Penalty Kick: The Ultimate Guide to Scoring and Saving Them
A penalty kick is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking moments in soccer. It can decide the outcome of a game, a tournament, or even a World Cup. It can make or break the reputation of a player or a team. It can be a source of joy or agony for millions of fans around the world.
But what exactly is a penalty kick, how did it come about, and what are the rules and regulations that govern it? How can you score a penalty kick every time, or save one as a goalkeeper? What are the tips and tricks that can give you an edge over your opponent?
penalty kick
In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. We will provide you with an ultimate guide to penalty kicks, covering everything from their history and evolution, to their procedure and rules, to their techniques and skills, to their psychology and mindset. We will also give you some practical advice on how to score or save them, based on statistics, research, and expert opinions.
Whether you are a player, a coach, or a fan, this article will help you understand, appreciate, and master the art of penalty kicks. So let's get started!
What is a penalty kick and when is it awarded?
A penalty kick is a method of restarting play in soccer, in which a player is allowed to take a single shot at the goal while it is defended only by the opposing team's goalkeeper. It is awarded when an offence punishable by a direct free kick is committed by a player in their own penalty area.
How to score a penalty kick
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Penalty kick rules and regulations
Penalty kick tips and tricks
Penalty kick statistics and analysis
Penalty kick history and evolution
Penalty kick psychology and pressure
Penalty kick technique and skill
Penalty kick training and practice
Penalty kick equipment and gear
Penalty kick fouls and offences
Penalty kick referee and VAR
Penalty kick celebration and celebration
Penalty kick fails and bloopers
Penalty kick challenge and contest
Penalty kick simulation and software
Penalty kick tutorial and guide
Penalty kick quiz and trivia
Penalty kick news and updates
Penalty kick videos and highlights
Best penalty kick takers of all time
Worst penalty kick takers of all time
Most memorable penalty kicks in history
Most controversial penalty kicks in history
Most creative penalty kicks in history
Most difficult penalty kicks in history
Most important penalty kicks in history
Most unusual penalty kicks in history
Most funny penalty kicks in history
Most painful penalty kicks in history
How to save a penalty kick as a goalkeeper
How to block a penalty kick as a defender
How to win a penalty kick as an attacker
How to avoid a penalty kick as an opponent
How to draw a penalty kick as a teammate
How to cope with a missed penalty kick as a player
How to react to a missed penalty kick as a coach
How to deal with a missed penalty kick as a fan
How to predict a penalty kick as a spectator
How to bet on a penalty kick as a gambler
How to measure a penalty kick distance and angle
How to mark a penalty kick spot and area
How to place a penalty kick ball and run-up
How to choose a penalty kick side and corner
How to vary a penalty kick speed and curve
How to execute a penalty kick chip or panenka
How to perform a penalty kick fake or stutter
How to defend against a penalty kick trick or deception
How to review a penalty kick decision or outcome
How to improve your penalty kick conversion rate
The penalty area is a marked region of the pitch extending 16.5 metres (18 yards) out from each goalpost, and 16.5 metres in depth. The penalty spot is located 11 metres (12 yards) from the goal line and centred between the touch lines.
The offences that can result in a penalty being awarded include:
Deliberately touching the ball with a hand or arm (other than the goalkeeper)
Careless, reckless, or excessive use of force to charge, jump, kick, challenge, push, strike, or tackle an attacking player
Holding, pushing, or impeding an opponent
Spitting at or biting an opponent or official
Throwing something at the ball, opponent, or official, or hitting an object with the ball
The referee is the sole authority to decide whether a foul has occurred and whether it warrants a penalty. The referee may also consult with their assistant referees or use video assistant referee (VAR) technology to review their decision.
The history and evolution of the penalty kick rule
<p The procedure and rules of taking a penalty kick
The procedure and rules of taking a penalty kick are specified in Law 14 of the Laws of the Game, which is the official document that governs the sport of soccer. The following are the main points to remember when taking a penalty kick:
The ball must be stationary on the penalty mark, which is 11 metres (12 yards) from the goal line and centred between the touch lines.
The player taking the penalty kick must be clearly identified to the referee.
