What is a penalty kick in soccer?
When a Penalty Kick Is Awarded
A penalty kick is awarded when a defending player commits a direct free kick foul inside their own penalty area. This includes offenses like tripping, pushing, holding, or handling the ball deliberately. The referee stops play and points to the penalty spot.
The penalty spot is located 12 yards (11 meters) from the goal line, centered in front of the goal. All players except the goalkeeper and the kicker must be outside the penalty area and at least 10 yards from the ball until the kick is taken.
How the Penalty Kick Is Taken
The kicker must kick the ball forward, and once the ball is kicked, it is in play. The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot on or above the goal line when the kick is taken and cannot move off the line until the ball is kicked.
If the kick is saved or hits the post, the ball remains in play unless it goes out of bounds or the goalkeeper controls it. The kicker cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it.
- The penalty spot is 12 yards from the goal line.
- Only the goalkeeper can defend the kick.
- All other players must stay outside the penalty area.
- The goalkeeper must keep one foot on the goal line.
- The kicker cannot play the ball twice in a row.
Common Outcomes and Rules
If the ball enters the goal, it is a goal. If the goalkeeper saves it or it misses, play continues. If the goalkeeper commits an infringement (like moving off the line early) and the kick is missed, the kick may be retaken.
If the kicker commits an infringement (like feinting illegally), the opposing team gets an indirect free kick. Penalty kicks are also used in shootouts to decide tied matches, but those follow different rules.
Common mistakes
- Many think any foul in the penalty area results in a penalty kick, but only direct free kick fouls do; indirect free kick offenses give an indirect free kick.
- Some believe the goalkeeper can come off the line early, but they must keep at least part of one foot on the goal line until the ball is kicked.
- Others assume the penalty kick is over once saved, but the ball is still in play unless it goes out or is controlled by the goalkeeper.
