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Football fans around the world have probably seen a ‘D’ shaped on the edge of the penalty box in a field of play. In football terms, this ‘D’ is what is known as the penalty arc. The arc is a circle with a radius of 10 yards (9.15 meters) from the centre of the penalty spot, which is located outside the penalty area outside the large rectangle in front of each goal post area.

The arc is usually used only when a penalty kick is being taken during a game and players especially the opposition side are deliberately kept 10 yards from the penalty spot, which is the same distance players are kept during a free kick anywhere on the field of play. The main purpose of the penalty arc is to enable the referee to ensure that players are kept at a proper distance from the penalty taker thus preventing crowding inside the penalty area and maintaining fairness during a penalty kick.

If a player from the defending team crosses the arc before the penalty is taken and the kick is successful, it will count as a goal. However, if the penalty kick is unsuccessful, the penalty will be retaken. When an opposition team player enters the penalty arc before the penalty kick is taken and it is successful, the kick will need to be retaken. When the kick is unsuccessful, the defending team will be awarded a free kick.

The penalty spot is located 12 yards away from the goal line, a high percentage of goals are scored during a penalty kick in professional football.