Indirect Free Kick

The football term “indirect free kick” refers to the mistake or offense committed by the goalkeeper in their penalty area. These offenses would include touching the ball with their bare hands after they released it from their possession and was touched by another player, and if the ball was deliberately kicked by their teammate that led them to touch the ball. However, an indirect free kick can be given if the goalkeeper prevents the opposing team’s progress.

There are two types of free-kicks: direct and indirect. The direct free kick refers to the kick taken as a direct shot by the player, while the indirect free kick refers to the indirect touch of another player to the ball. A direct free kick will be awarded if the players commit a more serious offense, to the point of foul play, while the indirect one will be awarded for lesser offenses.

It’s always the referee who will signal whether an indirect or direct free kick should take place. They would instantly raise their arm vertically above their head for the indirect free kick while the direct free kick signals horizontally. There are also some exceptions for doing these free kicks. Such exceptions include doing the free-kick from anywhere within or towards the goal.

The ball should be on the ground, untouched and it has to be at least 10 yards from the opponent. When the player kicks the ball within the team’s penalty area, then the opponent should be located outside the penalty area. It will be considered as a free kick if the player lifts the ball by their foot, however, they have to take note of the penalty once they will do the offside offense.

If the team received an indirect free kick, then the referee has to maintain raising their arm vertically until the player kicked has taken place. The player should let the ball touch by another player because if it directly comes from them, it will not be considered a goal. After seeing the player’s performance, the referee should swiftly decide if the free-kick being done was indirect. If it does, then it will be added to the team’s score.