Indirect free kicks refer to a type of restart in various team sports, particularly in football (soccer), where the defending team is offered an opportunity to restart play without the attacking team having the ability to score directly from the initial kick. These kicks are typically awarded due to non-penal fouls, technical infringements, or other misconduct that do not involve physical contact.
During an indirect free kick, the attacking team cannot score a goal directly unless the ball touches another player before crossing the goal line. The referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising their arm straight up and maintaining it until the ball is touched by another player or the play is deemed complete.
Indirect free kicks offer an opportunity for the defending team to reposition themselves strategically and set up a defensive wall or mark specific players. The attacking team often employs a short pass or a subtle touch as the initial play to ensure the ball bounces off another player before finding the back of the net.
These free kicks are a result of offenses such as obstruction, dangerous play, offside penalties, unsportsmanlike conduct, or technical infringements like the goalkeeper holding onto the ball for more than six seconds. They are awarded from the spot of the offense or from where the ball was located when the infringement occurred.
Overall, indirect free kicks are a method of restarting play while imposing certain restrictions on the attacking team, allowing defenders an opportunity to regain control and minimize the chances of conceding a goal directly from the initial kick.
