How Far Is A Penalty Kick In Soccer? (Penalty Kick Distance) 2025
If you are wondering how far is a penalty kick in soccer – this is for you.
Understanding the specifics of a penalty kick in soccer is crucial for players, coaches, and fans alike. Penalty kicks are a pivotal aspect of the game, often determining the outcome of closely contested matches.
Introduced in the 1800s to curb foul play near the goal, penalty kicks are taken from a standardized distance that provides a fair challenge for both the shooter and the goalkeeper.
This article will explain the precise distance of a penalty kick in soccer and explore the historical context behind its implementation.
How Far Is A Penalty Kick In Soccer
In this article, you can read through all 5 sections or skip ahead to the topics that are most important to you. Make sure to stick around until the end, watch the video tutorial, and get your special free gift that is guaranteed to make you a better player.
- Soccer penalty kick distance
- How far are penalty kicks in soccer
- Have penalty kick distances in soccer ever changed
- When did penalty kicks start in soccer
- How to become a better soccer player, improve faster & achieve more
I hope this article gives you all you need about how far is a penalty kick in soccer – Let’s get started!
Soccer Penalty Kick Distance
Penalty kicks in soccer are a method of restarting play, typically awarded when a foul punishable by a direct free kick occurs within the offending team’s penalty area. They are taken from a designated spot known as the penalty mark.
During a penalty kick, the ball is placed on the penalty mark, and only the goalkeeper and the penalty taker are allowed inside the penalty area.
The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line until the ball is kicked. All other players must stay outside the penalty area and a certain distance from the penalty mark until the kick is taken.
Penalty kicks offer a high chance of scoring because the shooter has a clear shot on goal from a relatively short distance, making them a critical aspect of the game that can significantly influence the outcome of a match.
How Far Are Penalty Kicks In Soccer
Penalty kicks in soccer are taken from a distance of 11 meters, 12 yards, or approximately 36 feet away from the goal line. This standardized distance ensures a fair chance for both the shooter and the goalkeeper, creating a challenging yet exciting scenario in the gam
Have Penalty Kick Distances In Soccer Ever Changed
Yes, the distance for penalty kicks in soccer has changed over time. When penalty kicks were first introduced in the late 19th century, the distance was set at 12 yards (11 meters) from the goal line, and this has remained consistent since then.
However, early rules and practices around penalty kicks varied before becoming standardized. The introduction and standardization of the penalty kick distance aimed to balance the advantage between the shooter and the goalkeeper, and this distance has proven effective, leading to its long-standing consistency in the game.
When Did Penalty Kicks Start In Soccer
Penalty kicks were introduced to soccer in 1891. The idea was proposed by Irish goalkeeper and businessman William McCrum to address the issue of foul play near the goal.
Before their introduction, fouls near the goal were punished with indirect free kicks, which often didn’t deter intentional fouling.
The penalty kick provided a stronger deterrent by giving the fouled team a direct and clear opportunity to score, significantly impacting how the game was played and officiated.
How Far Is Penalty Kick In Soccer
Penalty kicks are taken from a distance of 11 meters (12 yards or approximately 36 feet) from the goal line. This distance, established over a century ago, remains unchanged, ensuring a balanced competition between shooter and goalkeeper.
The introduction of penalty kicks in 1891 revolutionized soccer, making the game fairer and more exciting. Knowing the distance and history of penalty kicks enriches our appreciation of the game and highlights the strategic importance of these critical moments on the field.
Common Questions
Here are some common questions related to how far is a penalty kick in soccer:
What is the new penalty kick rule?
The new penalty kick rule in soccer allows players to place the ball directly in line with the center of the goal and dictates specific restrictions for both the shooter and goalkeeper.
While penalty kicks have remained largely consistent in their core mechanics, one change implemented in recent years pertains to how the goalkeeper must behave.
Goalkeepers are now required to keep at least one foot on the goal line until the ball is kicked, preventing any unfair movement before the ball is in play.
Additionally, the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) has come into effect to ensure goalkeepers’ actions are monitored more closely, as earlier instances of goalkeepers stepping off the line before a penalty kick were seen as an unfair advantage.
What are the rules for penalty kicks in soccer?
A penalty kick occurs when a direct free kick is awarded for an infringement that happens inside the penalty area, such as a foul. The rules for penalty kicks are straightforward: The ball is placed on the penalty spot, which is 12 yards (11 meters) away from the center of the goal line.
Only the goalkeeper can defend the penalty, and they must remain on the goal line, with at least one foot planted on it, until the ball is kicked.
The shooter has one attempt to score, and no other players are allowed to enter the area until the ball is struck. If the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper, the shooter or any other player on either team can attempt to play it again. If the ball goes in, the attacking team scores one point.
How far is the penalty spot in feet? meters? and yards?
The penalty spot is placed 12 yards (36 feet or 11 meters) from the goal line.
This distance remains consistent at all levels of the game, providing the attacking player a significant but challenging opportunity to score with only the goalkeeper defending the goal.
What is the difference between a penalty and a penalty shootout?
A penalty is awarded when a team commits a foul inside its own penalty area, and the opposing team is given one chance to score from the penalty spot. The player attempts to kick the ball past the goalkeeper, and the outcome directly results in a point for the scoring team if successful.
In contrast, a penalty shootout occurs at the end of a match when the score is tied, usually in knockout rounds of a competition.
In a shootout, each team alternates shots from the penalty spot, typically with five shooters per team (though this can vary). The team with the most successful penalties after all designated shots have been taken is declared the winner.
SOCCER PLAYERS
Want to become a better soccer player?
Watch this 3-minute video about discovering your true potential
Learn how to improve your skills, mindset, soccer IQ, and fitness—no matter your level. Start playing with confidence, earning respect, and impressing coaches today.
About Coach Dylan
I used to struggle with confidence in soccer, feeling slow, weak, and unmotivated. Coaches overlooked me, and friends made fun of my skills. At one point, I even quit.
But I decided to take control of my development. Through hard work, I transformed my game, earned league titles, awards, a college scholarship, and international caps.
Now, I share my lessons and help others improve through my YouTube channel (1/2 million subscribers), soccer coaching and personal training.
How To Play Soccer Better
Struggling to make progress in soccer or stay organized with your training?
The Soccer Success Planner will help you stay focused, motivated, and increase your chances of achieving your goals in soccer.
Success doesn’t happen accidentally. Use it to set clear goals, create a plan of action, and take control of your future. Learn more about the Soccer Success Planner.
How To Become A Better Soccer Player
Struggling to improve in soccer or unsure how to train effectively? Want to stand out and earn respect from teammates and coaches?
The Online Soccer Academy will get you better results in less time.
Thousands of players have already transformed their game in just 60 days. Learn more about how the online soccer academy.
Related Posts
Here are some related posts to help you gain more knowledge and helpful advice:
How To Become A Better Soccer Player in 1 Day
From Failure To Top Goal Scorer
Wishing You Success In Soccer
Coach Dylan
Progressive Soccer
Thank you for reading this article:
How Far Is A Penalty Kick In Soccer? (Penalty Kick Distance) 2025
