C
Clarity News Hub

Can a goalkeeper parry a back-pass?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 21, 2026

In association football, the back-pass rule prohibits the goalkeeper from handling the ball in most cases when it is passed to them by a team-mate. It is described in Law 12, Section 2 of the Laws of the Game.

Can a goalkeeper handle a back pass?

What is the back-pass rule? The back-pass rule states that a goalkeeper is forbidden to handle the ball when passed to them by a team-mate, according to Law 12, Section 2 of the Laws of the Game.

What is a goalkeeper Parry?

“Parrying” should not be confused with making a “save.” “Parrying” occurs when the goalkeeper knowingly controls the ball with the hands by deliberately pushing it to an area where it can be played later.

How can I save a soccer ball?

To stop and catch the ball, position yourself a meter away from the goal line, facing the football pitch. Bend your legs, spread your arms away from your body, pointing your elbows downwards. Watch the ball, and position your hands by turning your fingers upwards and spreading them out.

Can goalkeeper pick up a throw-in?

Despite the popular name "back-pass rule", there is no requirement in the laws that the kick or throw-in must be backwards; handling by the goalkeeper is forbidden regardless of the direction the ball travels. The penalty for the offence is an indirect free kick.

21 related questions found

Can a goalkeeper pick the ball up twice?

Goalkeeper picks the ball back up immediately. Does this constitute a second touch by the goalkeeper? My first thought is I'm asking a question with an obvious answer — yes, this is a second touch. Accidental or deliberate, the ball was released, and picked back up again without an intervening touch by another player.

Can a goalkeeper handle the ball in the penalty arc?

A goalkeeper cannot use his hands in the penalty arc. This is because the goalkeeper can only use his hands in the penalty area, and the penalty arc is not a part of the penalty area. According to Law 12, a goalkeeper can only handle the ball inside his own penalty area.

What happens if a keeper catches the ball outside the box?

Once the referee decides that the goalie has illegally handled the ball outside the box, the whistle blows and play stops. The referee places the ball at the spot of the infraction. When play resumes, the opposing team receives a direct free kick at the goal.

What is the D for in soccer?

Every other player must be outside the area, and at least 10 yards from the ball. The 'D'marks the part of the pitch outside the penalty box which is closer to the penalty spot than 10 yards, into which players must not encroach before the kick. It is usually called the D.

What happens if a goalie picks up a back pass?

What Happens if a Keeper Picks Up a Back Pass? The penalty for goalkeepers who handle deliberate back-passes is an indirect free kick. The referee will award the kick at the same position where the actual handling offence took place.

Can a goalie bounce the ball?

Goalkeepers and ball control

According to Law 12 of the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) Laws of the Game, a goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball with his or her hands when they are in the act of bouncing it on the ground or throwing it in the air.

Can a keeper dribble into the box and pick it up?

The Goalkeeper IS allowed to go outside the Penalty Box and dribble or kick the ball back inside the Penalty Box and THEN pick it up with his hands. The line that defines the Penalty Box is part of the Penalty Box, so if the ball is touching the line it is defined as being inside the Penalty Box).

Can a player steal the ball from goalkeeper?

A soccer player is not allowed to kick the ball out of the keeper's hands, but once the goalkeeper drops the ball on the ground, then any player will have the right to steal the ball and attempt to score a goal.

Can goalkeepers take penalty kicks?

The goalkeeper can take one of the penalties. After the kick, the kicker is to proceed direct to his team members waiting in a group at the center circle/midfield line of the pitch. All kicks are taken at one goal to ensure that both teams' kick-takers and goalkeepers face the same pitch irregularities.

Can you thigh the ball back to the keeper?

Players are allowed to head the ball back to their goalkeeper, or pass the ball back to their shot-stopper with any body part other than their foot.

Can you score an own goal from a throw-in?

A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in: if the ball enters the opponents' goal – a goal kick is awarded. if the ball enters the thrower's goal – a corner kick is awarded.

Can a goalkeeper handle the ball outside the box if his feet are inside?

In football, the ball is the one that determined the position in the field. So if the goalkeeper handles the ball outside of the box, it's considered a foul (handball) by the goalkeeper and a free kick should be granted to the other team.

When can a goalie not touch the ball?

The goalie is not allowed to hold onto the ball for more than six seconds. If they do, the referee can issue an indirect free-kick inside of the 18-yard box. What is this?

Can goalkeepers get yellow cards?

Also, a goalie can get a yellow card if they delay taking a goal kick. And if they hold onto the ball for too long in their 18-yard box to waste time, that can be a yellow card. Referees can give a yellow card for any offense that delays play.

Can you block a keepers kick?

While players have a right to maintain a position achieved during the normal course of play, they may not try to block the goalkeeper's movement while he is holding the ball or do anything which hinders, interferes with, or blocks the goalkeeper who is throwing or punting the ball back into play.

Does goalkeeper need two hands on ball?

The goalkeeper is considered to be in control of the ball when the ball is held with both hands, held by trapping the ball between one hand and any surface (e.g., the ground, a goalpost, the goalkeeper's body), or holding the ball in the outstretched open palm.

Can a goalkeeper touch the ball with his hands?

The goalkeeper is just like any other player, except when he/she is inside the penalty box. The number one main difference is that inside the penalty box the goalkeeper can touch the ball with any part of their body, most importantly their hands.

How long can a goalkeeper hold the ball 2021?

Goalkeepers can only hold the ball for 6 seconds

This law isn't exclusive to Fifa, it's a real life rule too. Now, sometimes it can feel as if referees don't enforce this particular law. Especially when keepers cling on to the ball for dear life, often wasting time while their team is holding on to a slender lead.

What is GF mean in soccer?

GS – Goals Scored. F, GF – Goals For (sometimes used in place of GS). A, GA – Goals Against (i.e., number of goals conceded by a team). GD – Goal Difference (i.e., difference between GF and GA, and sometimes denoted by +/-).