Freistoßes

Freistoßes is a German term that translates to "free kick" in English and refers to a specific method of restarting play in the sport of association football, commonly known as soccer. When a foul or infringement of the rules is committed by a player, the opposing team is awarded a free kick. The ball is placed at the spot where the offense occurred, and the player taking the kick must not be challenged by an opponent until the ball is in play. Opposing players are typically required to stand a minimum distance of 10 yards (9.15 meters) from the ball until it is kicked, forming a "wall" if the free kick is taken close to the goal.

There are two types of free kicks: direct and indirect. A direct free kick may be kicked directly into the opponent's goal to score. An indirect free kick, however, cannot be kicked directly into the goal. For an indirect free kick to result in a goal, the ball must be touched by another player, either from the attacking or defending team, after the initial kick. The referee signals an indirect free kick by raising an arm straight up in the air and keeping it there until the ball has been touched by another player or goes out of play. If the ball is kicked directly into the opponent's goal from an indirect free kick, a goal kick is awarded to the defending team.