Goal kick facts for kids

A goal kick is a way to restart a game in football. It happens when the attacking team kicks the ball completely over the goal line (the end line of the field) and it doesn't go into the goal. When this happens, the defending team gets to take a goal kick to restart the play.

What is a Goal Kick?

A goal kick is a special free kick taken by the defending team. It's used to get the ball back into play after the attacking team has sent it out of bounds over the goal line. Think of it as the defending team's chance to reset the game and start a new attack.

When is a Goal Kick Given?

A goal kick is awarded when:

• The attacking team (the team trying to score) kicks the ball.
• The ball goes completely over the goal line (the line at each end of the field where the goals are).
• The ball did not go into the goal.
• The last player to touch the ball was from the attacking team.

If the defending team (the team protecting their goal) accidentally kicks the ball over their own goal line, the referee gives a corner kick to the attacking team instead. This is an important difference!

Where is the Kick Taken From?

The goal kick must be taken from inside the goal area. This area is also sometimes called the "six-yard box" because of its size. It's a small rectangular box marked on the field right in front of each goal.

The ball must be placed on the ground anywhere within this goal area. The player taking the kick can be any player from the defending team, usually the goalkeeper.

Rules for Players During a Goal Kick

When a goal kick is being taken, there are specific rules for where players must be:

• All players from the other team (the attacking team) must stay outside the penalty area until the ball is kicked. The penalty area is the larger box marked in front of the goal.
• Once the ball is kicked and clearly moves, it is "in play." This means players from both teams can then touch it.
• The player who takes the goal kick cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it.

Why are Goal Kicks Important?

Goal kicks are a key part of football because they allow the defending team to restart the game safely from their own end. It gives them a chance to build up a new attack from the back, often with a long kick down the field.

Images for kids

• 

  Saint-Étienne goalkeeper Méline Gérard takes a goal kick.

• 

  The goal kick must be taken from the goal area. Opponents must be outside the penalty area. Opponents may be in the penalty arc, since it does not form part of the penalty area.

• 

  The laws of 1902 introduced the modern goal area.

See also

In Spanish: Saque de meta para niños