What Is an Indirect Free Kick in Soccer?
An indirect free kick is a restart from which the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored.
The referee signals it by raising an arm above the head and keeping the signal until the required touch occurs, the ball goes out of play or it is clear a goal cannot be scored directly.
Direct vs indirect free kick
| Feature | Direct free kick | Indirect free kick |
|---|---|---|
| Can score directly in opponent’s goal? | Yes | No |
| Referee arm raised overhead? | No special raised-arm signal | Yes |
| Typical offences | Direct-free-kick fouls/handball | Technical/non-contact offences |
| If kicked directly into opponents’ goal | Goal | Goal kick |
Why is it called indirect?
Because the route to a valid goal must be “indirect”: another player—teammate or opponent—must touch the ball after the kick before it enters the opponents’ goal.
Referee signal
The raised arm is important.
Players should look at the referee before shooting a free kick because the signal tells them whether a direct shot can count.
If the referee fails to give the required indirect signal and the ball is kicked directly into goal, Law 13 provides for a retake.
Common reasons for an indirect free kick
Examples include:
- offside;
- playing in a dangerous manner without contact;
- impeding an opponent without contact;
- certain goalkeeper handling/control offences;
- a kicker touching the ball a second time before another player touches it;
- an attacker standing too close to a defensive wall of three or more players in the circumstances covered by Law 13.
The exact restart location follows the relevant Law.
Offside
An offside offence is restarted with an indirect free kick.
This is why the referee’s arm is raised after an offside call.
Playing in a dangerous manner
A high boot near an opponent’s head can be penalized as playing in a dangerous manner if there is no contact but the action threatens injury and affects the opponent.
If there is contact, a different direct-free-kick foul may apply depending on the action.
Impeding without contact
Current IFAB terminology uses impeding the progress of an opponent.
If a player moves into an opponent’s path when the ball is not within playing distance and there is no contact, the offence can produce an indirect free kick.
With contact, direct-free-kick foul provisions can apply.
Read What Is Obstruction in Soccer?.
Goalkeeper offences
Goalkeeper rules can produce indirect free kicks, including certain handling/control situations.
These rules are technical and have changed over time, so rely on current Law 12 wording rather than old lists copied from forums.
Second touch
At a free kick, throw-in, goal kick, corner or similar restart, the player taking the restart generally may not play the ball again until another player touches it.
A non-handball second touch commonly results in an indirect free kick.
Where is an indirect free kick taken?
Usually from where the offence occurred, subject to special provisions.
For an attacking indirect free kick for an offence inside the opponents’ goal area, Law 13 places the restart on the nearest point of the goal-area line parallel to the goal line.
Defenders’ distance
Opponents are generally required to be at least 9.15 m / 10 yards away at a free kick, subject to goal-line and quick-restart provisions.
Indirect free kick inside the penalty area
An indirect free kick inside the penalty area can produce a crowded situation close to goal.
Attackers often use a short touch to a teammate before the shot. Defenders can stand on their goal line between the posts when the restart is too close for the normal 10-yard distance.
Can you score an own goal directly from an indirect free kick?
A direct or indirect free kick kicked directly into the kicker’s own goal results in a corner kick to the opponents if no other player touches it.
Common attacking routines
Touch and shoot
Player A moves the ball; Player B shoots once the ball is in play and the touch requirement is satisfied.
Roll to change angle
Player A rolls the ball sideways. Player B shoots from a clearer lane.
Fake and slip pass
The first movement draws defenders; the ball is then slipped to a teammate at a better angle.
Frequently asked questions
Does the second player have to be a teammate?
No. The ball simply must touch another player before a goal can be scored directly from the indirect free kick.
Is offside a direct or indirect free kick?
Indirect.
Can a penalty kick be indirect?
No. A penalty kick is its own restart.
Why does the referee keep one arm up?
To signal that the free kick is indirect until the relevant condition is satisfied.
What happens if an indirect free kick goes straight into the goal?
A goal kick is awarded to the defending team.
Primary sources: IFAB Law 12 — Fouls and Misconduct and IFAB Law 13 — Free Kicks.