball is
entitled to a free kick if he calls Three yards [2.7 m]
Sheffield Rules (1858) – via Wikisource. Fair Catch is a Catch from any player
provided the Ball has not touched the ground and has not been thrown from touch and
entitles a free kick
Melbourne Football Club (1859) – via Wikisource. Any player catching the ball
directly from the foot may call 'mark'. He then has a free kick; no player from the
opposite side being allowed to come inside the spot marked
Rules of Blackheath Football Club (1862) – via Wikisource. A fair catch is a
catch direct from the foot, or a knock-on from the hand of one of the opposite
side; when the catcher may either run with the ball or make his mark by inserting
his heel in the ground on the spot where he catches it; in which case he is
entitled to a free kick
Macrory, Jenny (1991). Running with the Ball: The Birth of Rugby Football. London:
HarperCollins. p. 112–114. ISBN 0002184028. Technically, the touchdown was not
rewarded directly with a free kick but with a "punt out" from the goal-line, which
could be kicked backwards to a team-mate, who could then catch the ball, make a
mark, and proceed with a free-kick as after a fair catch. The procedure is
described in Tom Brown's School-Days: "An Old Boy" [Thomas Hughes] (1857). Tom
Brown's School Days. Cambridge: Macmillan. pp. 119–120.:
[Y]oung Brooke has touched it right under the School [opposition] goal-posts ...
Old Brooke stands with the ball under his arm motioning the School back ... Crab
Jones ... stands there in front of old Brooke to catch the ball. If [the opponents]
can reach and destroy him before he catches, the danger is over ... Fond hope, it
is kicked out and caught beautifully. Crab strikes his heel into the ground, to
mark the spot where the ball was caught, beyond which the School line may not
advance; but there they stand five deep, ready to rush the moment the ball touches
the ground. ... Crab Jones ... has made a small hole with his heel for the ball to
lie on, by which he is resting on one knee, with his eye on old Brooke. "Now!" Crab
places the ball at the word, old Brooke kicks, and it rises slowly and truly as the
School rush forward. Then a moment's pause, while both sides look up at the
spinning ball. There it flies straight between the two posts, some five feet above
the cross-bar, an unquestioned goal
The simpler "conversion" that survives today in rugby and gridiron football was
first used at Marlborough College, before being used in the first laws of the Rugby
Football Union (1871).
Description of the Rules of Football as played at Marlborough College (1863) –
via Wikisource. The most important points of difference between the two games
[Rugby School and Marlborough] [...] are [...] the uniform distance of 30 yards [27
m] in front of "touch" for the "place kick" at Marlborough, instead of the kick
from an undefined place at Rugby
Cambridge Rules (1863) – via Wikisource. When a player has kicked the ball beyond
the opponent's goal line, whoever first touches the ball when it is on the ground
with his hand may have a free kick, bringing the ball 25 yards [23 m] straight out
from the goal line
Laws of Football as played at Rugby School (1845) – via Wikisource. If a player
take a punt when he is not entitled to it, the opposite side may take a punt or
drop, without running if the ball has not touched two hands
Laws of Football as played at Rugby School (1846) – via Wikisource. If a player
take a punt when he is not entitled to it, the opposite side may take a punt or
drop, without running, (after touching the ball on the ground) if the ball has not
touched two hands, but such drop may not be a goal
Rules for Football at Uppingham School (1857) – via Wikisource. If any player
kicks off-side, the opposite side may claim a fair kick from the place where it was
kicked off-side
Rules of Melbourne Football Club (1860) – via Wikisource. In case of deliberate
infringement of any of the above Rules by either side, the Captain of the opposing
side may claim that any one of his party may have a free kick from the place where
the breach of the Rules was made; the two Captains in all cases, save where Umpires
are appointed, to be the sold judges of infringements
Old Rugbeian Society (1897). The Origin of Rugby Football. Rugby: A. J. Lawrence.
p. 10. hdl:2027/hvd.hwrbh9. A boy of the name of Ellis — William Webb Ellis — a
town boy and a foundationer, who at the age of nine entered the school after the
midsummer holidays in 1816, who in the second half-year of 1823 was, I believe, a
