 A goal is scored when the ball passes completely over the goal line but only if the ball was played ( by a defensive or offensive player ) in the penalty circle . Additionally , the circle marks the area a goalkeeper may play the ball with any part of his body and the area where an infringement by a defender results in a penalty corner . The terminology circle ( or D ) is widely used although the area is actually formed by a 3 @.@ 66 @-@ metre ( 4 yd ) straight line , parallel to the goal line , connected to two 14 @.@ 63 @-@ metre ( 16 yd ) quadrant arcs . 
