Drop Ball

A drop ball is a technical term used in football which is defined as the method that is used to restart a match. This restart method is done for several reasons like when a player is accidentally injured, a ball becomes defective, or when there is interference by an outsider. This play stoppage happens while the ball is still in play.

Although a drop ball is a stoppage of a football match, this can also be redirected or restarted if the ball goes into the goal when a team comes is on a promising attack and when there is a change in ball possession.

When a drop is called, there is a procedure that needs to be followed. One of these includes the player or the team to which the ball will be awarded when the game or match will be restarted. First, the ball can be awarded to the goalkeeper of the defending team. This usually happens when the ball was in or touched in the penalty area right before the stoppage of the game or when.

After determining who will be awarded the ball, the referee will drop the ball right at the point or the position where the ball was last touched by an outsider, an official or a player. This is true if the ball was stopped outside the penalty area. On the other hand, if the ball is stopped in the penalty area, it will also be dropped in the same area or point.

When the ball is dropped at its designated point, all players of both teams, aside from the player who is awarded the dropped ball, should be standing four meters from the ball when it touches the ground.

Once the ball touches the ground, the match is officially in play again. Players should remember that they are not allowed to touch the ball until it touches the ground. The ball will be retaken or another drop ball will be called if the ball leaves the playfield before any player touches it.

There are several infringements that are called when the procedure in calling a drop ball is not followed. As mentioned, a dropped ball may be retaken if it is touched before reaching the ground. If the referee believes that a player intentionally touches the ball persistently, then that player may be given a yellow card for delaying the restart of the game.

In addition, the goal cannot be scored from a dropped ball unless it has been kicked or touched by two players. If the ball does enter the goal after a dropped ball and without being touched by two players, then a corner or a goal-kick is awarded.