Drop Ball
A neutral restart in football (soccer) used after the referee stops play for a reason not covered by another restart.
Definition
A drop ball restarts play after the referee halts the game for something outside the normal run of play — such as an injury, outside interference, a defective ball, or simultaneous fouls. Under current Laws the ball is dropped for one player of the team that last touched it, or for the defending goalkeeper if play was stopped inside the penalty area, and all other players must stay a set distance away until it touches the ground.
The modern uncontested drop ball replaced the older contested version, in which players from both sides could challenge for it, because that form frequently caused confusion and collisions. The ball is in play once it touches the ground, and at least one player must touch it before a goal can count.
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Equipment
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Tennis ballA hollow rubber ball covered in felt used in tennis and related racquet sports.
- Table tennis batA small wooden blade covered with rubber used to hit the ball in table tennis.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
Techniques
- HeaderA technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
- Inside-of-the-Foot PassThe most reliable short pass in football, played with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over a short to medium distance.
- Volleyball SpikeA powerful attacking hit that drives the ball sharply downward over the net into the opponent's court, usually after an approach and jump.
Rules
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- Yellow and red cardsThe disciplinary cards a football referee shows to caution or send off a player for misconduct.
- LetA call that stops a point and has it replayed without penalty, used across several racket sports.
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
Tactics
- Set-piece playRehearsed routines from a dead-ball situation such as a corner, free kick or throw-in used to create chances.
- Wing playAttacking down the flanks and crossing the ball into the box to stretch the defence and create chances.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Counter-attackWinning the ball and moving forward at speed to attack before the opponent can reorganise their defence.
- Possession playA patient football style that keeps the ball through short passing to control the game and tire opponents.
Officiating
- AdvantageIn many sports, officials let play continue after a foul when stopping would help the offender, so the fouled team keeps the advantage it has gained.
- Penalty SignalA standardized hand or flag signal an official uses to announce a foul, penalty, or restart so players, teammates, and spectators can read the call.
- Out-of-Bounds CallAn official's ruling that the ball or a player in possession has left the legal playing area, stopping play and handing a restart or possession to the opponent.
- UmpireA match official who rules on lines, serves and dismissals in racket, bat-and-ball and net sports such as tennis, cricket and baseball — and, in racket sports, also keeps the running score.
- Line JudgeA boundary-line official who calls whether the ball or player is in or out and flags foot faults, working under the head referee across many sports.
Skills
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
- HeadingThe skill of directing the ball with the head to pass, clear or attempt to score.
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- PassingThe skill of moving the ball to a teammate accurately to keep possession and create chances.
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
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- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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