On many occasions in football the referee will be forced to stop the game. There are a number of factors why play must be stopped including, a foul has been committed or the ball have left the field of play. Once stopped the next stage is to return the ball to play, this is known as a set piece. Typically set pieces fall into various categories including, a goal kick, a corner kick, a penalty kick, a throw-in and a free kick.
Football Set Piece 1 - Goal Kick
A goal kick is awarded when the ball leaves the field of play behind the goal and is conceded by the ball having last touched one of the attacking team's players. The ball is then kicked back into play by one of the opposing team's players.
Football Set Piece 2 Corner Kick
A corner kick is awarded when the balls leaves the field of play behind the goal and is conceded by the ball having last touched one of the defending team's players. The ball is then taken kicked back into play by one of the attacking team's players from the corner of whichever side the ball exited the field.
Football Set Piece 3 Penalty Kick
A penalty kick is awarded when the defending team commits a foul in their own eighteen yard penalty box. A player from the attacking team positions the ball on the penalty stop twelve yards from the goal. The attacking player will then strike the ball towards the goal with only the goalkeeper between the ball and the goal.
Football Set Piece 4 Throw-In
A throw-in is awarded when the ball leave the field of play and is conceded by the team who last touched the ball. A throw in is taken by an opposing team player by throwing the ball back into play with both hands. The ball must be delivered from behind the player's head.
Football Set Piece 5 Free Kick
A free kick is awarded when a player commits a foul. There are direct free kicks which allows a player a direct shot on the opponent's goal. Direct free kicks are awarded for serious fouls including, shirt-pulling and deliberate hand-ball. An indirect free kick is for a less serious foul. With an indirect free kick the attacking team must make at least one pass before striking the ball at the opposition's goal.