Free kick facts for kids

A free kick is a special way to restart a game in many sports, like soccer. It happens when one team breaks a rule, called a foul. The other team then gets to kick the ball without anyone from the opposing team being allowed to tackle them right away. It's a chance for the team to get the ball back and try to score or move it up the field.

What is a Free Kick?

A free kick is a way to restart play in sports like soccer, rugby, and Australian rules football. It's given to a team when the other team commits a foul. Think of it as a penalty, but not always as serious as a penalty kick. The team that gets the free kick can usually place the ball where the foul happened and kick it.

Understanding Fouls in Sports

A foul is when a player breaks a rule of the game. In soccer, fouls can be things like tripping an opponent, pushing them, or handling the ball with your hands (unless you are the goalie in your penalty area). When a foul happens, the referee stops the game. Depending on how serious the foul is and where it happened, the referee will award a free kick or sometimes a penalty kick.

Types of Free Kicks in Soccer

In soccer, there are two main types of free kicks: direct and indirect. The referee will show you which type it is with a hand signal.

Direct Free Kicks

A direct free kick is the most powerful kind. If you score a goal directly from this kick, it counts! This type of kick is given for more serious fouls, like tripping, pushing, or intentionally handling the ball. The ball must be still when it is kicked. Players from the other team must be at least 9.15 meters (10 yards) away from the ball when it is kicked.

Indirect Free Kicks

An indirect free kick is different because you cannot score a goal directly from it. The ball must touch another player (from either team) before it can go into the goal. If the ball goes straight into the goal from an indirect free kick without touching anyone else, it's not a goal. Instead, the other team gets a goal kick. Indirect free kicks are given for less serious fouls, like dangerous play or obstructing an opponent without making contact. The referee will hold one arm straight up in the air until the ball touches another player.

The "Wall" in Soccer

When a free kick is awarded close to the goal, especially a direct free kick, the defending team often forms a "wall." This is a line of players who stand side-by-side to block the shot. They stand 9.15 meters (10 yards) away from the ball. The wall tries to stop the ball from going into the goal or make it harder for the kicker to aim. Players in the wall might jump when the ball is kicked to try and block it with their heads or bodies.

Why Free Kicks Matter

Free kicks are a very important part of soccer and other sports. They can be great chances to score goals, especially if they are close to the opponent's goal. They also allow a team to restart play and keep possession of the ball after a foul. Teams practice free kicks a lot to make sure they can use these opportunities well. A well-placed free kick can change the outcome of a game!

Images for kids

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  Set up for a free kick in Association football (soccer), with the opposing team forming a "wall" to block the kick.

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  Freekick imitation