A free kick in soccer is a way of restarting play that is awarded to a team after the opposing side commits a foul or other infringement. The team that was fouled gets to play the ball from where the offense happened, with opponents required to give them space. There are two kinds — direct and indirect — and the difference between them decides whether the kick can be scored straight away.
What is the difference between a direct and indirect free kick?
The key difference is whether the kick can go straight into the goal. A direct free kick can be scored directly: if the ball is struck into the opponents’ net without touching anyone else, the goal counts. An indirect free kick cannot be scored directly; the ball must touch at least one other player — from either team — before it enters the goal for the goal to stand. The table below compares them.
| Feature | Direct free kick | Indirect free kick |
|---|---|---|
| Can score directly? | Yes | No, must touch another player first |
| Referee signal | No special signal | Arm raised overhead until played |
| If kicked straight into opponents’ goal | Goal awarded | Goal kick to defending team |
| Typical reasons awarded | Fouls like kicking, tripping, pushing, handball | Offside, dangerous play, keeper handling offenses |
How does the referee show an indirect free kick?
The referee signals an indirect free kick by raising one arm straight above the head. That arm stays up until the kick is taken and the ball touches another player, goes out of play, or it becomes clear a goal cannot be scored directly. A direct free kick needs no such signal. This raised-arm signal is the simplest way for players and fans to tell instantly which type of kick has been given.
When is each type of free kick awarded?
Direct free kicks are given for the more physical fouls and for handball — offenses such as kicking, tripping, charging, jumping at, striking, pushing, or holding an opponent, as well as deliberately handling the ball. Indirect free kicks are awarded for non-contact or technical offenses, such as offside, playing in a dangerous manner, impeding an opponent without contact, or a goalkeeper committing a handling offense like holding the ball too long or handling a deliberate back-pass from a teammate.
Where is the free kick taken and what about the wall?
A free kick is taken from where the offense occurred, with the ball stationary. Opponents must stand at least 10 yards — 9.15 meters — away from the ball until it is in play. Defenders often line up shoulder to shoulder in front of their goal to block the shot; this is called a wall. Under current rules, if three or more defenders form a wall, all attacking players must keep at least 1 meter away from it. Referees frequently mark the required distance with a temporary line of vanishing spray.
What is a quick free kick?
A team can often take a free kick quickly rather than waiting for the defense to organize. A quick free kick is played immediately, before opponents can set their wall, to exploit the gap while defenders are out of position. This is only allowed when the ball is stationary and the referee has not signaled for a ceremonial restart. If the referee has stopped play to manage the wall distance or to caution a player, the kick becomes ceremonial and must wait for the whistle.
How is the ball put into play?
The ball is in play the moment it is kicked and clearly moves. The kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until another player has touched it; doing so results in an indirect free kick to the opponents. If a direct free kick is accidentally struck into the kicking team’s own goal, a goal is not awarded — the opponents get a corner kick instead, following the same principle that a team cannot score directly into its own net from a restart.
What are the attacking and defending tactics?
Free kicks are a major scoring opportunity, especially direct ones in shooting range. Attacking teams often assign a specialist to bend the ball over or around the wall, while teammates make late runs or crouch at the end of the wall to block the goalkeeper’s view. From indirect free kicks near goal, the attacking side must use a two-touch routine: one player rolls or taps the ball to set it, and a second player strikes it. Defensively, the wall is built to cover one side of the goal while the goalkeeper guards the other, and defenders must hold their line until the ball is struck.
Common misconceptions about free kicks
One misconception is that every free kick can be shot straight at goal. Only direct free kicks can; an indirect free kick blasted straight in results in a goal kick to the other side. Another is that the wall can stand wherever it likes — it must be a full 10 yards back. A third is that a free kick must always be taken slowly with a set wall; in fact a quick free kick is often the smarter, more dangerous option when the situation allows it.
Bottom line
A free kick restarts play after a foul and comes in two forms. A direct free kick can be scored on its own, while an indirect one — signaled by the referee’s raised arm — needs a second touch first. Add the 10-yard rule for defenders and the option of a quick restart, and you have the full picture of one of soccer’s most important set pieces.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a direct and indirect free kick?
A direct free kick can be scored straight into the opponents’ goal. An indirect free kick cannot; the ball must touch at least one other player before a goal counts. The referee signals an indirect free kick by raising an arm overhead.
How far must defenders stand from a free kick?
Opponents must be at least 10 yards, or 9.15 meters, from the ball until it is in play. If three or more defenders form a wall, attacking players must stay at least 1 meter away from that wall.
What happens if an indirect free kick goes straight into the goal?
No goal is awarded. If an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents’ goal without touching anyone else, the restart is a goal kick to the defending team.
Can you score directly from a direct free kick?
Yes. That is the defining feature of a direct free kick. If it goes straight into the opponents’ net, the goal counts. If it goes directly into your own net, a corner is awarded to the opponents instead.
What is a quick free kick?
A quick free kick is taken immediately, before the defense sets its wall, to catch opponents out of position. It is only allowed if the referee has not signaled for a ceremonial restart and the ball is stationary.