Corner Kick

Category: Rules

NOTE: Information found in this article was cited from the official “Laws of the Game” which can be found on FIFA.com.

A corner kick is a method of restarting play in a game of soccer. If the defending team last touched the ball before it fully crossed over the end line on the ground or in the air, a corner kick is awarded to the attacking team.

Players must keep the following rules in mind when taking a corner kick:

  • The ball must be kicked by a player on the attacking team
  • The ball must be placed inside the corner arc nearest to the point where the ball crossed the end line
  • The corner flag cannot be moved while taking a corner kick
  • Players defending the corner kick must remain at least 10 yards from the corner arc until the ball is in play
  • The ball is in play as soon as it is kicked

If the player who took the corner kick touches the ball before it has been touched by another player, an indirect kick is awarded to the opposing team from the spot where the infringement occurred.

A goal can be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team.