maalialue

Maalialue, literally meaning “goal area” in Finnish, is a term used in association football (soccer) to describe the small rectangular zone directly in front of each goal. In English, the area is commonly called the six-yard box.

The maalialue is a defined part of the field that sits inside the larger penalty area. It is a rectangular region whose depth is about 5.5 meters (6 yards) from the goal line into the field, and whose width matches the width of the goal. The goal itself is 7.32 meters wide, and the maalialue is centered on the goal.

Purpose and usage: The maalialue has specific relevance for certain restarts and near-goal situations. It helps determine where certain kicks are taken from and how players position themselves during set pieces. While it is smaller and less consequential in ongoing play than the larger penalty area, it remains a standard reference in the Laws of the Game and in Finnish football terminology.

Terminology: In Finnish football discourse, maalialue is the standard term for this area. The concept is widely understood by players, referees, and fans and is typically described in parallel with the English term “goal area” or “six-yard box.” Related terms include the penalty area (the larger box in front of the goal) and the broader rules governing restarts near the goal.