What is the minimum distance players must be from the ball during a free kick?

During a free kick, the minimum distance that players must be positioned from the ball is 10 yards. This rule ensures that the team taking the free kick has enough space to execute the kick without immediate interference from the opposing team. By maintaining this distance, it promotes fair play and allows the attacking team a fair opportunity to execute their set piece effectively. In different scenarios, such as a quick free kick, the proper distance helps prevent undue obstruction and promotes a smoother flow of the game.