What constitutes an Illegal Kick?

An illegal kick is specifically defined in football as a kick that is executed in a manner that does not comply with the established rules regarding how and when a kick can be performed. Striking the ball with the knee or lower leg, unless it follows the legal kicking rules, falls into this category. For instance, a legal kick must typically involve the foot and be performed in a way that adheres to the rules about player positioning and timing.

This definition aligns with the understanding that if a player uses any part of their body other than the foot—such as the knee or lower leg—when attempting to kick the ball, the kick may be deemed illegal. The emphasis is on the method of execution, ensuring that players maintain safety and fair play standards.

In contrast, other options describe situations that do not meet the criteria for illegal kicks. For example, simply kicking the ball from a stationary position is not inherently illegal if executed correctly. A kick going out of bounds does not automatically classify it as illegal; it may still be a valid kick from a rules perspective. Lastly, kicks made before the whistle may be improper within the context of the game, but they do not inherently define an illegal kick under the rules. Therefore, the correct identification of option B