praepostor, whilst playing Bigside at football in that half-year, caught the ball
in his arms. This being so, according to the then rule, he ought to have retired
back as far as he pleased, without parting with the ball, for the combatants on the
opposite side could only advance to the spot where he had caught the ball, and were
unable to rush forward until he had either punted it or placed it for some one else
to kick, for it was by means of these placed kicks that most of the goals were in
those days kicked, but the moment the ball touched the ground, the opposite side
might rush on.
Macrory, Jenny (1991). Running With the Ball. London: Collins Willow. p. 113.
Strictly speaking, the touch-down entitled the attacking team to a "punt-out",
which could then be caught by a team-mate to set up a free kick as from a fair
catch.
taken from the place the ball was caught after the "punt out" from goal
Illegal punt
Illegal punt
Laws of the Eton Field Game (1847) – via Wikisource.
The "rouge" entitled the attacker to a free kick one yard (1 m) out from goal
Alcock, C. W. (8 January 1898). "Association Football: No. 1 -- Its Origin". The
Sportsman. London (8851): 3.
Description of the Rules of Football as played at Shrewsbury School (1855) – via
Wikisource.
Rules for Football at Uppingham School (1857) – via Wikisource.
offside
Rules of Harrow Football (1858) – via Wikisource.
Sheffield Rules (1858) – via Wikisource.
Draft rules had free kick for handball, but removed from published version of laws
Rules of Melbourne Football Club (1859) – via Wikisource.
Rules of Melbourne Football Club (1860) – via Wikisource.
Any offence
Rules of Barnes Football Club (1862) – via Wikisource.
Rules of Blackheath Football Club (1862) – via Wikisource.
Rouge now offers a "touch" rather than a kick
Laws of the Eton Field Game (1862) – via Wikisource.
From 25 yards (23 m)
Description of the Rules of Football as played at Charterhouse School (1863) –
via Wikisource.
Description of the Rules of Football as played at Marlborough College (1863) –
via Wikisource.
taken from 30 yards (27 m)
Description of the Rules of Football as played at Winchester College (1863) – via
Wikisource.
Laws of the Game (1863) – via Wikisource.
taken from 15 yards (14 m)
This does not include the "free kick from the goal-line", which was awarded to the
defending team after they touched the ball down behind their own goal-line. It is
treated under the goal kick article.
See e.g. "Eleven of Barnes v. Mr. Greaves's Eleven". Sporting Life: 1. 27 January
1864. Hay, on the part of Barnes, touched the ball down behind his adversary's
goal. Being by the new rules entitled to a free kick from fifteen yards [14 m]
outside the goal line, he punted the ball very neatly between the posts [emphasis
added]
"Barnes v. Richmond". Field: 7. 26 December 1863.
The definition of a free kick remained in the 1866 laws, perhaps through
oversight; the now-redundant definition was deleted in 1867.
"Football Association". The Sporting Life. London: 1. 3 February 1867.
"The Football Association". Bell's Life in London (2341): 9. 2 March 1867.
Sheffield Rules (March 1867) – via Wikisource. No player shall hold or carry the
ball, or knock or push it on with the hand or arm. The side breaking this role
forfeits a free kick to the opposite side
"Football Association". The Sportsman. London (748): 3. 2 February 1870.
Laws of the Game (1872) – via Wikisource. No player shall carry or knock on the
ball; and handling the ball, under any pretence whatever, shall be prohibited,
except in the case of the goal-keeper, who shall be allowed to use his hands for
the protection of his goal. In the event of an infringement of this rule, a free
kick shall be forfeited to the opposite side from the spot where the infringement
took place, but in no case shall a goal be scored from such free kick.
"Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the International Football Association Board
1936" (PDF). p. 4. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
1965" (PDF). p. 2 [p. 7 of the PDF]. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
"International Football Association Board: 1997 Minutes of the Annual General
Meeting" (PDF). p. 133. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
"IFAB: Law Changes 2016-17" (PDF). p. 42. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
Laws of the Game (1874) – via Wikisource. 11. In the event of any infringement of
Rules VI., VIII., or IX., a free kick shall be forfeited to the opposite side from
