Question Number: 27258

Law 10 - Method of Scoring 3/17/2013

RE: Amateur Adult

David of London, UK asks...

Hi there.

Can you go into detail about how a goalkeeper can score a goal from a drop kick please?

I hear a lot of rumours about the ball has to hit the ground first from the goalkeeper before he can kick it directly into the opposing teams net. Is this true or can you score from drop kicking the ball without it hitting the ground?

Too, can it go directly in without it getting a touch from another player and still count? Or would a deflection from the opposing teams keeper in trying to save it, be needed?

I am nearly certain you can score from a goal kick, but not sure about the drop kick.

Thanks in advance.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi David
As the ball is in play a goal can be scored by the goalkeeper from a drop kick, kick off the ground or indeed for that matter if he can throw it that far. There is no requirement for the ball to touch the ground on a punt. Also a goal can be scored directly from a goal kick

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

While there are different rules for u-littles and futsal (for play on small fields), a goal can be scored under the laws of the game on a punt, throw, or drop kick by a goal keeper. The ball does not have to touch the ground.