Goal kicks: when the ball becomes live

The restart

A defending player kicks a stationary ball from the goal area. Play begins once the ball is kicked and visibly moves: it does not have to leave the penalty area. Opponents normally wait outside that area until play starts.

The next touch

The kicker cannot play the ball again before another player touches it. IFAB Law 16 explains the exceptions when opponents have not had time to leave, along with offences and delay procedures.

Watch the options

As an editorial viewing exercise, compare the positions of the two centre-backs and the nearest midfielder. A short option may draw pressure toward the goal; a longer pass may shift the contest farther upfield. Neither choice alone tells you whether a team is playing well. Look at the available space and the receiver’s next pass.