What Is a Penalty Kick in Football?
Few moments in sport match the psychological drama of a 12-yard penalty kick. Understand the strict rules of IFAB Law 14, goalkeeper foot restrictions, stutter-run rules, and penalty shootouts in football and soccer.
Table of Contents
Key Guide Takeaways
- Penalties are awarded for direct free-kick fouls committed by defenders inside their own 18-yard box.
- The penalty spot sits exactly 12 yards (11 meters) from the goal line.
- The kicker cannot feint kicking once the run-up is finished.
- Goalkeepers must keep at least part of one foot on or level with the goal line when the ball is struck.
- Rebounds off the woodwork cannot be touched by the taker until another player touches the ball.
When Is a Penalty Kick Awarded?
Under IFAB Law 14, a penalty kick is awarded whenever an outfield defending player commits a direct free-kick foul (such as tripping, pushing, holding, charging, or deliberate handball) inside their own penalty area while the ball is in play.
Crucially, it does not matter where the ball is located at the moment of the infraction; if a defender commits an off-the-ball foul inside their 18-yard box, a penalty kick must be awarded.
The 12-Yard Spot & Penalty Box Setup
The penalty mark is located exactly 12 yards (11 meters) from the midpoint between the goalposts. During the execution of an in-game penalty, every player other than the identified kicker and defending goalkeeper must meet strict spatial guidelines:
- Must be inside the field of play but outside the penalty area (18-yard box).
- Must be outside the penalty arc (the "D" attached to the top of the box), which guarantees a 10-yard (9.15m) radius from the ball.
- Must remain strictly behind the penalty spot until the ball is kicked and clearly moves.
Execution Rules for the Penalty Taker
The player taking the penalty kick must be clearly identified to the referee before the kick. Once the referee blows the whistle, the kicker must kick the ball forward. Feinting or changing pace during the run-up is permitted.
However, once the kicker completes their run-up and plants their standing foot, feinting to kick the ball is considered unsporting behavior. If the player fakes the strike at the end of the run-up, the referee cautions the taker and awards an indirect free-kick to the defending team.
Furthermore, the kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until another player has touched it (preventing a player from tapping the ball forward and scoring themselves off a rebound off the post).
Goalkeeper Positioning & The Goal Line Rule
Modern IFAB regulations mandate that the defending goalkeeper must remain on the goal line between the posts, facing the kicker, without touching the goalposts, crossbar, or net until the ball is kicked.
At the moment the ball is struck, the goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot touching, or in line with, the goal line. If both feet are in front of the line and the goalkeeper saves the kick, the penalty is retaken, and the keeper may receive a warning or yellow card.
In-Game Penalty vs. Penalty Shootout (Kicks from the Mark)
A fundamental distinction exists between an in-game penalty kick and kicks from the penalty mark used to decide tied knockout ties in the World Cup or Champions League:
- Rebounds: In regular play, if a penalty strikes the goalkeeper or post, the ball remains live and any player can score the rebound. In a penalty shootout, the kick is finished as soon as forward momentum ceases—no rebounds can be played by the kicker.
- Team involvement: In-game penalties allow any eligible player on the pitch to step up. Shootouts require five nominated kickers alternating per team, followed by sudden death if still tied.
- Extra time context: Discover more about tournament rules in our complete guide to UEFA Champions League formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a penalty taker pass the ball forward to a running teammate instead of shooting?
Yes. A tap-penalty is legal provided the ball is kicked forward and the onrushing teammate was standing outside the 18-yard box and penalty arc when the ball was kicked.
What happens if a penalty rebounds off the post and the taker kicks it in without another player touching it?
An indirect free-kick is awarded to the opposing team because the kicker committed a double-touch infraction before another player made contact.