Goal kick (association football restart)

Procedure and placement

The ball is placed anywhere inside the defending team's goal area and kicked by any member of that team (often the goalkeeper). Opponents must remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play. If the defending team last touched the ball before it crossed the line, the restart is a corner kick to the opponents; conversely, a goal kick is awarded when the attacking team last touched the ball.

When the ball is in play and related rules

Since a revision of the Laws, the ball is in play from a goal kick as soon as it is kicked and clearly moves. Previously the ball had to leave the penalty area before being in play. The player taking the kick may not touch the ball again until another player has touched it; doing so results in an indirect free kick to the opponents. If opponents enter the penalty area prematurely or other infringements occur, the kick may be retaken and disciplinary action can be applied for persistent misconduct or time wasting.

Tactical uses and common variations

Goal kicks are used not only to restart play but also as a tool for possession and build-up play. Teams may choose a long kick toward their forwards or a short pass to a nearby defender or goalkeeper to begin controlled possession. Modern tactics often use short goal kicks to draw opponents forward and create space higher up the pitch.

Infractions and unusual outcomes

• If the kick taker touches the ball a second time before another player, opponents are awarded an indirect free kick.
• If the ball is placed incorrectly or opponents interfere, the referee may order a retake.
• Rare scoring outcomes: if a goal is scored directly into the opponents' goal from a goal kick, it is awarded; if the ball goes directly into the kicker's own goal without touching another player, the restart is a corner kick for the opponents.

History and notable changes

Goal kicks have evolved in wording and application across revisions of the Laws of the Game. The change making the ball in play as soon as it is kicked and moves (rather than when it leaves the penalty area) was adopted to speed up restarts and reduce ambiguous situations. Practical application continues to affect tactics, goalkeeper distribution and how teams defend or press during restarts.

Understanding goal-kick procedures helps players and fans interpret decisions during matches and appreciate how a seemingly simple restart can shape possession and momentum for both teams.