the spot where the infringement took place, but in no case shall a goal be scored
from such free kick, nor shall the ball be again played by the kicker until it
shall have been kicked by some other player.
Laws of the Game (1903) – via Wikisource. A goal may be scored from a free kick
which is awarded because of any infringement of Law 9, but not from any other free
kick.
Meeting" (PDF). pp. 5-6 [p. 6-7 of PDF]. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
"International Football Association Board: 1992 Agenda of the Annual General
Meeting" (PDF). pp. 10 [p. 12 of PDF]. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
Meeting" (PDF). p. 14. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
Meeting" (PDF). p. 4. Retrieved 16 October 2018.
Laws of the Game (1882) – via Wikisource. 11. In the event of any infringement of
Rules 5, 6, 8, or 9, 12, or 14, a free kick shall be forfeited to the opposite side
from the spot where the infringement took place.
12. In no case shall a goal be scored from any free kick, nor shall the ball be
again played by the kicker until it has been played by another player[emphasis
added].
Laws of the Game (1905) – via Wikisource. [Law 10]: When a free kick has been
awarded, the kicker's opponents shall not approach within 6 yards [5.5 m] of the
ball unless they are standing on their own goal-line.
[Law 17]: In the event of any infringement of Laws 5, 6, 8, 10, or 16, a free kick
shall be awarded to the opposite side, [emphasis added]
"The Revised Laws of Football: Free Kick and Penalty Kick". Evening Telegraph.
Dundee. 27 July 1938. p. 7.
Meeting" (PDF). p. 5.
1929" (PDF). p. 2. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
1974" (PDF). p. 5 [p. 6 of the PDF]. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
1986" (PDF). pp. 4-5 [pp. 7-8 of the PDF]. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
"Approved Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the International Football Association
Board 1987" (PDF). p. 32 [p. 34 of the PDF]. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
"FA told to bring back red cards". The Guardian: 28. 15 June 1987.
1988" (PDF). pp. 12–13. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
Meeting" (PDF). p. 3. the following new offence to be punished by an indirect free-
kick: (3) When not playing the ball, intentionally obstructing an opponent
In 2016, impeding an opponent with contact was made a direct free kick offence
"Laws of the Game 2016/17" (PDF). p. 82. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
Meeting" (PDF). p. 5. CHARGES FAIRLY ... WHEN THE BALL IS NOT WITHIN PLAYING
DISTANCE OF THE PLAYERS CONCERNED AND THEY ARE DEFINITELY NOT ATTEMPTING TO PLAY IT
In 1997, this was abolished as a separate offence; all forms of charging an
opponent "in a manner considered by the referee to be careless, reckless, or
involving excessive force" became punishable by a direct free-kick
Meeting" (PDF). p. 25 [p. 129 of the PDF]. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
this became a separate offence in 2016: before then, it was included under
dangerous play
Laws of the Game (1907) – via Wikisource. 17: In the event of any infringement of
Laws 5, 6, 8, 10, or 16, or of a player being sent off the field under Law 13, a
free kick shall be awarded to the opposite side [emphasis added]
with the exception, from 1938-1969, of a caution for a player entering or leaving
the field of play without the referee's permission: in this case play was restarted
with a dropped ball
1934" (PDF). p. 3 [p. 4 of PDF]. Retrieved 9 February 2020. Law 13: Decision of the
International Board:— If a game has been stopped in consequence of ungentlemanly
behaviour by a player, it must be resumed by a free kick in favour of the opposite
side, whether the player has only been cautioned or sent off the field
1967" (PDF). p. 7. Retrieved 9 February 2020. When playing as goalkeeper [...]
indulges in tactics which, in the opinion of the Referee, are designed merely to
hold up the game and thus waste time and so give an unfair advantage to his own
team [...] shall be penalised by the award of an indirect free kick
Laws of the Game (1887) – via Wikisource. In the event of any infringement of
rules 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, a free kick shall be forfeited to the opposite side,
from the spot where the infringement took place [emphasis added].
Laws of the Game (1903) – via Wikisource. [Law 2] Decision of International
