High Foot & Scissor Kick

Raising the foot to a dangerous height near an opponent is dangerous play — an indirect free kick offence even without contact. A scissor kick or bicycle kick is permitted only when it is not dangerous to any opponent.

The full rule

A high foot near an opponent creates danger regardless of whether contact is made. If a player raises their boot above waist height in the vicinity of an opponent who is attempting to play the ball, it is dangerous play. No contact is required — the creation of danger is the offence. The result is an indirect free kick. A scissor kick or bicycle kick is a spectacular but potentially dangerous move. IFAB explicitly states it is permitted only when it is not dangerous to an opponent. A bicycle kick in a crowded penalty area near other players' heads is dangerous play. A bicycle kick in open space with no opponents nearby is legal. The key question is always: did this create genuine danger for another player?

Key points

✓High foot near opponent = dangerous play, indirect free kick
✓No contact required — creating the danger is the offence
✓Bicycle kick is legal only when not dangerous to any opponent
✓Foot above waist height near an opponent's head is almost always dangerous play
✓Results in indirect free kick — not a direct free kick or penalty
✓If the high foot makes contact and endangers safety, it becomes serious foul play — red card

Scenarios

Scenario 1

Player raises boot to control ball near opponent's head

Foul

A player raises their boot above shoulder height to control a high ball. An opponent is nearby trying to head the same ball and pulls away to avoid being kicked.

Correct call: Indirect free kick for dangerous play. The high boot created genuine danger for the opponent even though no contact was made.

Common mistake: Waving play on because there was no contact. The creation of danger is enough for dangerous play — contact is not required.

Scenario 2

Bicycle kick in crowded penalty area

Foul

A player attempts a bicycle kick inside a crowded penalty area. Their swinging leg passes close to two opponents' heads.

Correct call: Indirect free kick for dangerous play. A bicycle kick near opponents' heads in a crowded area is dangerous regardless of how spectacular the attempt was.

Common mistake: Allowing the attempt because bicycle kicks are legal. They are only legal when not dangerous to opponents — in a crowded area near heads, they are almost always dangerous play.

Scenario 3

High foot contact with opponent's head

Foul

A player raises their boot and makes contact with an opponent's head while the opponent is trying to head the ball.

Correct call: Red card for serious foul play. When a high foot makes actual contact with a vulnerable area such as the head, it escalates from dangerous play to serious foul play — excessive force endangering the opponent's safety.

Common mistake: Only giving an indirect free kick because the player was going for the ball. Making contact with the head with a raised boot is always serious foul play regardless of intent.