FTCE Physical Education K-12 Practice Test

Which of the following is an indirect free-kick offense in soccer?

1. Hand contact with the ball

2. Playing the ball twice at a kickoff

3. Kneeing an opponent

4. Jumping at an opponent

The correct answer is: Playing the ball twice at a kickoff

In soccer, an indirect free kick is awarded for specific offenses that do not involve direct physical contact between players. Playing the ball twice at a kickoff is an example of a situation that leads to an indirect free kick because it violates the rules regarding how a kickoff is supposed to be executed. Specifically, the law states that a player taking a kickoff must not kick the ball again until it has been touched by another player. Failure to adhere to this rule results in an indirect free kick being awarded to the opposing team from the spot of the infraction. The other situations mentioned—hand contact with the ball, kneeing an opponent, and jumping at an opponent—generally lead to a direct free kick offense because they involve contact or improper play between players. A direct free kick can be taken directly toward the goal, while an indirect free kick requires that the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the types of fouls and the appropriate responses according to soccer rules.