WFA Law – Penalty Kicks Explained

Penalty kicks are awarded for serious offences that deny a clear goal-scoring opportunity or for certain goal area infringements. Under WFA rules, a penalty kick is taken as a direct free kick, meaning a goal may be scored directly from the kick.

This guide explains how penalty kicks must be taken and what players must do during the kick.

Who Takes the Penalty

The player taking the penalty must be clearly identified before the kick is taken.

Taking the Kick

The kicker may start up to one metre behind the ball
The approach must be a continuous walking movement
A small backward step is allowed within the one-metre zone
The ball must be kicked forward — backheeling is allowed if the ball moves forward

Goalkeeper Positioning

The goalkeeper may move along the goal line, but:

Both feet must remain on the goal line
The goalkeeper must stay between the posts
The goalkeeper must not move forward before the ball is kicked

If the goalkeeper moves early and the penalty is missed or saved, the kick will be retaken.

Other Player Positions

All other players must:

Be behind the ball
Remain at least 2 metres away
Stay outside the goal area

Penalty Offences

A foul is committed if:

The kicker pretends to shoot to trick the goalkeeper
The kicker touches the ball again before another player
– this results in an indirect free kick to the defending team