What is a direct or indirect free kick? - Project Sports
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What is a direct or indirect free kick?

4 min read

Asked by: Kyle Citizen

In soccer, there are two types of free kicks: direct and indirect. A direct free kick means that the kick can be taken as a direct shot. An indirect free kick means that someone else has to touch the ball before it can be taken as a shot on goal.

What makes a free kick direct or indirect?

Direct and Indirect Free Kicks



The simple difference between the two is this: On a direct kick you can score by kicking the ball directly into the goal. On an indirect kick you cannot score. An indirect kick must be touched by another player before it can go into the goal – that is the kicker and a second person.

When should an indirect free kick be awarded?

An indirect free kick is awarded if a player: plays in a dangerous manner. impedes the progress of an opponent without any contact being made. is guilty of dissent, using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or action(s) or other verbal offences.

What makes a kick direct or indirect?

The simple difference between the two is this: On a direct kick, you can score by kicking the ball directly into the goal. On an indirect kick, you cannot score. An indirect kick must be touched by another player before it can go into the goal – that is the kicker and a second person.

How do you do an indirect free kick?


If a player intentionally flicks the ball up to his head chest thigh or any other part of the body. And plays it back to the goalkeeper.

Is a high foot an indirect free kick?

A straight forward high foot challenge would be indirect. If contact is made penalty and probably a caution for reckless play.

What is a direct free kick in soccer?

In soccer, there are two types of free kicks: direct and indirect. A direct free kick means that the kick can be taken as a direct shot. An indirect free kick means that someone else has to touch the ball before it can be taken as a shot on goal.

What are the types of free kick?

There are two types of free kicks: a direct free kick and an indirect free kick.

  • Direct Free Kick – You can kick the ball into the goal and score directly off of this kick.
  • Indirect Free Kick – In order to score, another player must touch the ball first before going into the goal.


Is a corner kick a direct kick?

Corner Kicks



A corner kick is a direct kick and a goal may be scored if it enters the net. The offensive team has a 5 count to put the ball back into play. No defensive players may be within 3 yards of the kick.

Is an offside An indirect free kick?

If an offside offence occurs, the referee awards an indirect free kick where the offence occurred, including if it is in the player’s own half of the field of play.

How do you do a direct free kick?

Try not to lob the ball over the wall to score the ball won't have enough power and the keeper will be able to save it easily. To take a direct free kick remember to shoot using your instep.

Do indirect free kicks still exist?

There is no option to give an indirect free-kick.” So when there’s contact between the players, ‘impeding’ is taken out of the equation. In practise, almost all incidents of this type involve some kind of contact.

Are all free kicks direct?

An attacking goal may be scored directly from a direct free kick, but not from an indirect free kick. Direct free kicks are awarded for more serious offences (handball and most types of foul play – see below for a complete list), while indirect free kicks are awarded for less serious offences.

Is spitting a yellow or red card?

Required Red Cards:



Spitting at anyone. Handling the ball to stop a goal.