Board:-- If this law is not complied with, the kick-off must be taken over again
Laws of the Game (1905) – via Wikisource. [Law 10]: When a free kick has been
awarded, the kicker's opponents shall not approach within 6 yards of the ball
unless they are standing on their own goal-line. The ball must at least be rolled
over before it shall be considered played; i.e., it must make a complete circuit or
travel the distance of its circumference. The kicker shall not play the ball a
second time until it has been played by another player. The kick-off (except as
provided by Law 2), corner-kick, and goal-kick, shall be free kicks within the
meaning of this Law.
[Law 17]: In the event of any infringement of Laws 5, 6, 8, 10, or 16, a free kick
shall be awarded to the opposite side, [emphasis added]
Meeting" (PDF). p. 5. Delete the words 'and goal-kick'
Meeting" (PDF). p. 13 [p. 14 of PDF]. Retrieved 27 December 2019. For any other
infringement the kick shall be retaken
Laws of the Game (1882) – via Wikisource. In the event of any infringement of
Rules 5, 6, 8, or 9, 12, or 14, a free kick shall be forfeited to the opposite side
from the spot where the infringement took place.
"Football". Carluke and Lanark Gazette: 3. 19 June 1931.
For a free-kick after touchdown, the kick had to be taken from 15 yards (14 m)
from the goal-line, with opponents being behind the goal-line. For a free-kick
after a fair catch, opponents had to stay behind the mark, with the kicker being
allowed to retreat to any position behind the mark
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Free kick.
Work on your Freekicks
When is a direct free-kick awarded?
Law 13 - Free Kicks FIFA
vte
Laws of the Game (rules of association football)
Terms
Law 1: The Field of PlayLaw 2: The BallLaw 3: The Number of PlayersLaw 4: The
Players' EquipmentLaw 5: The RefereeLaw 6: The Other Match OfficialsLaw 7: The
Duration of the MatchLaw 8: The Start and Restart of PlayLaw 9: The Ball In and Out
of PlayLaw 10: Determining the Outcome of a Match (scoring)Law 11: OffsideLaw 12:
Fouls and MisconductLaw 13: The Free KickLaw 14: The Penalty KickLaw 15: The Throw-
InLaw 16: The Goal KickLaw 17: The Corner Kick
Comparisons
Football and rugby unionFootball and futsal
IFAB
The Football Association Scottish Football Association Football Association of
Wales Irish Football AssociationFlag of FIFA.svg FIFA
Related
Sheffield Rules
Categories: Laws of association footballAssociation football tactics and
skillsAssociation football terminology
Navigation menu
Not logged in
Talk
Contributions
Create account
Log in
ArticleTalk
ReadEditView historySearch
Search Wikipedia
Main page
Contents
Current events
Random article
About Wikipedia
Contact us
Donate
Contribute
Help
Learn to edit
Community portal
Recent changes
Upload file
Tools
What links here
Related changes
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
Cite this page
Wikidata item
Print/export
Download as PDF
Printable version
In other projects
Wikimedia Commons
Languages
Deutsch
Español
Français
한국어
日本語
Português
Русский
Tiếng Việt
中文
18 more
Edit links
This page was last edited on 30 May 2021, at 02:15 (UTC).
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License;
additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and
Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation,
Inc., a non-profit organization.
Privacy policyAbout WikipediaDisclaimersContact WikipediaMobile
viewDevelopersStatisticsCookie statementWikimedia FoundationPowered by MediaWiki

Free Kick

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Free Kick

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Free Kick

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Free kick (association football)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A player may be penalised for an offside offence from a free-kick. This

Scoring a goal directly from a free kick

Infringements and sanctions

If an attacking player stands within 1 m (1 yard) of a "wall" of 3 or more

Quick free kick

Offences for which the free kick is awarded

Direct free kick / penalty kick

as a reward for a fair catch

After an offence by the opposition

Putting the ball into play

Scoring a goal directly

Awarded within the goal area

Remedy for infringements

Offside from a free kick

An unsuccessful proposal to remove the possibility of being offside from a direct

Offences for which the kick was awarded

Dangerous play (since 1903) [97]

at the kick-off (1887-1903)[125][126]

You might also like