A free kick is a minor penalty awarded to a team for technical rule violations by the opponent. Unlike a full penalty, a team cannot kick for a goal or points directly from a free kick. This is often given for mistakes during a scrum, a lineout, or for making a fair catch. The player taking the kick can choose to tap the ball and run, or kick it for territory. If they kick the ball out of bounds, the game restarts with a lineout for the other team. This reward is designed to restart the game quickly rather than punish the other side severely. It keeps the momentum of the match moving while still acknowledging a small mistake was made. For example, a team might engage too early during a scrum, leading the referee to award a free kick. The opposing scrum-half taps the ball with their foot and sprints away to catch the defense off guard. It is a quick restart tool.
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