The quick answer
Direct: the kicker can shoot and score straight from the free kick. Indirect: the ball has to touch another player before a goal can count. The referee holds one arm straight up to show it.
See what changes
Choose a play. Use Play or Freeze decision, then read the example.
The kicker shoots over the wall and into the goal.
- Blue team
- Green team
- Goalkeeper
- Referee or assistant
Direct: straight in
The kicker shoots over the wall and into the goal.
Paused
Direct: straight in
The kicker shoots over the wall and into the goal.
Goal
A direct free kick can score without anyone else touching the ball.
Indirect: straight in
The same shot from an indirect free kick goes in untouched.
No goal: goal kick
Nobody else touched the ball, so the goal does not count. The defending team restarts with a goal kick.
Indirect: touched first
The kicker rolls the ball to a teammate, who shoots and scores.
Goal
The ball touched a second player before it went in. The referee's arm comes down at that touch.
Common misunderstandings
- “Indirect means you have to pass first.” Not exactly. You can shoot. The goal counts if the ball touches anyone on the way, a teammate or an opponent.
- “The arm is up, so play is stopped.” No. The raised arm only tells everyone the kick is indirect.
- “It went straight in, so retake it.” No. It is a goal kick to the other team.
What happens next?
An untouched indirect kick into the opponents’ goal gives a goal kick. Either kind kicked directly into your own goal gives the opponents a corner. Kicking or attempting to kick an opponent can be a direct offence without contact; dangerous play without contact is indirect.
What signal might you see?
An arm overhead indicates indirect. It stays up until another touch, the ball goes out, or a direct goal is clearly no longer possible.
Check your competition
Check your competition’s written rules and edition. Adapted youth formats may differ. The selected website city does not change the match rules.
Make the call
One question. No score or account needed.
An indirect free kick enters the opponents’ goal without another touch. What happens?
Sources and review
Rules edition: 2026/27 · Sources checked:
Prepared with AI assistance; checked against the linked rules. Simplified illustrations are teaching examples. AI transparency
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