A kick-off in football is the method used to start the game, start the second half, and restart play after a goal has been scored. It involves one team kicking the ball from the center of the field to the opposing team, who then tries to advance the ball. The ball must be stationary on the center spot before being kicked, and all players except the kicker must be in their own half until the ball is in play. A goal can be scored directly from a kick-off against the opposing team. The team taking the kick-off is determined by a coin toss at the beginning of the game, and after each goal, the team that conceded the goal takes the kick-off.
Key Points About Kick-off in Football
- Kick-off starts each half and restarts play after goals.
- The ball is placed on the center spot and must be stationary.
- Players must be in their own half before the kick.
- The ball is in play once it is kicked forward and moves.
- The kicking team cannot touch the ball again until another player does.
- The team that conceded the goal takes the kick-off after scoring.
- Kick-offs are decided by a coin toss at the start of the match.
This applies to association football (soccer) specifically but similar principles exist in gridiron football with some variations.