In association football, a penalty is a specific form of free kick that is given when a foul occurs inside the penalty box. It is taken from the penalty spot, which is 12 yards (11 metres) from the centre of the goal. Apart from the penalty taker and the goalkeeper, no other players are allowed inside the box. If an infringement occurs outside the penalty box, it is just called a free kick. The opposition players are allowed to stand between the ball and the goal, but they must be at least 10 yards (9 metres) from the ball. Free kicks are very common and you'd typically expect to see around 30 during a match. Penalties are much rarer and you wouldn't see one in most matches.