What is the 18 in Soccer? A Clear Explanation

What is the 18 in soccer? ‘The 18′ refers to the ’18-yard box’, ‘penalty box’, or the ‘penalty area’ on a soccer field. It is the rectangular area on the soccer field that is marked in front of each goal. You can see it in red below…

The standard size of the penalty area is 44 yards wide and 18 yards deep, starting from the goal line. The goal frame itself is in the center of the 18 yard box, and the penalty spot is situated 12 yards from the goal.

The penalty area has a lot of impact so I’ll teach you the ins and outs of everything you should be aware of!

Why is the Penalty Area Important in Soccer?

The penalty area is a crucial part of soccer gameplay, as it serves as a boundary for the goalkeeper and helps to determine penalty kicks.

Role in Gameplay

The 18 Yard Box, also known as the penalty area, is the area that serves as the boundary for the goalkeeper, who is the only player allowed to use their hands within this area. If the goalkeeper handles the ball outside of this area, the opposing team is awarded a free kick.

Additionally, this area is where penalty kicks are taken. If a foul (i.e. – a hand ball) is committed by the defending team inside this area, the attacking team is awarded a penalty kick. This can often be a game-changing moment, as penalty kicks are considered to be one of the most high-pressure situations in soccer.

These are the two main reasons why the 18 exists.

Importance in Set Pieces

The 18 also plays a significant role in set pieces, such as corner kicks and free kicks. During these moments, players will often position themselves strategically within the penalty box in order to try and score a goal. Defenders will also position themselves to try and prevent the attacking team from scoring.

In addition, the penalty area is often used as a reference point for tactical decisions. For example, a team may choose to play a high line defense, meaning they position their defenders near the top of the 18, in order to prevent the opposing team from getting too close to the goal. Ideally, they want to catch the offense in an offsides situation.

Rules for the Penalty Area in Soccer

Here are some rules related to the 18-yard box, penalty box, and penalty area:

Offside Rule in Soccer

The offside rule applies to both halves of the field (depending on which direction a team is going), including the 18-yard box. A player is in an offside position if they are closer to the opponent’s goal than the ball and the second-last defender, including the goalie.

However, it is not an offense to be in an offside position. They can be deep in the penalty area but still be onside. A player is only penalized for being offside if they become involved in active play by interfering with play or interfering with an opponent’s ability to play the ball.

Goalkeeper Restrictions

The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use their hands and arms within the 18-yard box. However, there are restrictions on the goalkeeper’s actions.

For example, the goalkeeper cannot hold the ball for more than six seconds. If they do, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick.

Additionally, the goalkeeper cannot pick up a back-pass from a teammate that used their feet. If they do, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick.

Moreover, the goalkeeper is not allowed to touch the ball with their hands outside the 18-yard box. If they do, the opposing team is awarded a direct free kick or a penalty kick, depending on the situation. With that said, the goalie is allowed to dribble or kick the ball outside of the penalty area.

The goalkeeper must also stay within their penalty area when taking a goal kick or a free kick from inside the box. If they step outside the box before making contact with the ball, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick.

Historical Evolution of the 18 Yard Box

The origins of the 18 yard box can be traced back to the early 1900s when soccer was still in its infancy. Before the introduction of the penalty area, the goalkeeper had the freedom to handle the ball anywhere on the field. Imagine that in today’s game?!

As you can picture, this led to some teams using their goalkeeper as an outfield player, which made it difficult for the opposing team to score.

In 1902, the penalty area was introduced to combat this issue. The original penalty area was a 20-yard semicircle, and the goalkeeper was not allowed to handle the ball outside this area. However, this rule was soon changed, and the penalty area was expanded to its current size in 1937.

Over the years, there have been several changes to the rules surrounding the penalty box. For example, in 1997, the back-pass rule was introduced, which meant that the goalkeeper could no longer pick up the ball if it was passed back to them by a teammate. This rule was introduced to encourage teams to play more attacking football and proactively create more goalscoring opportunities.

Another significant change to the rules governing this area came in 2019 when the International Football Association Board (IFAB) clarified the handball rule. The new rule stated that a goal could not be scored if the ball touched an attacker’s hand or arm, even if it was accidental. This rule change caused controversy and led to some high-profile incidents, but it remains in place today.

Frequently Asked Questions