Penalty Kick: Rules, Rebound, and Infractions
Learn how penalty kicks work in football: when they are awarded, execution rules, rebounds, infractions, and common cases.
## What is a Penalty Kick
A penalty kick is a restart of play awarded when a team commits an infraction inside their own penalty area punishable by a direct free kick.
The shot is taken from the penalty spot, with only the opposing goalkeeper defending the goal.
## When is a Penalty Awarded
A penalty kick can be awarded when a defender commits a foul punishable by a direct free kick inside their own penalty area.
Possible infractions include:
- tripping; - holding; - illegal pushing; - punishable handballs; - foul interventions on the opposing player.
## Where the Penalty Kick is Taken
The ball is placed on the penalty spot.
The shooter must be clearly identified before the execution.
## Where the Goalkeeper Must Be
The goalkeeper must be on their goal line, between the posts, and maintain the position prescribed by the Laws of the Game until the ball is kicked.
The goalkeeper's position is monitored because an irregular movement can affect the outcome of the shot.
## Where the Other Players Must Be
The other players must respect the required distances and positions before the execution.
In general, they must be:
- outside the penalty area; - behind the penalty spot; - at the regulated distance from the ball.
## When the Ball is in Play
The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves clearly.
From that moment, the action can continue normally, except if it is a specific procedure such as a penalty shootout.
## Can the Shooter Play the Ball Again on a Rebound?
It depends on how the ball returns.
If the goalkeeper saves and the ball remains in play, the shooter may play the ball again.
However, if the ball hits the post or crossbar and returns directly to the shooter without being touched by another player, the shooter may not touch it a second time before it is touched by another player.
## Example of a Valid Rebound
The shooter kicks, the goalkeeper saves, and the ball returns to the attacker.
In this case, the shooter can kick again because the ball was touched by the goalkeeper.
## Example of a Double Touch
The shooter hits the post, and the ball returns directly to their feet without being touched by anyone else.
If the same player touches the ball again, they can be penalized for a double touch.
## Can a Feint Be Made During the Penalty?
Feints during the run-up may be allowed within regulatory limits.
An irregular feint after completing the run-up can lead to a sanction.
## What Happens if a Player Enters the Penalty Area Too Early
Early entry by a player can influence the subsequent decision, especially if that player directly participates in the play after the shot.
Depending on the team involved, the outcome of the penalty, and the impact of the infraction, the penalty can be validated, retaken, or lead to another restart.
## When is a Penalty Retaken
A penalty can be retaken when a relevant infraction influences the execution or result of the shot.
An example could be an irregularity by the goalkeeper or early entry of players, as provided by the Laws of the Game.
## What Happens if the Goalkeeper Saves Irregularly
If the goalkeeper commits an infraction affecting the execution, the referee may take the prescribed action.
In certain circumstances, the penalty may be retaken.
## Can VAR Review a Penalty Kick?
Yes, in competitions that use VAR, incidents related to the awarding or non-awarding of a penalty kick can be reviewed.
VAR can also check for relevant irregularities in the action.
## Can a Penalty be Awarded After the Final Whistle?
In certain circumstances linked to a VAR review, an incident occurring before the end of the time can still be evaluated according to the established procedures.
However, these are particular situations governed by the referee's protocol.
## Penalty During the Match and Penalty Shootouts
A penalty awarded during a match is part of the normal course of the game.
Penalty shootouts, on the other hand, are procedures used to determine the winning team when the result is tied and the regulations provide for it.
## Does a Goal from a Penalty Count as a Normal Goal?
Yes. During a match, a goal scored from a penalty counts exactly as any other goal.
## Why is the Penalty So Important?
The penalty kick represents one of the most dangerous goal-scoring opportunities in football.
It can quickly change the course of a match and often becomes decisive in the final phases of a game.
## How to Follow Penalties on Football17
On Football17 you can follow the main events of matches, including goals, penalties, cards, substitutions, and other real-time updates.
The match timeline allows you to check when a penalty is awarded, scored, or missed, if the data is available from the provider.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### When is a Penalty Awarded? When a team commits an infraction punishable by a direct free kick inside its own penalty area.
### Can the Shooter Score on a Rebound? Yes, if the ball has been touched by another player, for example, the goalkeeper.
### Can the Shooter Play the Ball Again After Hitting the Post? Not directly if no other player has touched the ball.
### Can a Penalty be Retaken? Yes, in the presence of certain infractions provided by the Laws of the Game.
### Can VAR Intervene? Yes, in competitions using VAR, incidents related to penalties can be reviewed.
### Does a Penalty Goal Count Less? No. It counts as a goal like any other.