Only the kicker and the defending team's goalkeeper are allowed to be within the penalty area; all other players must be within the field of play, outside the penalty area, behind the penalty mark, and a minimum of 9.15 metres (10 yards) from the penalty mark. This distance is denoted by the penalty arc.
The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts, until the ball is kicked. The goalkeeper must not touch the goalposts, crossbar, or goal net, or behave in a way that unfairly distracts or influences the kicker.
The referee blows the whistle to indicate that the penalty kick may be taken.
The kicker may make feinting (deceptive or distracting) movements during the run-up to the ball, but may not do so once the run-up is completed. The kick and the last step the kicker takes must be in motion.
The ball must be kicked forward. Backheeling is permitted provided the ball moves forward.
The ball is in play once it is kicked and moves, and at that time other players may enter the penalty area and the penalty arc.
The kicker may not touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player of either team or goes out of play (including into the goal).
If any of these rules are violated by either team, the referee may stop play and take appropriate action, depending on who committed the offence and whether it affected the outcome of the kick. The possible actions include retaking the kick, awarding a goal, restarting with an indirect free kick, cautioning or sending off a player, or ending the game.
The common infringements and consequences of a penalty kick
Some of the common infringements and consequences of a penalty kick are as follows:
InfringementConsequence
The player taking the penalty kick or a team-mate offends before the ball is in playIf the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken. If the ball does not enter the goal, play is stopped and restarted with an indirect free kick for the defending team. The offending player may also be cautioned for unsporting behaviour if they feinted at kicking after completing their run-up.
The goalkeeper offends before the ball is in playIf the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded. If the ball does not enter the goal, play continues unless there was an infringement by both teams. If there was an infringement by both teams or if play was stopped for another reason before a goal was scored or missed, then it is retaken. The goalkeeper may also be cautioned for unsporting behaviour if they moved off their line before or during their opponent's run-up.
A player of either team who is required to be outside or at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the penalty mark enters these areas before or after the referee signals for the penalty kick to be takenIf this has no impact on play (including if the ball rebounds into play from the goalkeeper), play continues. If this has an impact on play: - if a member of both teams infringes this Law, the kick is retaken unless a player commits a more serious offence (e.g. illegal feinting) - if only one player enters these areas, the referee allows play to continue if that player does not interfere with play; if that player interferes with play or if there is an offence by both teams: - if this occurs before - if this occurs after - if this occurs after - if this occurs after - if this occurs after - if this occurs after - if this occurs after - if this occurs after the ball is in play, the referee blows their whistle, stops play and restarts with an indirect free kick; if this occurs after the ball is in play, play continues unless there was an infringement by both teams. If there was an infringement by both teams or if play was stopped for another reason before a goal was scored or missed, then it is retaken. The offending player may also be cautioned for unsporting behaviour if they clearly obstructed the goalkeeper's line of vision or movement, or if they made a gesture or movement which, in the opinion of the referee, deceived or distracted an opponent.
The kicker touches the ball a second time before it has touched another playerIf the ball enters the goal, play is stopped and restarted with an indirect free kick for the defending team. If the ball does not enter the goal, play continues unless there was an infringement by both teams. If there was an infringement by both teams or if play was stopped for another reason before a goal was scored or missed, then it is retaken.
The ball rebounds into play from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the goalposts and is then touched by an outside agentIf the ball is going into the goal, a goal is awarded. If the ball is not going into the goal, play is stopped and restarted with a dropped ball.
How to score a penalty kick every time?
Scoring a penalty kick may seem like an easy task, but it is not. It requires a combination of psychology, technique, and skill to beat the goalkeeper and find the back of the net. Here are some of the factors that can help you score a penalty kick every time:
The psychology and mindset of a successful penalty taker
The first and most important factor in scoring a penalty kick is your mental state. You need to be confident, calm, and focused on your task. You need to block out any distractions, such as the crowd noise, the pressure of the situation, or the goalkeeper's antics. You need to have a clear plan of what you are going to do and stick to it.
Some of the ways to improve your psychology and mindset are:
Visualize yourself scoring the penalty kick before you take it. Imagine yourself running up to the ball, striking it with power and accuracy, and seeing it fly past the goalkeeper into the goal. This will help you boost your self-belief and motivation.
