IFAB Laws of the Game · Law 14
Law 14: The Penalty Kick
Penalty kick procedure, goalkeeper and encroachment offences, and the outcome table for each type of infringement.
Law 14 practice questions
9 questions on
The Penalty Kick, each with the correct answer and an explanation of the
reasoning. These are drawn from the free question bank.
Question 1
Law 14
standard
Where must the goalkeeper be at the moment a penalty kick is struck?
A
With at least part of one foot on, above or in line with the goal line
Correct answer
B
With both feet firmly on the goal line
C
Anywhere within the goal, provided they do not move before the kick
D
With at least part of one foot behind the goal line
Why
Law 14.1: the defending goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot touching, in line with, or behind the goal line when the ball is kicked, and must not be touching the posts, crossbar or net.
Question 2
Law 14
advanced
The goalkeeper comes clearly off the line before the ball is kicked and saves the penalty. It is the goalkeeper's first such offence in the match. What is the decision?
A
The kick is retaken and the goalkeeper is warned
Correct answer
B
The kick is retaken and the goalkeeper is cautioned
C
The kick stands as saved — goalkeeper movement is no longer punished
D
An indirect free kick to the attacking team
Why
Law 14.2: where the goalkeeper offends and the kick is missed or saved, the kick is retaken. The goalkeeper is warned for a first offence and cautioned for any subsequent offence in the same match.
Question 3
Law 14
advanced
An attacking team-mate of the kicker encroaches into the penalty area before the ball is kicked, and the ball goes into the goal. What is the decision?
A
The penalty kick is retaken
Correct answer
B
The goal stands
C
An indirect free kick to the defending team
D
The goal stands and the encroaching attacker is cautioned
Why
Law 14.2: if an attacking team-mate encroaches and the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken. If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick is awarded to the defending team.
Question 4
Law 14
advanced
A defending team-mate of the goalkeeper encroaches before the ball is kicked, and the kick is saved. What is the decision?
A
The penalty kick is retaken
Correct answer
B
Play continues from the rebound
C
An indirect free kick to the attacking team
D
A goal is awarded
Why
Law 14.2: where a defending player encroaches and the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken. Where a defender encroaches and the ball does enter the goal, the goal is awarded.
Question 5
Law 14
standard
The kicker completes the run-up and then feints to kick before striking the ball. What is the decision?
A
Caution the kicker and award an indirect free kick to the defending team
Correct answer
B
Allow the kick — feinting during the run-up is permitted
C
Retake the kick with a caution to the kicker
D
Award a direct free kick to the defending team
Why
Law 14: feinting during the run-up is permitted, but feinting to kick once the run-up has been completed is an infringement. The kicker is cautioned for unsporting behaviour and an indirect free kick is awarded to the defending team.
Question 6
Law 14
standard
A penalty kick rebounds off the goalpost and the kicker plays it again before any other player touches it. What is the decision?
A
An indirect free kick to the defending team
Correct answer
B
A direct free kick to the defending team
C
Play continues — the rebound is live
D
The penalty kick is retaken
Why
Law 14: the kicker must not play the ball again until it has touched another player. Doing so is punished with an indirect free kick — a direct free kick or penalty kick if the second touch was a handball offence.
Question 7
Law 14
intro
Before a penalty kick is taken, what must happen regarding the identity of the kicker?
A
The kicker must be clearly identified
Correct answer
B
Any player may step up unannounced
C
Only the team captain may take it
D
The goalkeeper's opposite number decides who kicks
Why
Law 14 requires the penalty taker to be clearly identified before the kick is taken, so there is no ambiguity if a different player from the one signalled ends up striking the ball.
Question 8
Law 14
standard
The goalkeeper saves a penalty kick, and the rebound falls straight back to the kicker, who scores from it. Is this a valid goal?
A
Yes — a rebound off the goalkeeper counts as the ball touching another player, so the kicker may play it again
Correct answer
B
No — the kicker may never touch the ball again after taking the penalty
C
No, unless the goalkeeper's save was a genuine attempt to catch it
D
Yes, but only if the kicker is not the last outfield player to touch it
Why
Law 14: the kicker may not play the ball again until it has touched another player — and the goalkeeper, in making a save, is another player. This differs from a rebound off the goalpost or crossbar, which does not reset that restriction.
Question 9
Law 14
intro
Where must the ball be placed for a penalty kick?
A
Stationary on the penalty mark
Correct answer
B
Anywhere inside the penalty area
C
At the edge of the six-yard box
D
Wherever the kicker prefers, within the arc
Why
Law 14 requires the ball to be placed stationary on the penalty mark before the kick is taken — not merely somewhere nearby.