<P> A dropped - ball (or drop - ball) is a method of restarting play in a game of association football . It is designed to offer no advantage to either side, generally being awarded when play has been stopped due to reasons other than normal gameplay or misconduct . The rules concerning the dropped - ball are part of Law 8 of the Laws of the Game . </P> <P> A drop - ball is not awarded to either team; rather it is used to restart play when the referee has stopped play for any reason not listed for another form of restart . Examples include when play has been stopped due to serious injury to a player, interference by an external party, or a ball becoming defective . </P> <P> The ball is dropped by the referee at the point where the ball was when play was stopped, unless this is within a goal area in which case it is dropped on the goal area line parallel to the goal line . The ball becomes in play as soon as it touches the ground . Players must not touch the ball until it has touched the ground . If the ball leaves the field of play before it has been touched by a player, the drop - ball is retaken . </P> <P> There is no mention in the Laws of the Game as to how many players, if any, may take part in a drop - ball or where they may be positioned . However, it is normal that a drop - ball is contested by two players (one from each team, as pictured above), like at a face - off in bandy or ice hockey . </P>

When do you do a drop ball in soccer