What does a direct free kick allow the player to do?

A direct free kick provides the player the opportunity to take a shot directly at the goal without any intermediary touches required. This means the player can kick the ball right towards the goal in an effort to score, making it a significant scoring opportunity for the attacking team. The direct free kick is awarded for certain fouls committed by the opposing team and it allows for a straightforward attempt to convert the set piece into a goal.

For example, when a player is fouled within the opposing team's penalty area, the resultant direct free kick presents a clear chance to bypass defenders and the goalkeeper, enhancing the likelihood of scoring. The other options don't reflect the full scope of what is possible with a direct free kick: passing to a teammate may happen afterward, but it doesn’t capitalize on the free kick's potential for a direct shot at the goal; kicking the ball out of bounds or taking a shot with distance restrictions contrasts with the intent and rules surrounding direct free kicks.