A dropped ball in soccer is a referee-controlled restart after play is stopped for a reason that does not require a free kick, throw-in, corner, goal kick or kick-off. The referee releases the ball to one designated player, and it becomes live as soon as it touches the ground. The restart is not an old-fashioned contested bounce between two opponents.
The rules below follow IFAB Law 8 and the 2026/27 amendments, checked on October 11, 2026.
Who gets the dropped ball?
The answer depends on where the ball was when play stopped and, outside the penalty area, which team would have kept or gained possession. Here is the decision process used under the current Laws:
| Where play stopped | Recipient | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ball inside the penalty area | Defending team’s goalkeeper | Inside that penalty area |
| Ball outside the penalty area; likely recipient clear | One player from the team that would have retained or gained possession | Usually where the ball was when play stopped |
| Ball outside; possession cannot be determined | One player from the team that last touched it | Usually where the ball was when play stopped |
| Play stopped due to referee or outside-agent contact | Determined under the above possession principle | At the spot of the interference/contact |
A notable 2026/27 clarification is that “would have gained possession” can include the side that would have taken the restart if a moving ball had gone out of play. For example, if a ball boy handles a rolling ball before it crosses the touchline, the referee considers which side would have had the throw-in.
What must players do at a dropped-ball restart?
Only the recipient stands at the dropping point. All other players from both teams must be at least 4 metres (approximately 4.5 yards) away until the ball touches the ground. The referee drops, rather than throws, the ball. The designated player does not need to wait for a whistle after the ball lands to dribble away.
If the ball hits a player before it reaches the ground, the referee drops it again. The same applies if it goes off the field after touching the ground without touching any player. These are procedural retakes, not automatic fouls.
Can you score directly from a dropped ball?
No: a goal cannot count if the dropped ball enters either goal without touching at least two players. A player can control the ball, take multiple touches and shoot, but their own repeated touches still count as only one player. Another player must also touch it for a goal to be possible.
If the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal without the required second player, the restart is a goal kick. If it goes directly into the team’s own goal without that second player, the restart is a corner kick. Both results come from Law 8, not an offside decision.
When is a dropped ball used in a match?
After certain referee deflections
If the ball hits a match official and stays in play, causing a promising attack, a goal or a change of possession, play is stopped under IFAB Law 9 and resumed with a dropped ball. Not every minor ball-to-referee contact stops play.
After certain neutral stoppages
Depending on why play stopped, a dropped ball can be the correct restart for a serious injury or outside interference where no rule specifies another restart. This is distinct from a foul: if a player commits a punishable foul, the referee generally awards the appropriate free kick or penalty instead.
Four situations that commonly cause confusion
- Two players rush in to contest it: they cannot stand next to the recipient before the ball touches the ground; the 4 m distance applies.
- The recipient dribbles 20 yards: legal; there is no one-touch restriction after the ball lands.
- A teammate scores after touching the ball: potentially legal because a second player touched it, provided no other offence occurred.
- A player commits a foul after the drop: once the ball has touched the ground, normal playing offences apply. A reckless foul in the penalty area can still lead to a penalty and caution.
Compare this restart with our guide to soccer fouls and free kicks. Understanding the difference prevents a common mistake: assuming every time the whistle blows, someone must have committed a foul.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ball have to bounce before it can be played?
No. It becomes in play the instant it touches the ground; a bounce is not required.
Can an opponent play the ball first?
Yes, but only after respecting the 4 m distance until the ball is in play. IFAB clarifies that the designated player is not guaranteed first touch.
Is a dropped ball the same as a kick-off?
No. A kick-off starts a half or follows a goal; a dropped ball restarts a neutral interruption.
Did the dropped-ball rule change for 2026/27?
Yes. The wording clarifies which side gets possession when the ball was about to leave the field and where to restart after contact with an official or outside agent. Always check the current IFAB Law 8 rather than an older instructional clip.
Sources and photo credit
- IFAB Law 8 — The Start and Restart of Play (checked October 11, 2026).
- IFAB Law 9 — Ball in and out of Play (checked October 11, 2026).
- IFAB 2026/27 Law Changes.
- Featured photo by Steindy, Wikimedia Commons original, CC BY-SA 3.0; no manual changes.
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