A number of situations in a soccer game allow a defender besides the goalkeeper to stand on the goal line between the goal posts to assist in defending an attacking play. The defender, however, has to ensure that his intention is solely to defend a play and not to draw an attacking player offside. Such an action can warrant a warning or caution from the referee.
Free Kicks
Often, short-distance free kicks with a straight or fairly straight line toward the goal require special defending. A defender can stand on the goal line inside of the goal to help defend a free kick. The defensive wall that is formed 10 yards from the free kick position doesn't always provide enough of a screen to assist the goalkeeper. In such situations, the goalkeeper can position one of his defenders along the goal line inside the goal. The defender typically stands next to either goal post while the goalkeeper guards the remainder of the goal.
Corner Kicks
As with free kicks, a defender can help guard the goal line by standing next to one of the goal posts on corner kicks. The goalkeeper often has to charge out to retrieve or clear an incoming corner kick. In case the goalkeeper misses the ball and an attacker is able to redirect the ball toward the goal, the defender in goal can try to clear the shot. If the goalkeeper requires it, he can position a defender at both goal posts. A defender on the goal line must keep his arms down and at his sides or crossed in front or behind his body at all times. This is true for free kicks as well.
Infringement
A defender cannot stand in his goal and step behind the goal line in an attempt to draw an attacking player offside. By leaving the field in this manner, the defender takes himself out of a play and draws an attacking player who was originally onside into an offside position. This maneuver can result in a warning from the referee or even a caution, but according to FIFA's Laws of the Game, the referee is encouraged to let play continue, which could result in a goal. In this case, the goal would count and the defender will have hurt his own team by taking himself out of the play rather than defending the attacker.
Penalty Kicks
A defender is not allowed to stand in the goal during a penalty kick. Only the goalkeeper can defend against the shot. A defender is allowed to charge at the goal after a penalty kick is taken, however, and clear a rebounding ball. This includes clearing a ball from the goal line. Such instances are rare, as a rebounded ball is typically cleared away in the box before a defender is able to reach the goal.
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