What is the Difference Between a Direct vs. Indirect Kick?
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!
When Are Free Kicks Awarded?
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.
How Are They Taken?
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.
For indirect kicks, a strategy most teams implement is a quick and short touch by a player. Subsequently, another offensive player either passes or shoots it.
To get more acclimated to the soccer rules, check out our article ‘Soccer Rules & Regulations: The 17 Laws of the Game‘.
A Word on Free Kicks (Not an Easy Button)
Many parents think that free kicks are easy. Like a free throw in basketball, they should result in a goal. This is far from the case!
When teams have their entire defense on the other side of the ball to defend, scoring on a direct or indirect kick is very challenging.
For direct free kicks, if a player is close enough to score, I think the best path is to identify a gap and shoot with precise power. Take a few steps back, line yourself up directly with the goal, and let it fly.
For indirect kicks, quickly work on a set-piece strategy between a few other players. It could be a tap in or a lofted into the goal for a teammate to pursue. This type of free kick requires some strategy.
For those on the sidelines, let’s not forget that this isn’t an easy goal to score!
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between direct and indirect free kicks is essential for anyone who wants to enjoy soccer.
It is important to note that the rules for direct and indirect free kicks can vary depending on the level of play and the specific league or tournament.
Understanding the difference between both types of free kicks is just one of the many aspects of soccer that makes the game so exciting and enjoyable.
Whether you are a player, coach, or parent of a youth soccer player, taking the time to learn the rules and regulations of the game can help you appreciate the beauty and complexity of this ‘beautiful game’.
Written By: Beau Bridges
Founder of SoccerNovo
I’m Beau 👋 a proud dad of an MLS NEXT player, former soccer coach, soccer enthusiast, and board member of our local youth sports program. I created soccernovo.com to share my knowledge of the game and help parents learn more about youth soccer in the U.S. I also authored an eBook ‘Soccer Coach Made Simple‘. Learn more about Beau.
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