what is a goal kick in soccer

What is a Goal Kick in Soccer?

A goal kick is a method of restarting play in a soccer game that occurs when the ball has crossed the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and was last touched by the attacking team. 

It is taken from the inside square within the penalty box area. The goal kick is taken by a player from the defending team, who is allowed to kick the ball from any point within the goal area. The ball is in play once it has been touched and leaves the penalty area. 

The goalie kick is used to restart play after a goal has been scored or when the ball has crossed the goal line and was last touched by the attacking team in any other way. The objective is sometimes for the goalie to punt the soccer ball or “clear” it. Other times, they’re trying to get it to a specific offensive player. 

Soccer Goal Kicking Rules

As with many other aspects of the game, there are some goal kick rules you’ll want to understand about goalie kicks. 

  1. The goal kick can be taken from anywhere inside the goalie box. 
  1. The ball cannot move on the ground when the kick is taken, the goalie cannot drop kick the ball.
  1. The athlete taking the goal kick is not allowed to touch the ball until it has been touched by another player on the field. 
  1. The opposition must be outside the penalty box until the ball is kicked into play.
  1. The ball is considered “in play” when it has been touched outside of the penalty box.
  1. If the ball doesn’t leave the penalty box during the goalie kick, the goalie kicks again.
  1. If the ball is kicked directly into the opponents goal, the goal is credited to the kicking team. 
  1. When the ball is kicked out of bounds a throw-in is awarded to the opposition. 
soccer corner kick

Goal Kick vs Corner Kick

We understand soccer goal kicking but how does this differ from a corner kick and why is one awarded over the other? 

A corner kick is a method of restarting play in a soccer game that occurs when the ball has crossed the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and was last touched by the defending team. This is the significant difference you should note. 

When the attacking team is the last one to touch the ball, the defending team takes a goal kick. When the defending team is the last one to touch the ball, the attacking team takes a corner kick. 

It is taken from the corner of the field nearest to where the ball went out of bounds. A player from the attacking team takes the corner kick, and the ball is in play once it is kicked and moves.

Another difference between a goal kick and a corner kick is the location on the field where the kick is taken and the team that takes the kick. A goal kick is taken from within the goal area by a player from the defending team, while a corner kick is taken from the corner of the field by a player from the attacking team.

soccer goal kick

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who can take a goal kick in soccer?

In soccer, a goal kick is taken by a player from the defending team. Any player on the defending team who is inside the goal area at the time the goal kick is awarded is eligible to take the kick. It is often taken by the goalkeeper or a defender. 

It would be a smart idea to work goal kicks into your goalie drills to help ensure that your goalies understand the rules and process being this type of kick. 

What is an example of an illegal kick?

If the player kicking the ball touches it before another player, that would be considered an illegal goal kick. The opposing team also cannot be in the penalty area when the kick is being taken. 

If an illegal goal kick occurs, the opposing team is awarded an indirect free kick from the spot where the violation occurred.

An indirect free kick means that the ball must be touched by another player before it can be scored. The indirect free kick is taken by a player from the opposing team.

Final Thoughts

What is a goal kick in soccer? You have the answer now so you can help your youth athletes (or yourself) become a better and more knowledgeable soccer player. 

A great way to help yourself is also by purchasing the right soccer equipment. The Open Goaaal 3-in-1 Soccer Rebounder and Trainer is an incredible soccer goal that serves three purposes. It’s a high-quality goal, rebounder, and backstop in one. 

This soccer goal will ensure that the ball stays in play while you’re training so you can put it in your backyard or set it up for your players to keep the ball out of the street, woods, or neighboring yards. 

Give the Open Goaaal 3-in-1 Rebounder a closer look today! 

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