goal kick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Intermediate (B1-B2)Formal (in rulebooks, commentary), Informal (in general conversation about football)
Quick answer
What does “goal kick” mean?
A set-piece in association football (soccer) where the ball is kicked from within the goal area after it has gone out of play over the goal line, last touched by an attacking player.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A set-piece in association football (soccer) where the ball is kicked from within the goal area after it has gone out of play over the goal line, last touched by an attacking player.
In broader usage, can refer to any forceful kick intended to propel a ball toward or into a goal, though the technical definition is specific to soccer's restart procedure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in both varieties as it is part of international football terminology. However, in the US, it may require more explanation in general contexts where 'football' primarily means American football.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term in both. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK/Irish/Australian English due to soccer's cultural prominence. Lower frequency in US English but standard within soccer communities.
Grammar
How to Use “goal kick” in a Sentence
The goalkeeper took the goal kick.The referee signalled for a goal kick.They scored directly from the goal kick.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “goal kick” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The keeper will goal-kick it long to the striker.
- He goal-kicked straight to the opposition.
American English
- The goalie goal-kicked it out of bounds.
- She goal-kicks with great power.
adjective
British English
- They practiced their goal-kick routines.
- A goal-kick specialist.
American English
- Their goal-kick formation is very organized.
- A goal-kick play.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable; specific to sports.
Academic
Used in sports science, kinesiology, or analyses of football tactics.
Everyday
Used in conversations about football matches, watching games, or playing casually.
Technical
Precise use in FIFA Laws of the Game, coaching manuals, and match commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “goal kick”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “goal kick”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goal kick”
- Using 'goal kick' to describe any shot at goal (should be 'shot on goal').
- Confusing 'goal kick' (from the ground) with 'drop kick' or 'punt'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Any player from the defending team may take it, but it is almost always taken by the goalkeeper.
It is taken from anywhere within the six-yard box (goal area). The ball must be stationary.
Yes. Since a 2019 law change, a goal can be scored directly in the opposing team's goal from a goal kick. It cannot be an 'own goal' directly into the kicker's own net.
A goal kick is awarded when the ball goes over the goal line, last touched by an attacker. A corner kick is awarded when the ball goes over the goal line, last touched by a defender.
A set-piece in association football (soccer) where the ball is kicked from within the goal area after it has gone out of play over the goal line, last touched by an attacking player.
Goal kick is usually formal (in rulebooks, commentary), informal (in general conversation about football) in register.
Goal kick: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊl ˌkɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊl ˌkɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The ball goes out for a GOAL kick when the attack fails to score a GOAL and last touches it over the line. It's a KICK to restart play from the goal.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RESET button for the defending team; a moment of transition from defence to potential attack.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining condition for awarding a goal kick?