By Erin Irish
A goal kick is a kick taken to put a ball back in play that has gone out of bounds behind the goal line. An offense frequently kicks the ball out of bounds when it attempts a shot on goal. The team that was defending the shot now becomes the offense. This team takes the goal kick. Typically, the goal kick is taken by a team’s defenders. (Remember, defenders include defensive midfielders and goalie!) The person taking the goal kick is expected to kick the ball a long way and accurately.
