In this part, you’ll learn the rules of a goal kick and the common pitfalls to watch out for. Let’s start with the first point, which is awarding.

Award

The defending team is awarded with a goal kick when the ball is completely over the goal line. The ball must also been touched last by an opponent.

Play Smart

An effective strategy while playing as the last man is to kick the ball on an opponent when you find yourself being under pressure.

Make sure that the opponent is near the goal line and simply kick the ball at him. You will see this kind of situations often during professional soccer games.

The Procedure

The ball should be placed anywhere inside your own goal area. All other players must be outside the 18 yard box until the ball is kicked in play and the goalkeeper has about 6 seconds to do this.

If he refuse to do so your team will either be punished with an indirect free kick or the goalkeeper will receive an yellow card.

If the goalkeeper already has a yellow card he will be sent off the field. In that case your team will need to put in an extra goalkeeper.

You may also score directly from a goal kick. Sometimes the goalkeeper will be too far away from his goal line.

This is something you should take advantage on and try to score directly from a well pointed cross.

However, you should not reveal what you aim to do as the goalkeeper will take few steps back if he suspicious.

Infringements

The opposing players need to retire the required distance as stated above. Failing to do so may result in a yellow card.

With other words, if the goalkeeper of your opponents is about to execute a goal kick you can’t run into the penalty area before he or she kicks the ball into play.

If you do so, you will either receive a yellow card (as mentioned above) or the kick will be retaken.

If the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time after he has kicked the ball in play, your team will be rewarded with an indirect free kick.

However, if the second touch was a foul in which case the referee may reward your team with a penalty kick. But, you will not see this type of situations so often.

Summary

Learning this rule is not crucial for your soccer performance and skills. However, you should still try to remember it as its after all a part of the game!