<P> A direct free kick is a method of restarting play in a game of association football that is awarded to a team following most types of fouls . In a direct free kick, the fouled team is entitled to freely kick the ball from the spot of the foul, with opponents required to be at least 10 yards (9.1 m) from the ball . The kicking team may score a goal directly from a direct free kick, that is, without the ball having first touched another player . This is in contrast with an indirect free kick--a restart with a similar procedure that is usually awarded for technical infringements--where the ball must contact another player before a goal is scored . If a player commits a foul punishable by a direct freekick within his / her own penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded instead . </P> <P> Direct free kicks awarded near the opponent's goal can often lead to scoring opportunities, either from the kick itself or from an ensuing set piece . Accordingly, developing plays from free kicks are an important part of team strategy, and defending against them is an important skill for defenders . </P>

When is a free kick awarded in football
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