Can You Score Directly from a Free Kick?

Only from a direct free kick. A direct free kick can be struck straight into goal without any other player touching it — this is how free kick goals from distance are scored at all levels of the game. An indirect free kick, by contrast, must be touched by at least one other player before it can count as a goal.

How do you know if it's a direct or indirect free kick?

The referee signals the difference with their arm:

• Direct free kick: the referee simply points in the direction of play — no raised arm signal
• Indirect free kick: the referee raises one arm straight above their head and holds it there until the ball is touched by a second player

Watch for the arm in the air. If the referee keeps the arm raised after the kick is taken, the goal cannot count until another player touches the ball.

Can you score directly from a free kick in your own half?

Yes, from a direct free kick. If the ball travels the length of the pitch and enters the opponent's goal without being touched by another player, it is a valid goal. This is extremely rare but legal. The goalkeeper being off their line or poorly positioned in their area makes it more possible.

What if the free kick goes into your own goal?

If a direct free kick goes directly into the kicker's own goal without any other touch, the restart is a corner kick for the opposing team — no goal is awarded.

If an indirect free kick goes directly into either goal, a goal kick is awarded to the opponents — no goal is scored regardless of which end it enters.

Read more in free kicks, direct vs indirect free kicks, and fouls.