Soccer is famous worldwide as the “beautiful game” played primarily with the feet. But a common question arises for beginners and casual fans alike: what about using your arms? While the basic rule is simple, the nuances of the handball rule can be quite complex.
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The General Rule: No Hands (or Arms)!
The most fundamental rule of soccer, governed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), is that outfield players cannot deliberately touch the ball with their hands or arms. If a player intentionally handles the ball, the referee will award a direct free kick (or a penalty kick if it occurs inside their own penalty box) to the opposing team.
What Counts as the “Arm” in Soccer?
To avoid confusion, IFAB has clarified what constitutes the arm. For the purpose of determining a handball offense, the upper boundary of the arm is in line with the bottom of the armpit. This means playing the ball with your shoulder is completely legal, but anything from just below the shoulder down to the fingertips is considered a handball if used illegally.
When Can Outfield Players Use Their Arms?
Despite the strict rules, there are specific situations where outfield players are permitted to use their hands and arms.
Taking a Throw-in
The most common exception is the throw-in. When the ball completely crosses the touchline (sideline), play is restarted with a throw-in. The player taking the throw must use both hands to deliver the ball from behind and over their head. This is the only time an outfield player is explicitly required to use their hands during active play.
Natural Arm Movements and Positioning
Players use their arms for balance when running, jumping, and changing direction. If the ball strikes a player’s arm while it is in a “natural” position (i.e., not making the body unnaturally bigger), the referee may deem it an accidental contact and allow play to continue. However, if the arm is raised high or extended outward unnaturally, a handball will likely be called.
The Goalkeeper Exceptions
Goalkeepers have a special set of rules regarding arm and hand usage.
- Inside the Penalty Area: Goalkeepers are allowed to catch, hold, punch, or throw the ball using their hands and arms, but only within their own designated penalty area.
- Outside the Penalty Area: The moment a goalkeeper steps outside their penalty area, they are treated exactly like an outfield player and cannot handle the ball.
- The Backpass Rule: Even inside their penalty area, a goalkeeper cannot use their hands if the ball was deliberately kicked to them by a teammate. They must use their feet in this situation.
Accidental vs. Intentional Handball
The modern handball rule heavily focuses on whether the player made their body “unnaturally bigger” to block the ball. An accidental touch might be penalized if the arm was positioned in a way that unfairly blocked a pass or shot. Conversely, if a ball is blasted at a player from close range and hits their arm while it’s tucked tightly against their body, it is usually not considered an offense.
| Situation | Is it a Handball Offense? |
|---|---|
| Deliberately touching the ball with the hand/arm | Yes |
| Ball hits arm in a “natural” position (close to body) | Usually No |
| Ball hits arm that is extended outwards (making body bigger) | Yes |
| Goalkeeper handling ball outside their penalty area | Yes |
| Taking a legal throw-in | No |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you score a goal with your shoulder?
Yes, you can score a goal with your shoulder. Because the shoulder is above the bottom of the armpit, it is considered a legal body part to play the ball with.
What happens if an outfield player touches the ball with their hands in their own penalty box?
If an outfield player commits a handball offense inside their own penalty box, the referee will award a penalty kick to the opposing team.
Is it a handball if it hits my arm while I’m falling?
If a player uses their arm to break their fall and the ball strikes it while supporting their body, it is typically not considered a handball, provided the arm isn’t extended laterally or vertically away from the body.
