In hockey, when a free hit is awarded, the player does not have to pass to a team-mate to restart. The player can simply put the ball down and start running with it. He or she doesn't have to wait for the referee's whistle, either. Rugby has a version of this, too. It is called tap and go.
In hockey, the defending team must retreat five yards. That would be 10 in football. But if the taker wants to go quickly, the opposition can be within that range — as long as they do not attempt to play the ball. Any intervention is a sin-bin offence — or a yellow card in football.
Elleray argues this would benefit attacking play by eradicating tactical fouls but it does more than that. Yes, it makes the game faster and benefits the attacking team, but self-passing also eradicates dissent.
Who would waste time arguing with the referee when, as soon as the foul is given, Lionel Messi can put the ball down and start dribbling? These days hockey players simply sprint into their defensive positions without a murmur because the game is up and running again. It is a magnificent rule.
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