The Soccer Football Goal Kick.
28th May 2011

Goal kicks are quite simple; much easier to understand and carry out than either a corner kick of a throw-in.

When the ball rolls over the goal line and an opponent last touched the ball a goal kick is awarded. On a pitch with a goal area defined the kick can be taken from anywhere within or on the boundary line of the goal area. If it is a mini-soccer pitch the foal kick is taken from anywhere within the penalty area or the boundary line.

The procedure for a goal kick is simple with few rules:

• The ball is in play when it is kicked out of the penalty area.

• Any player, not only the goal-keeper can take the goal kick.

• The kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player.

• Opposition players may not be inside the penalty area when the kick is taken,

• If the ball is played by another player before it leaves the penalty area, the kick must be retaken.

• An own goal cannot be scored directly from a goal kick, and if the ball rolls into the defending team's own goal a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team.

• A goal cannot be scored directly from a goal kick without touching another player.

There are only two types of goal kick that can effectively be taken.

A kick up field is the normal way to put the ball back into play. The kicker, generally the goal-keeper, though may be a player with a long kick, will punt the ball up field as far as it can go. If possible the ball will be aimed at a player or group of players.

The goal-keeper also has the option to kick the ball short to a defender, usually a full back. This technique is often used if the defender has time and space. It is a good way to put the ball back into play ensuring that possession is kept. This method works well of the receiving player is comfortable on the ball.

Further Reading:

• How to become a Referee?

• Laws of the game - Myths

• The Laws of Mini-Soccer

• Who'd be a Football Ref?