Direct and Indirect Free Kick Differences
Learn the difference between direct and indirect free kicks, when they are awarded, and how to execute them in football.
What is a free kick?
A free kick is a restart of play awarded by the referee after an infringement.
There are two types:
- direct free kick; - indirect free kick.
The main difference concerns the possibility of scoring directly into the goal.
What is a direct free kick?
With a direct free kick, it is possible to score directly into the opponent's goal without the ball being touched by another player.
If the shot enters the goal properly, the goal can be validated.
When is a direct free kick awarded?
A direct free kick is awarded for various infringements committed during the game.
Common examples include:
- tripping; - pushing; - holding; - fouls in tackles; - punishable handballs; - other infringements provided by the Laws of the Game.
What happens if a direct foul occurs in the penalty area?
If a defender commits an infringement in their own penalty area punishable by a direct free kick, the referee can award a penalty kick.
Therefore, the position of the foul is very important.
What is an indirect free kick?
With an indirect free kick, it is not possible to score directly into the opponent's goal.
Before the goal can be valid, the ball must be touched by at least one other player after the execution.
How does the referee signal an indirect free kick?
The referee signals an indirect free kick by raising one arm above the head.
The signal is maintained as required by the Laws of the Game to indicate that the kick is indirect.
When is an indirect free kick awarded?
An indirect free kick can be awarded for various technical infringements.
Examples include:
- certain goalkeeper infringements; - dangerous play without contact; - obstructing an opponent without contact; - some irregularities in restarts; - other situations provided by the regulations.
Example of a direct free kick:
A player is illegally fouled outside the penalty area.
The referee awards a direct free kick.
The designated player can shoot directly at the goal and score without needing another touch.
Example of an indirect free kick:
Imagine the referee awards an indirect free kick inside or outside the penalty area.
If the kicker shoots directly at goal and no other player touches the ball, the goal cannot be validated as a normal direct goal.
How must the ball be positioned?
The ball must be stationary at the designated spot for the restart.
The player executing the free kick cannot touch the ball again before it has been played by another player.
How far must opponents stay?
Opponents must respect the required distance from the ball until it is in play.
The standard distance is generally 9.15 meters.
What is the wall?
The wall is a group of defending players positioned between the ball and the goal.
It reduces the space available for the shot and makes a direct attempt more difficult.
Does the referee always have to start the play with a whistle?
Not always.
In some situations, the team can quickly take the free kick, while in others the referee requires waiting for his signal.
It depends on the situation and the referee's management.
What is a quick free kick?
A team can sometimes quickly restart play without waiting for the wall to be set up.
This can catch the defense by surprise.
What happens if an opponent does not respect the distance?
A player who deliberately prevents the restart or does not respect the required distance can be sanctioned.
The referee may also take disciplinary action depending on the situation.
Can the kicker pass the ball instead of shooting?
Yes.
In both direct and indirect free kicks, the player can choose to pass to a teammate.
The team can use prepared plays instead of directly attacking the goal.
What happens if a direct free kick goes into the kicker’s own goal?
The Laws of the Game provide specific procedures for situations when a free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal.
The restart depends on the type of free kick and the play dynamics.
Can a goal be scored directly from an indirect free kick?
No.
For the goal to be valid, the ball must be touched by another player before entering the opponent’s goal.
How to tell if a free kick is direct or indirect?
The simplest signal is to watch the referee.
If he raises one arm, he is indicating an indirect free kick.
If he does not make that signal and the infringement calls for a direct free kick, the player can attempt a direct shot on goal.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the main difference between a direct and an indirect free kick? From a direct free kick you can score directly, while from an indirect free kick the ball must be touched by another player.
How does the referee signal an indirect free kick? He raises one arm above his head.
Does a direct free kick in the penalty area become a penalty kick? If the infringement is committed by a defender inside their own area and punishable with a direct free kick, a penalty kick can be awarded.
How far must the wall stand? Generally at least 9.15 meters from the ball.
Can a free kick be taken quickly? In some situations yes, if the referee has not required waiting for his signal.
Can a direct goal be scored from an indirect free kick? You can shoot at goal but the goal is not valid if no other player touches the ball before it enters the goal.