In short
The answer first
A direct free kick can be kicked straight into the opponents' goal for a goal. An indirect free kick cannot produce a goal until another player has touched the ball. Referees signal an indirect free kick by raising an arm above the head and keeping the signal until the required touch or another outcome makes the signal unnecessary.
Key takeaways
Direct and indirect describe how a goal may be scored from the restart.
The referee raises an arm to identify an indirect free kick.
Opponents normally must be at least 9.15 metres from the ball until it is in play, subject to position-specific exceptions.
When three or more defenders form a wall, attacking players must respect the Law's one-metre separation requirement until the ball is in play.
The kicker normally cannot touch the ball a second time before another player touches it.
The scoring difference
The simplest distinction is what happens if the kick travels directly into goal. From a direct free kick, a goal can be awarded against the opponents. From an indirect free kick, the ball must touch another player before a goal can count.
If an indirect free kick goes straight into the opponents' goal without another touch, the restart is a goal kick. The referee's raised-arm signal helps players, spectators and officials understand that a second touch is required.
Where free kicks are taken and when the ball is live
A free kick is generally taken from the place where the offence occurred, although the Laws contain exceptions. The ball must be stationary, and it becomes live when it is kicked and clearly moves. Players do not need to wait for the ball to travel a particular distance.
Quick free kicks can be taken when the referee has not required a ceremonial restart, but the referee controls the restart when disciplinary action, distance management or another match-management reason makes that necessary.
Walls and required distance
Opponents are normally required to stay at least 9.15 metres from the ball until it is in play. If the defending team forms a wall of three or more players, attacking players must remain at least one metre from that wall until the ball is in play.
That wall rule is designed to reduce jostling and interference immediately around a defensive wall. It does not prevent attackers from creating a separate position elsewhere or making a run once the ball has been put into play.
Why an offence can produce an indirect free kick
Direct free kicks are associated with the direct-free-kick offences described in Law 12, while indirect free kicks cover a different set of infringements such as certain goalkeeper restrictions, dangerous play without contact and some procedural offences.
The type of restart therefore tells you something about the offence. It is not a measure of how close the incident was to goal or how dangerous the resulting attack might have been.
Source check
Sources and further reading
KickVerse uses primary governing-body material where a rule or competition format has an official source. Analysis terms can vary between data providers, so provider-specific definitions are identified rather than presented as universal laws.
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