Direct and indirect free kicks look similar at the restart, but the scoring rule is different. A direct free kick can score straight into the opponents' goal. An indirect free kick needs another player to touch the ball before a goal can count.
Direct free kicks are awarded for many contact and handball offences. If the kicker sends the ball directly into the opponents' goal, the goal counts. If the ball is kicked directly into the kicker's own goal, the restart is a corner kick to the opponents.
For an indirect free kick, the referee keeps an arm raised until the ball touches another player, goes out of play, or it is clear a direct goal cannot be scored. If the referee forgets the indirect signal and the ball goes directly into the goal, the kick must be retaken.
Indirect free kicks often come from technical offences, goalkeeper handling restrictions, offside, dangerous play without contact, impeding without contact, and some restart or misconduct situations. The exact offence matters because some similar-looking plays produce direct free kicks instead.
A team may take a quick free kick if the referee allows it and the ball is properly placed. Opponents who are too close can still be punished if they deliberately interfere, but the attacking team also accepts the risk of taking the kick before defenders have retreated.
Opponents must remain at least 9.15 metres from the stationary ball until it is kicked and clearly moves, unless they are standing on their goal line between the posts. When three or more defenders form a wall, attacking players must stay at least one metre from it until the ball is live. A nearby opponent who deliberately prevents a quick kick can be cautioned, but a team choosing to kick directly at an opponent who had no time to retreat accepts the result when that opponent did not interfere deliberately.
Most free kicks begin where the offence occurred, but the Laws specify exceptions. An attacking indirect free kick for an offence inside the opponents' goal area moves to the nearest point on the goal-area line parallel to the goal line. A defending free kick within its goal area can be taken anywhere there. Some offences involving entry, exit, or conduct off the field use the ball position or nearest boundary point. Offside uses the place where the player became involved, which can differ from the original position.