The D outside the keepers box in football?

Question

What is the "D" that is outside the keepers box used for? I seem to recall that it has something to do with free kicks..

Answer 1

its to ensure players are 10 yards from the ball when a penalty is taken.

This is worked on the radius from the penalty spot as the edge of the 16 yard box is closer to the penalty spot directly behind it so when a penalty is taken, players are not allowed in the semi circle.

Answer 2

The D forms part of a circle, the centre of which is the penalty spot. It's purpose is to prevent players encroaching at penalty kicks, ie no player to stand within 10 yards of the spot when the penalty kick is taken, nor anywhere in the penalty(keepers) box.

Answer 3

The D forms part of a circle, the centre of which is the penalty spot. It's purpose is to prevent players encroaching at penalty kicks, ie no player to stand within 10 yards of the spot when the penalty kick is taken, nor anywhere in the penalty(keepers) box.

To me, it has no relevance at all. One of life's mysteries.

Answer 4

it's just to make sure every player was 10 yards away from the penalty spot when a penalty is being taken..have u seen a penalty kick before?no player would stand in it instead they stood around the semicircle..it's similar to the circle at the center of the field..when a kick off is about to be made..the opposition side must not stand inside the circle..i'm sure u noticed that right..?so a simple answer to ur question is the semicircle is just for making sure that players are 10 yards away from the spot..that's all..goalie cannot handle the ball there and penalty wont be awarded if a foul occured there..

Answer 5

It is used for the purpose of showing where 10yards from the penalty spot is. Whenever a team is awarded a penalty all players (except the goalie & kicker) must be outside the penalty box and no closer than ten yards from the ball.

Answer 6

It shows a ten yard distance from the penalty spot, the correct distance for any other player but the penalty taker to be when a penalty is being taken.