What constitutes a direct free kick?

A direct free kick is awarded when a player commits a serious foul, and it allows the opposing team the opportunity to take a shot on goal directly from the spot of the foul. This type of free kick permits the ball to be struck directly into the goal without having to touch another player first. Serious fouls that typically lead to a direct free kick include actions such as tackling an opponent unfairly, holding, pushing, or striking an opponent.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the nature of a direct free kick. While a free kick can be taken from various locations, not all free kicks are awarded for serious fouls or allow for direct shots on goal, making those points less relevant in defining a direct free kick.