Soccer coaching laws of the game Law 16 the goal kick

These soccer coaching tips are designed to help coaches and players understand the laws of the game. This article looks at Law 16, and covers the goal kick. These rules apply to: 11-a-side, 7-a-side and minis.

A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team.

A goal kick is a method of restarting play:

A goal kick is awarded when:

• The whole of the ball, having last touched a player of the attacking team, passes over the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10.

How to take it:

• The ball is kicked from any point within the six-yard box at 11-a-side – or the penalty area at 7-a-side – by a player of the defending team.

• Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play – the ball has been kicked out of the penalty area.

• The kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player.

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

• If the kicker fails to kick the ball out of the area, the kick is retaken.

• Team mates may stand inside the area but cannot touch the ball until it has left the area.

Click the link to see Soccer coaching laws of the game Law 15, the throw-in.

Click the link for a soccer drill to get players defending goal kicks.