On a direct kick, you can score by kicking the ball directly into the goal. On an indirect kick, it has to touch another player before scoring.
Direct kick in soccer: a direct kick is a free kick that can be taken by a player from the team that was fouled. It is awarded when a player commits a foul against an opponent, such as tripping, pushing, or holding. The direct kick allows the team to take an unobstructed shot at the opposing team’s goal, and the opposing team must stay at least 10 yards away from the ball until it is kicked. If the ball goes directly into the goal from the kick, it is counted as a goal.
Indirect kick in soccer: an indirect kick is a free kick that is awarded to a team when an opposing player commits a less serious foul, such as obstruction or offside. Unlike a direct kick, an indirect kick cannot be taken directly into the goal to score. Instead, another player must touch the ball before it can be counted as a goal.
[Bonus] Here are some great examples of free kicks taken throughout soccer history!
An indirect free kick is awarded for non-foul offenses such as offside, obstruction, offensive language on the field or sidelines, and other technical offenses.
A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team when a player commits a foul that is deemed dangerous. This can include tripping, pushing, or holding an opponent, as well as dangerous tackles, handballs, and other similar infractions.
The ball must be stationary when the kick is taken, and the referee will blow their whistle to signal the start of play.
The opposing team must be at least 10 yards away from the ball until it is kicked.
After the referee’s whistle, the player taking the kick can either shoot directly at the goal (if its direct) or pass the ball to a teammate.
Hey 👋 I’m Beau. A proud Dad, former coach and soccer enthusiast. I continue to love the game of soccer today the same way I did when I was 7. I created soccernovo.com to share what I know about the game as well as provide a platform so other parents can learn more about youth soccer in the U.S.
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