Soccer Rules Practice Exam

Where must the ball be kicked from during a corner kick in soccer?

1. Outside the penalty box

2. Directly at the goal

3. Inside the corner arc

4. From the halfway line

The correct answer is: Inside the corner arc

The correct answer is that the ball must be kicked from inside the corner arc during a corner kick. This specifically indicates that the kick is initiated from the corner area of the field, which is defined as the quarter-circle area at each corner of the pitch. The rationale behind this rule is that it provides a designated area for the attacking team to restart play following an out-of-bounds situation due to the ball crossing the goal line last touched by a defensive player. By requiring the ball to be kicked from within this corner arc, it ensures clarity on where the kick is taken from and maintains the flow of the game. Other options, such as kicking from outside the penalty box or from the halfway line, would not be in line with the established rules governing corner kicks, which are specifically tied to the corner area itself. The idea of kicking directly at the goal is also misleading as it does not address the starting point from which the ball must be played but instead implies intention rather than compliance with the rules.