The main purpose of a free kick in soccer is to allow a player to take a direct shot at the goal after a foul is committed by the opposing team. This type of set piece can result in a goal-scoring opportunity, and players often use strategic positioning and practice various techniques to improve their chances of scoring. The defending team must maintain a certain distance from the ball until it is played. Free kicks can be direct, where a goal can be scored directly from the kick, or indirect, requiring another player to touch the ball before a goal can be scored.