Does a penalty kick have to go forward?

Answer 1

The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves. The movement does not have to be forward.

Answer 2

Any free kick taken by the defense in their own penalty area must clear the area before it is in play.

Answer 3

A penalty kick must be kicked with a forward component. It cannot be kicked backwards.

Answer 4

To be properly taken, both a kick-of and a penalty kick must move forward.

Answer 5

An indirect free kick may be kicked in any direction.

Answer 6

It has to go over the line, but then you can roll it backwards to defense or midfield for them to boot it forward.

Answer 7

Yes, a ball must be kicked forward at a penalty kick in soccer.