Soccer Kickoff: Rules and Regulations

A soccer kickoff starts, or restarts play during a match. It happens at the beginning of each half and after a goal. This simple act keeps the game organized and fair.

Read our blog for more information on soccer kickoff rules and guidelines.

What is a Soccer Kickoff? 

A soccer kickoff is the first play that begins or resumes a match. It happens at the center circle at the start of each half and after a goal. The ball must move forward from the first kick. Players from the opposing team must stay outside the circle until the ball is in play.

The team winning the coin toss chooses whether to kick off or pick a side. Kickoffs maintain order in the game and confirm fair play.

Rules of Soccer Kickoffs

• The ball must be placed in the center circle.
• The ball must move forward when kicked.
• Opposing players must stay outside the center circle until the ball is in play.
• The player who kicks the ball cannot touch it again until another player does.
• A goal can be scored directly from a kickoff.

Best Soccer Kickoff Strategies

Defensive Build-Up

The team passes the ball to the defenders or goalkeeper to keep possession. They aim to move the ball slowly and build the attack from the back. This strategy helps control the game and reduce mistakes.

Side play Attack

The ball is passed to a wide player, often a winger, who moves along the sideline. This stretches the defense, creating space and attacking options. It opens up opportunities for crosses or quick attacks down the wings.

Long Ball Pinpoint 

A long pass is made from the center to a forward or winger. This strategy aims to move the ball quickly into the attacking area. It is effective for teams with fast players who can challenge defenders.

Can a soccer kickoff be retaken?

Yes, a soccer kickoff can be retaken in certain situations. If the ball is not kicked correctly, such as failing to move forward, the referee may order a retake. A retake is also required if the kicker touches the ball again before another player.

If an opposing player enters the center circle before kicking the ball, the kickoff must be retaken. The referee may also retake the kickoff if it happens before the official signal to start play. These rules ensure the kickoff follows the correct procedure and maintains fairness in the game.

Soccer Kickoff Rule Change

Even before the modification of rules in 2016, the soccer ball at the kickoff had to be kicked forward to the opponent’s half. This rule was introduced and anticipated to increase the incidence of the attacking play. But, after 2016, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) changed the regulation.

Now, players can only kick the ball forward at the beginning of the play, while five years ago, players could kick the ball in any direction. It means that the teams will have much liberty in starting the game. Different possibilities are open for teams, which can be preset for a start from possession in the back or aggressive advancing. It stated that the rule change makes more avenues of tactic and freedom, especially concerning kick-offs.

FAQs:

Can you score a goal directly from kickoff?

1975, the law forbade direct goals, and in 2016, it again legalized direct goals.

What are soccer kickoffs?

Kickoff starts and restarts the game start after the toss and restarts the game after the goal. 

Who takes a Kickoff in Soccer?

The toss decides who takes the kickoff. toss winning team takes the kickoff because he is the game’s award. You can goal direct by kickoff.