Kick Your Way to Victory: 2026 Soccer Rules Practice Exam Extravaganza!

The penalty area serves a crucial role in soccer, specifically designed for particular actions during the game. Within this rectangular area, which extends 16.5 meters (or 18 yards) from the goal line, the goalkeeper is permitted to use their hands to play the ball. This area is fundamental because it also defines where fouls committed by defensive players can result in a penalty kick for the attacking team. When a foul occurs inside the penalty area, the offended team is awarded a penalty kick, which is taken from the penalty spot—12 yards from the goal line. This situation represents a significant scoring opportunity, and the penalty area essentially creates a zone of protection and specific rules focused on the goalkeeper's play and foul management within it.