The 22-metre line is a solid white line marked across the pitch near each goal area. It sits exactly twenty-two meters away from the try line, where teams score points. This line changes the rules for kicking the ball to help teams under heavy pressure.
If a player kicks the ball from behind this line, it can go out of bounds. The game then restarts from where the ball crossed the sideline for a lineout. This allows a defending team to clear the ball deep into enemy territory and escape danger. Players also use this area to call a mark for a free kick.
For example, a defender might catch a high kick inside their own 22-metre line and shout mark. This stops the play and gives them a safe chance to kick the ball away. It acts as a vital safety zone for teams protecting their goal.
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