What is the key difference between a direct and an indirect free kick?

The key difference between a direct and an indirect free kick lies in the manner in which goals can be scored. A direct free kick allows the player taking the kick to score a goal directly without the ball needing to touch another player first. This means that the player can shoot straight at the goal, and if the ball goes in, it counts as a goal.

Conversely, an indirect free kick requires that the ball must touch another player—either a teammate or an opponent—before a goal can be scored. This fundamental distinction is crucial for referees and players to understand, as it dictates how free kicks are executed during a match and the strategies players may adopt when faced with these different situations.

The other options do not accurately capture the main differences regarding scoring possibilities during a direct or indirect free kick.