Kick-off
A method of starting or restarting play with a kick from a designated spot, used across several football codes.
Definition
In football (soccer) the kick-off starts each half and restarts play after a goal, taken from the centre mark with the ball on the centre spot. Under current Laws the ball may be played in any direction from the kick-off, and a goal can even be scored directly against the opponents.
Other codes use the term differently. In American and Canadian football the kickoff is a kick from a tee that gives possession to the receiving team and is a distinct phase of play, while rugby union and league begin and restart with a kick-off or drop-kick restart. The common thread is a kick that puts the ball into play from a set position.
Meaning by sport
This term is used differently across sports:
- Football
- A centre-spot kick that starts each half and restarts play after a goal.
- American football
- A kick from a tee that transfers possession to the receiving team.
- Rugby
- A kick-off or drop-kick used to start the game and restart play after scores.
Where you’ll hear “kick-off”
Sports that use this term:
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Rules
- Throw-inThe method of restarting football when the ball fully crosses a side line, taken by throwing it back into play.
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- Yellow and red cardsThe disciplinary cards a football referee shows to caution or send off a player for misconduct.
- LetA call that stops a point and has it replayed without penalty, used across several racket sports.
- Penalty kick awardA one-on-one kick against the goalkeeper awarded when a defending player commits a direct-free-kick foul inside their own penalty area.
Tactics
- Set-piece playRehearsed routines from a dead-ball situation such as a corner, free kick or throw-in used to create chances.
- Offside trapA defensive football tactic where the back line steps up together to leave an attacker offside.
- Wing playAttacking down the flanks and crossing the ball into the box to stretch the defence and create chances.
Equipment
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Padel racketA solid, stringless perforated racket used to play padel.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Badminton racketA lightweight strung racket used to hit the shuttlecock in badminton.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
Learning paths
- Learn FootballA structured, educational learning path for football — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn American FootballA structured, educational learning path for american football — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn TennisA structured, educational learning path for tennis — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn PadelA structured, educational learning path for padel — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn BadmintonA structured, educational learning path for badminton — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.