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.

Investigate a red card call

Walk through the exact referee logic step by step

Investigate →