how far can the goalie go in soccer
In soccer, the goalkeeper has specific rules regarding their movement and play. The primary rule is that the goalkeeper can handle the ball anywhere within their own penalty area, including the six-yard goal area. However, once the goalkeeper releases the ball from their hands, they must not touch it again until it has been touched by another player.
Here are the key points about a goalkeeper’s movement:
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Within the Penalty Area: The goalkeeper can move freely within their own penalty area. This is the rectangular area 16.5 meters (54 feet) wide and 40 meters (131 feet) long, including the six-yard goal area.
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Outside the Penalty Area: The goalkeeper is not allowed to handle the ball with their hands or arms outside the penalty area. Once they step outside, they are treated like any other field player and can only use their feet or head to control the ball.
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Ball Possession: After releasing the ball, the goalkeeper cannot touch it again until another player has touched it, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the penalty area.
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Offside Rule: The goalkeeper is exempt from the offside rule. However, they can still be offside if they receive the ball directly from a teammate’s goal kick, corner kick, or throw-in according to the updated rules.
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Goalkeeper Handling the Ball: The goalkeeper is allowed to take six seconds to release the ball from their hands, either by throwing, rolling, or punting it. If they exceed this time, the referee may give an indirect free kick to the opposing team.
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Goalkeeper Moving with the Ball: The goalkeeper is allowed to move with the ball by bouncing it or throwing it to themselves, but they cannot touch the ball again with their hands until it has been touched by another player.
- Goalkeeper Participation in Play: The goalkeeper can participate in offensive plays, such as taking free kicks or penalty kicks, but they must do so without handling the ball outside the penalty area.
In summary, the goalkeeper’s primary role is to defend the goal and they have unique privileges within their own penalty area. However, once they step outside, they lose those privileges and are subject to the same rules as outfield players.
