Question Number: 28987

Law 13 - Free Kicks 11/18/2014

RE: Academy Under 15

Tim Randell of Plymouth, England asks...

What constitutes a legal 'kick' in a free kick/dead ball situation? Are you allowed to 'scoop' the ball ie. slide your foot underneath the ball, have prolonged contact with it and then lift/flick it forwards but all done quickly in apparently one motion? This allows an otherwise unobtainable rate of gaining loft because the ball is being scooped as opposed to chipped.(the equivalent in snooker of a 'push shot')

Any light that you can shed on this would be much appreciated.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Tim
interesting that under LAW 13 interpretation it states

Quote\
A free kick can be taken by lifting the ball with a foot or both feet
simultaneously./End Quote

The continuous motion requires considerable dexterity because if you bobble it it becomes a second touch! Usually the flick up is to be hit by a second player in some sort of razzle dazzle play. Looks great IF IT works!
On an indirect the lift provides the first touch!
Seen a goal by volley and a small lofted lob over top confused defenders! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Tim
As long as the scoop which you describe is one continuous movement with no possibility of a double touch then referees are going to allow it. I interpret it as a lift of the ball with a foot which is quoted in the Laws as legal.