Understand the game · 2 min read

Where does everyone stand for penalties and free kicks?

Watch players move into position for a penalty, a free kick and a free kick in their own penalty area.

The quick answer

For a penalty, the goalkeeper waits on the goal line between the posts, facing the kicker. At the kick, at least part of one foot must touch, be in line with, or be behind that line. Other players wait inside the field, outside the penalty area, behind the penalty mark and at least 9.15 m (10 yards) from it. At a free kick, opponents generally stay 9.15 m from the ball. These restrictions end when the ball is kicked and clearly moves.

See what changes

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The ball is stationary on the penalty mark. The goalkeeper faces the kicker between the posts on the goal line. Everyone else is on the field, outside the penalty area and arc, behind the mark and at least 9.15 m from it.Position schematic · Read each example
  • Team taking the kick
  • Other team
  • Goalkeeper
  • Striped area: keep out until the ball is in play

Penalty kick

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Penalty kick

The ball is stationary on the penalty mark. The goalkeeper faces the kicker between the posts on the goal line. Everyone else is on the field, outside the penalty area and arc, behind the mark and at least 9.15 m from it.

In this example

Wait for the referee’s signal; kick forward

At the kick, at least part of one goalkeeper foot is touching, in line with, or behind the goal line. The ball must be kicked forward and clearly move. Only then may the other players move in.

Free kick

Opponents move at least 9.15 m from the stationary ball. Attackers stay at least 1 m (1 yard) from a wall of three or more defenders. The goalkeeper has no special fixed position.

In this example

The ball is in play when kicked and clearly moving

Opponents closer than 9.15 m can stand on their own goal line between the posts. Quick kicks have exceptions: an opponent who had no time to retreat may intercept, but must not deliberately prevent the quick restart. Other laws, including offside, still apply.

Free kick in your own area

The defending team takes a stationary free kick inside its own penalty area. Opponents wait outside the area and at least 9.15 m from the ball. Teammates may stay inside.

In this example

The ball can be played to a teammate inside the area

The ball is in play when kicked and clearly moving; it need not leave the area. A goal kick also need not leave the area, but is taken in the goal area and does not have the same general 9.15 m requirement.

Common misunderstandings

  • “The arc is decorative.” It marks the part of the 9.15 m penalty-kick distance that lies outside the penalty area. Players must satisfy every position requirement.
  • “Both goalkeeper feet must stay on the line.” At the kick, part of one foot touching, in line with, or behind the line satisfies that requirement. The keeper must also remain between the posts facing the kicker before the kick.
  • “Attackers can join any wall.” They must stay at least 1 m from a wall of three or more defenders until the ball is in play.
  • “The ball must leave the penalty area.” That requirement no longer applies to these defending free kicks or to goal kicks.
  • “Every early step means a retake.” Penalty encroachment sanctions depend on impact and the play that follows. These clips teach positions, not every sanction.

What happens next?

The restart remains the awarded penalty or free kick. Incorrect positions can lead to a retake or another sanction depending on the kick, impact and outcome. At free kicks, an attacker too close to a wall of three or more defenders at the kick is an indirect-free-kick offence. This guide is about where to stand, not a complete sanctions chart.

What signal might you see?

The referee signals for a penalty after players are correctly positioned. For an indirect free kick, an arm is raised; for a direct free kick, the referee indicates the restart direction. If told to wait for the whistle, the kicker must wait.

Check your competition

Distances shown use the full-size Laws. Youth competitions may use shorter distances and smaller fields; check their written rules. Players are enlarged in this simplified illustration. The painted zones show restrictions, not tactical recommendations.

Make the call

One question. No score or account needed.

At a free kick in your own penalty area, can a teammate receive the ball before it leaves the area?

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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