Soccer Rules Practice Exam

What is the act of blatant holding or pulling of an opponent, including holding clothing or using any body part to hold?

1. defending third

2. holding

3. throw-in

4. wall pass

The correct answer is: holding

The correct answer, holding, refers to the act of deliberately restraining an opponent during play, which can involve grabbing their clothing, arms, or any part of their body. This action is deemed a violation of the rules because it interferes with the free movement of another player and undermines the fairness of the game. Holding is explicitly outlined in the soccer laws as a foul that can lead to free kicks or penalties, depending on the severity and context of the infringement. Defending third refers to a specific area of the field where a team’s defensive actions take place and does not pertain to illegal player conduct. A throw-in is a method of restarting play when the ball has gone out of bounds over the sideline, and it is not related to any acts of player interference. A wall pass is a strategic play where one player passes the ball to a teammate who then immediately returns it, which again does not connect with the act of holding an opponent. Therefore, holding is the only term that accurately describes the action of physically restraining another player.