Breathe deeply and relax your muscles before you take the kick. This will help you reduce your stress and anxiety levels and improve your concentration and coordination.
Use positive self-talk and affirmations to reinforce your confidence and calmness. For example, you can say to yourself: "I can do this", "I am a great penalty taker", "I have practiced this many times", "I know where I am going to shoot", etc.
Avoid negative thoughts and emotions that can undermine your performance. For example, do not think about: "What if I miss?", "What will happen if I fail?", "The goalkeeper is too good", "The crowd is too loud", etc.
The technique and skill of a perfect penalty kick
The second factor in scoring a penalty kick is your technique and skill. You need to have a good understanding of how to strike the ball with power, accuracy, and consistency. You need to be able to control your body movements and balance during your run-up and follow-through. You need to be able to adjust your shot depending on the situation and conditions.
Some of the ways to improve your technique and skill are:
Choose a spot on the ball where you want to hit it. This will help you focus on your target and improve your accuracy. Generally, you want to hit the ball slightly below its centre with your instep (the inside part of your foot) or laces (the top part of your foot).
Choose a spot on the goal where you want to aim. This will help you direct your shot and increase your chances of scoring. Generally, you want to aim for one of the corners of the goal, as they are harder for the goalkeeper to reach.
Take a few steps back from the ball and position yourself at an angle that suits your preferred foot and shooting style. This will help you generate enough power and momentum for your shot. Generally, you want to take 3-5 steps back from the ball and stand at a 45-degree angle from it.
Run up to the ball with a steady pace and smooth stride. This will help you maintain your balance and coordination for your shot. Generally, you want to run up to the ball with medium speed and avoid stuttering or hesitating.
Kick the ball with a firm contact and follow through with your kicking leg. This will help you transfer enough force and spin to the ball for your shot. Generally, you want to kick the ball with as much power as you can without sacrificing accuracy and follow through with your kicking leg in the direction of your target.
The tips and tricks to fool the goalkeeper and increase your chances
The third factor in scoring a penalty kick is your ability to fool the goalkeeper and increase your chances of scoring. You need to have a good knowledge of how the goalkeeper thinks and reacts, and how you can use that to your advantage. You need to be able to use deception, variation, and adaptation to outsmart the goalkeeper and find the best spot to shoot.
Some of the tips and tricks to fool the goalkeeper are:
Tip 1: Decide where to aim before you take the kick
One of the best ways to fool the goalkeeper is to decide where you are going to aim before you take the kick, and stick to it. This will help you avoid hesitation, confusion, or doubt, which can affect your accuracy and confidence. It will also help you avoid being influenced by the goalkeeper's movement or position, which can be misleading or distracting.
Studies have shown that penalty takers who decide where to aim before they take the kick score more often than those who change their mind during the run-up or at the last moment. This is because they are more likely to hit their target with more power and precision, and less likely to telegraph their intention to the goalkeeper.
Tip 2: Use the power and placement method
Another way to fool the goalkeeper is to use the power and placement method, which is a combination of hitting the ball hard and aiming for one of the corners of the goal. This will help you maximize your chances of scoring, as it will make it harder for the goalkeeper to reach or stop your shot.
Studies have shown that penalty takers who use the power and placement method score more often than those who use other methods, such as chipping, curling, or placing the ball in the centre of the goal. This is because they are more likely to beat the goalkeeper's reaction time and reflexes, and less likely to miss the target or hit the post.
Tip 3: Vary your run-up and body language
A third way to fool the goalkeeper is to vary your run-up and body language, which are the cues that the goalkeeper uses to anticipate your shot. You can do this by changing your speed, angle, distance, or direction of your run-up, or by using feints, pauses, or stutter steps. You can also do this by changing your eye contact, head position, foot orientation, or arm movement.
Studies have shown that penalty takers who vary their run-up and body language score more often than those who use a consistent or predictable approach. This is because they are more likely to confuse or deceive the goalkeeper, and less likely to give away their intention or target.
Tip 4: Watch the goalkeeper's movement and react accordingly
A fourth way to fool the goalkeeper is to watch their movement and react accordingly. You can do this by observing their position on the goal line, their stance, their eye contact, or their body language. You can also do this by waiting for them to make a move before you kick the ball.
