Vapaapotkut

Vapaapotkut is the Finnish term for free kicks in association football (soccer). A vapaapotku is a restart of play awarded to the team that did not commit the offense, after a foul or rule violation by the opposing team. The restart occurs from the spot where the offense happened or where the ball was situated when the play was stopped.

There are two main types: direct vapaapotku and indirect vapaapotku. A direct vapaapotku allows the ball to be kicked directly into the goal without touching another player, whereas an indirect vapaapotku requires the ball to touch another player before a goal can be scored. If the ball goes directly into the goal from an indirect free kick, the goal does not count. The Laws of the Game distinguish these two categories as standard practice in football.

Rules and setup: the ball must be stationary when the kick is taken, and opponents must remain at least 9.15 meters (10 yards) away until the ball is in play. The kicker may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. In many situations a free kick outside the penalty area results in a direct or indirect free kick, while offenses inside the defending team’s penalty area typically lead to a penalty kick rather than a free kick.

Common offenses that lead to vapaapotkut include tripping, pushing, holding, and handball (depending on the position and nature of the offense). Teams often use walls and set-piece routines to defend or attack a free kick, making it one of the most strategic moments in a match.

Origin and usage: the concept is codified in the Laws of the Game (IFAB) as Law 13, with the direct/indirect distinction embedded in professional and amateur play worldwide.