Must all kicking restarts be played in a forward direction?

The assertion that not all kicking restarts must be played in a forward direction is correct. In soccer, while certain restarts like goal kicks and kick-offs are typically played forward, there are other situations where the ball can be played in any direction. For instance, during a direct or indirect free kick, the player taking the kick is allowed to play the ball backward or sideways, as long as the ball is moved in accordance with the Laws of the Game. This flexibility allows players to utilize tactical approaches, such as passing to a teammate who may be in a better position to advance the play.

This understanding emphasizes the particular rules governing different types of restarts and highlights the strategic opportunities they present. It's important to recognize that while most players often choose to play the ball forward to maintain momentum, the rules do not mandate that all kicking restarts must be executed in that manner.