Which body parts are allowed to legally kick the ball in football?

In football, the specific body parts that are allowed to legally kick the ball are the knee, lower leg, or foot. This is because these body parts are typically used to propel the ball during gameplay and are considered part of the normal kicking motion. Kicking the ball legally involves a controlled and intentional action, primarily using the lower parts of the body, which is why this answer is the most accurate and aligns with established rules.

Using the hands is not permitted for most players on the field, as only designated players such as the goalkeeper can handle the ball with their hands under certain circumstances. Thus, options that include the hands are not valid. The option that states 'foot only' might suggest that only one specific body part is allowed, ignoring the legal use of the knee or lower leg. The option involving the elbow or shoulder misidentifies body parts typically used in kicking, as these parts are not utilized in legal kicking plays. Therefore, the correct choice encompasses all the appropriate body parts used in this action.