Taking the Shot According to Penalty Kick Rules

Some simple rules and procedures to keep in mind any time that a penalty kick is awarded:

• First of all, the person taking the penalty kick must identify himself to the referee
• The ball must be placed on the penalty mark, a spot that is 12 yards (11m) from the goal line
• The goalie must stay on the goal line between the posts until the ball is kicked

Players not involved in the penalty kick must remain outside the penalty area, at least 10 yards from the penalty mark. What are the penalty kick rules for taking the actual shot?

• The referee is going to the give the appropriate signal to shoot
• The ball must be kicked forward, and once it moves forward the ball and play is once again live
• The kicker cannot touch the ball again until it touches another player

Penalty Kick Infractions

Infractions can still take place on the penalty kick and the result depends on who commits the foul.  The FIFA Laws of the Game lists several situations, some of which can be quite obscure.  Here are some of the more common ones:

• If the foul is committed by the kicker, and the ball enter’s the goal, the kick is retaken.
• If it does not enter the goal, then an indirect free kick is given to the defending team
• If the goalkeeper commits an infraction and the ball enters the net, the goal is allowed to count
• If it does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken

The result is also similar if an infraction is committed by either a team mate of the goalkeeper or a team mater of the kicker.

The most common infraction seen on the penalty kick is a player entering the penalty area before the ball is struck and moves forward. Be alert and only enter the area once the ball is kicked to avoid having any fouls called against you!

When is a Penalty Kick Awarded?

So you’ve just taken down a player with a perfectly legitimate tackle and the referee immediately points to the penalty spot. What gives!?

Well, it’s time to learn a little bit about the how and why behind the awarding of penalty kick.

Any time a soccer foul that would otherwise result in a direct free kick is committed inside of the penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded.

The list of infractions is long, but includes:

• Illegally tackling an opponent;
• Pushing, shoving, kicking, or striking an opponent;
• Handling the ball

Be extra cautious when defending in the penalty area, as smart attackers will look for any excuse to draw the foul.

Also keep in mind that according to penalty kick rules, the penalty kick is awarded based on the location of the infraction, not the ball. Try jumping into the box all you'd like, it's likely not going to work.

Return to Soccer Rules from Penalty Kick Rules