Studies have shown that penalty takers who watch the goalkeeper's movement and react accordingly score more often than those who ignore them or kick the ball without looking. This is because they are more likely to exploit the goalkeeper's weakness or mistake, and less likely to be influenced by their tactics or pressure.
Tip 5: Practice, practice, practice
A fifth and final way to fool the goalkeeper is to practice, practice, practice. You can do this by taking penalty kicks regularly, in different situations and conditions, against different goalkeepers and defenders. You can also do this by studying and analyzing your own performance and that of other penalty takers, and learning from your mistakes and successes.
Studies have shown that penalty takers who practice, practice, practice score more often than those who do not. This is because they are more likely to improve their psychology, technique, skill, and confidence, and less likely to be affected by nerves, fatigue, or pressure.
How to save a penalty kick as a goalkeeper?
Saving a penalty kick may seem like an impossible task, but it is not. It requires a combination of psychology, technique, and skill to anticipate and stop the shot of the penalty taker. Here are some of the factors that can help you save a penalty kick as a goalkeeper:
The psychology and mindset of a confident goalkeeper
The first and most important factor in saving a penalty kick is your mental state. You need to be confident, calm, and focused on your task. You need to block out any distractions, such as the crowd noise, the pressure of the situation, or the penalty taker's antics. You need to have a clear plan of what you are going to do and stick to it.
Some of the ways to improve your psychology and mindset are:
Visualize yourself saving the penalty kick before you face it. Imagine yourself positioning yourself on the goal line, watching the penalty taker's run-up and shot, diving in the right direction, and catching or deflecting the ball. This will help you boost your self-belief and motivation.
Breathe deeply and relax your muscles before you face the kick. This will help you reduce your stress and anxiety levels and improve your concentration and coordination.
Use positive self-talk and affirmations to reinforce your confidence and calmness. For example, you can say to yourself: "I can do this", "I am a great goalkeeper", "I have practiced this many times", "I know how to read the penalty taker", etc.
Avoid negative thoughts and emotions that can undermine your performance. For example, do not think about: "What if I concede?", "What will happen if I fail?", "The penalty taker is too good", "The crowd is too loud", etc.
The technique and skill of a great penalty save
The second factor in saving a penalty kick is your technique and skill. You need to have a good understanding of how to position yourself on the goal line, how to watch the penalty taker's run-up and shot, how to dive in the right direction, and how to catch or deflect the ball. You need to be able to control your body movements and balance during your dive and follow-through. You need to be able to adjust your save depending on the situation and conditions.
Some of the ways to improve your technique and skill are:
Choose a spot on the goal line where you want to stand. This will help you cover as much of the goal as possible and make it harder for the penalty taker to find an open space. Generally, you want to stand slightly off-centre from the ball depending on your preferred diving side and the penalty taker's preferred shooting foot.
Watch the penalty taker's run-up and shot carefully. This will help you read their intention and anticipate their direction. Generally, you want to look for clues such as their eye contact, head position, foot orientation, or body language.
Dive in the direction that you think the ball is going. This will help you reach the ball faster and increase your chances of saving it. Generally, you want to dive with your arms stretched out, your hands open, and your body parallel to the ground.
Catch or deflect the ball with your hands or body. This will help you secure the ball or clear it away from danger. Generally, you want to catch the ball if it is within your reach, or deflect it if it is too far or too fast.
The tips and tricks to read the penalty taker and anticipate their shot
The third factor in saving a penalty kick is your ability to read the penalty taker and anticipate their shot. You need to have a good knowledge of how the penalty taker thinks and reacts, and how you can use that to your advantage. You need to be able to use deception, variation, and adaptation to outwit the penalty taker and find the best spot to dive.
Some of the tips and tricks to read the penalty taker are:
Tip 1: Study the penalty taker's habits and tendencies
One of the best ways to read the penalty taker is to study their habits and tendencies before you face them. You can do this by watching their previous penalty kicks, either live or on video, and analyzing their patterns and preferences. You can also do this by asking your teammates, coaches, or scouts for information or advice.
