Question Number: 19922

Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/11/2008

RE: Rec Under 19

Jim Mc Cann of San Jose, Ca USA asks...

During the initiation of a IFK a player (other than the kicker) runs across and heels the ball backwards putting the ball in play. The kicker than takes a free shot on the ball. Does this meet FIFA requirement. I've heard it had to be a kicking motion and wondered if heeling the ball met the requirement?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You are correct that there must be a kicking motion, but a player can kick a ball either forward or backward, using any surface of the foot - heel, toe, sole, instep, etc.

What is not allowed is to simply tap the ball so it only quivers or trembles. While there is some motion, at least at the molecular level, this does not equate to 'kicked and moved'.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

A heel kick is a kick , as my colleague points out the kicking motion can be any part of the foot. On any free kick except PK and kick offs where the ball must be kicked forward the ball can travel in any direction. Aside from the step on the ball causing it to quiver not being sufficent the player can not KEEP his foot in contact with the ball and drag it from one spot to another in a sole roll the ball must keep moving after the foot releases the ball. Like in all free kicks ithe opposition MUST still be 10 yards distance in BEHIND the ball as well. The back heel is great kick for INDFKs taken close to the goal inside the penalty or goal area as the kicker gets a free run up to meet a ball travelling towards him.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I wish 'kicking motion' would be left out as it has led many beople to believe the ball couldn't be 'kicked' with the heel or sole of the shoe. Any part of the foot may be used to legally 'kick' the ball