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On occasion you see sometimes players try this tactic where they squeeze the ball between two feet and hop across the goal line in an attempt to score. This is usually kids learning the game or adults goofing around.

Is this legal or must a ball be kicked across the line to count as a goal?

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1 Answer

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A player is not allowed to control the ball (so that it can't move freely) at any time, which would include across the goal line. Exceptions would be the goalkeeper, or during a throw in.

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And to answer the other part, it doesn't have to be kicked - it can be headed, struck with the body, leg, etc. – Mike Hedman Feb 27 '12 at 5:33
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Hmmm... I read through the FIFA laws of the game, and couldn't find a clear prohibition. But it would probably fall under dangerous play. Same for sitting on a ball in play, or lying on top of it. – Mike Hedman Feb 27 '12 at 6:11
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You could probably call a foul for impeding as well, although both of those would end up with an indirect free kick for the opposition. Of course, if you managed to really do something special it could count as a misconduct for unsporting behavior, but I really doubt that'd ever come up. – Ashen Feb 27 '12 at 15:00
I haven't seen this in the rules either. Do you have a reference? Players trap the ball all the time and I've never seen anyone called for it. – Matthew Read Mar 3 '12 at 19:20
Next time I'm playing, I'll try this hopping technique and see if my goal is allowed to stand! – Ste May 27 '12 at 18:37

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