freekick

A free kick, also called a freekick, is a method of restarting play in football after the opposing team commits an infringement while the ball is in play. Free kicks are categorized as direct or indirect. A direct free kick allows a goal to be scored directly from the kick, whereas an indirect free kick requires the ball to touch another player before a goal can be scored.

Free kicks are awarded for fouls or other infringements on the field, such as tripping, pushing, holding, handball, or dangerous play. The spot where the offense occurred generally determines where the kick is taken. If the offense happens inside the defending team’s penalty area, a penalty kick is usually awarded instead of a free kick.

Taking a free kick involves placing the ball at the spot of the infringement. Opposing players must stand at least 10 yards (9.15 meters) away from the ball until it is in play, though the defending team may form a wall during a direct free kick. The ball must be stationary when the kick is taken, and it becomes in play when it is kicked and clearly moves. For an indirect free kick, the referee signals the restart by raising one arm; the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored.

Free kicks are one of the main ways to resume play after fouls, alongside other restarts such as kick-offs, throw-ins, goal kicks, and corner kicks. The laws governing freekicks are defined in the Laws of the Game and are enforced by the match officials.