Definition

Noun: 1. In association football (soccer), a direct or indirect kick awarded to a team following a foul or infringement committed by an opponent. The kick is taken from the spot where the infringement occurred, with opponents required to be a minimum distance away (usually 9.15 meters / 10 yards).

Usage

The term "free kick" is used to describe both the award of the kick and the execution of the kick itself. It is a standard part of gameplay used to restart play after a stoppage. - The referee awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. - She scored directly from the free kick, curling the ball over the wall and into the top corner.

Advanced Usage

• Direct Free Kick: A free kick from which a player can score a goal directly without the ball touching another player. Awarded for more serious fouls (e.g., kicking, tripping, pushing).
  • He lined up to take the direct free kick.
• Indirect Free Kick: A free kick from which a goal can be scored only if the ball touches another player before entering the goal. Awarded for less serious infringements (e.g., offside, dangerous play).
  • The referee signaled for an indirect free kick inside the box.
• To take a free kick: The act of executing the kick.
  • The team's star player will take the free kick.

Variants and Related Words

• Set piece (noun): A broader term for any restart from a stationary ball, including free kicks, corner kicks, and throw-ins. A free kick is a type of set piece.
• Place kick (noun): A kick where the ball is stationary on the ground before being struck. A free kick is a type of place kick.

Synonyms

• Set-piece kick (contextual synonym, less common)

Related Phrases

• Free-kick taker (noun): The designated player who takes free kicks for a team.
  • He is the team's primary free-kick taker.
• Wall (noun): The line of defending players who stand between the ball and the goal to block a direct free kick.
  • The goalkeeper organized a four-player wall.
• To concede a free kick: To give away a free kick by committing a foul.
  • The defender conceded a dangerous free kick in a promising position.

Noun

1. (soccer) a place kick that is allowed for a foul or infringement by the other team