Laws 13, 15–17 · Restarts
Free kicks and restarts in football: direct, indirect, throw-ins and corners
A practical guide to direct and indirect free kicks, the required distance at restarts, how throw-ins work and when play restarts with a goal kick or corner.
Direct and indirect free kicks: what is the difference?
A goal may be scored directly from a direct free kick. An indirect free kick must touch another player before a goal can count; the referee signals it by raising an arm above the head. Free kicks are generally taken from the place where the offence occurred, subject to the exceptions in the Laws.
Distance, walls and when the ball is in play
The ball must be stationary before a free kick and is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves. Opponents normally stay at least 9.15 m away. If three or more defenders form a wall, attacking players must remain at least 1 m from that wall until the ball is in play.
How a throw-in restarts play
A throw-in is awarded when the whole ball crosses the touchline and the opponents of the player who touched it last restart play. The thrower faces the field, uses both hands and delivers the ball from behind and over the head. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.
Goal kicks and corner kicks
If the whole ball crosses the goal line without a goal and was last touched by an attacker, play restarts with a goal kick. If it was last touched by a defender, a corner is awarded. A goal may be scored directly from either restart, but only against the opposing team.