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What is it called when a player in soccer is allowed to touch the ball with their hands within the specified area in front of the goal?

  1. Hand ball

  2. Offside

  3. Penalty area

  4. Sideline

The correct answer is: Penalty area

The correct term for the area in front of the goal where a player is allowed to handle the ball within the rules of soccer is known as the penalty area. This designated box, also referred to as the 18-yard box, is crucial for several reasons, including the allowance of the goalkeeper to use their hands to play the ball within this zone. Additionally, if a foul is committed by a defending player inside the penalty area, the attacking team is awarded a penalty kick, which is a significant opportunity to score a goal. Understanding this area is fundamental to grasping basic soccer rules, as it plays a central role in both defensive and offensive strategies during the game. The other terms, while related to soccer, do not describe this specific area. Hand ball refers to an infraction when a player illegally handles the ball, offside relates to a player’s position during active play, and sideline pertains to the edges of the playing field.