Penalty kick
A direct shot at goal from a marked spot, awarded for a serious foul committed inside the defending team’s penalty area.
Definition
In football, a penalty kick is taken from the penalty spot with only the goalkeeper allowed to defend it, giving the attacking side a strong chance to score. It is awarded when a defender commits a foul, usually a direct-free-kick offence, inside their own penalty area.
The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line until the ball is struck, and all other players stand outside the penalty area until the kick is taken. Comparable penalty shots also exist in other goal sports, such as futsal and field hockey.
Where you’ll hear “penalty kick”
Sports that use this term:
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Futsal
A fast, small-sided indoor form of football played on a hard court with a low-bounce ball.
Field Hockey
An outdoor team sport that uses curved sticks to move a ball, built on agility and teamwork.
Water Polo
A demanding team sport played in deep water, blending swimming endurance with tactics.
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Rules
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
- 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.
- No-ballThe illegal delivery in cricket — where the bowler's feet must land, what the Laws say about straightening the arm, and why a no-ball costs a run and has to be bowled again.
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
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- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-09-01
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