<P> The goal area (colloquially the "six - yard box"), consists of the rectangle formed by the goal - line, two lines starting on the goal - line 6 yards (5 m) from the goalposts and extending 6 yards (5 m) into the pitch from the goal - line, and the line joining these . Goal kicks and any free kick by the defending team may be taken from anywhere in this area . Indirect free kicks awarded to the attacking team within the goal area are taken from the point on the line parallel to the goal line (the "six - yard line") nearest where the infringement occurred; they cannot be taken any closer to the goal line . Similarly drop - balls that would otherwise occur closer to the goal line are taken on this line . </P> <P> The penalty area (colloquially "The 18 - yard box" or just "The box") is similarly formed by the goal - line and lines extending from it, however its lines commence 18 yards (16 m) from the goalposts and extend 18 yards (16 m) into the field . This area has a number of functions, the most prominent being to denote where the goalkeeper may handle the ball and where a foul by a defender, usually punished by a direct free kick, becomes punishable by a penalty kick . Both the goal and penalty areas were formed as halfcircles until 1902 . </P> <P> The penalty mark is 11 metres (12 yd) in front of the very centre of the goal; this is the point from where penalty kicks are taken . The penalty arc (colloquially "the D") is marked from the outside edge of the penalty area, 9.15 metres (10 yd) from the penalty mark; this, along with the penalty area, marks an exclusion zone for all players other than the penalty kicker and defending goalkeeper during a penalty kick . </P> <P> The centre circle is marked at 9.15 metres (10 yd) from the centre mark . Similar to the penalty arc, this indicates the minimum distance that opposing players must keep at kick - off; the ball itself is placed on the centre mark . During penalty shootouts all players other than the two goalkeepers and the current kicker are required to remain within this circle . </P>

What do the lines mean on a soccer field