Studies have shown that goalkeepers who study the penalty taker's habits and tendencies save more often than those who do not. This is because they are more likely to predict their target and timing, and less likely to be surprised or fooled by their shot.
Tip 2: Use the positioning and angle method
Another way to read the penalty taker is to use the positioning and angle method, which is a technique of standing slightly off-centre from the ball on the goal line, depending on your preferred diving side and the penalty taker's preferred shooting foot. This will help you influence their decision and make them shoot where you want them to.
Studies have shown that goalkeepers who use the positioning and angle method save more often than those who do not. This is because they are more likely to create a visual illusion that makes one side of the goal look bigger than the other, and thus tempt the penalty taker to shoot there, and thus make it easier for them to save the shot.
Tip 3: Use distraction and intimidation tactics
A third way to read the penalty taker is to use distraction and intimidation tactics, which are methods of trying to unsettle, confuse, or scare the penalty taker before or during their shot. You can do this by talking to them, gesturing to them, pointing to a spot on the goal, moving on the goal line, or making noise or faces.
Studies have shown that goalkeepers who use distraction and intimidation tactics save more often than those who do not. This is because they are more likely to affect the penalty taker's concentration, confidence, or composure, and thus make them miss or mishit their shot.
Tip 4: Trust your instincts and reflexes
A fourth way to read the penalty taker is to trust your instincts and reflexes, which are your natural abilities to sense and react to the situation. You can do this by relying on your intuition, experience, or gut feeling, and by being ready to move quickly and decisively.
Studies have shown that goalkeepers who trust their instincts and reflexes save more often than those who do not. This is because they are more likely to act spontaneously and confidently, and less likely to overthink or hesitate.
Tip 5: Be ready for rebounds and follow-ups
A fifth and final way to read the penalty taker is to be ready for rebounds and follow-ups, which are situations where the ball bounces back into play from the goalkeeper, the crossbar, or the goalposts, and another player tries to score from it. You can do this by staying alert and vigilant, and by recovering quickly and positioning yourself well.
Studies have shown that goalkeepers who are ready for rebounds and follow-ups save more often than those who are not. This is because they are more likely to prevent a second chance for the attacking team, and less likely to concede a goal from a loose ball.
Conclusion
In conclusion, penalty kicks are one of the most thrilling and challenging aspects of soccer. They require a combination of psychology, technique, skill, and luck to score or save them. They can also be influenced by various factors such as the referee's decision, the crowd's reaction, the weather conditions, or the game situation.
In this article, we have provided you with an ultimate guide to penalty kicks, covering everything from their history and evolution, to their procedure and rules, to their techniques and skills, to their psychology and mindset. We have also given you some practical advice on how to score or save them, based on statistics, research, and expert opinions.
We hope that this article has helped you understand, appreciate, and master the art of penalty kicks. Whether you are a player, a coach , or a fan, this article will help you enjoy and excel at penalty kicks. So go ahead and practice your skills, and be ready for the next time you face or take a penalty kick!
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about penalty kicks:
Q: What is the success rate of penalty kicks?
A: According to a study by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), the average success rate of penalty kicks in professional soccer is about 75%. This means that out of 100 penalty kicks, 75 are scored and 25 are missed or saved. However, this rate may vary depending on the level of competition, the quality of players, or the pressure of the situation.
Q: Who is the best penalty taker in soccer history?
A: This is a difficult question to answer, as there are many factors that can affect the performance of a penalty taker, such as their technique, skill, psychology, consistency, and luck. However, some of the players who are widely regarded as the best penalty takers in soccer history are:
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portuguese superstar has scored over 150 penalty kicks in his career, with a success rate of over 80%. He is known for his power, accuracy, and confidence when taking penalties.
Lionel Messi: The Argentine legend has scored over 100 penalty kicks in his career, with a success rate of over 75%. He is known for his finesse, placement, and creativity when taking penalties.
Matt Le Tissier: The English maestro has scored 47 out of 48 penalty kicks in his career, with a success rate of over 97%. He is known for his calmness, composure, and variation when taking penalties.
Alessandro Del Piero: The Italian icon has scored 71 out of 77 penalty kicks in his career, with a success rate of over 92%. He is known for his technique, skill, and elegance when taking penalties.
Rickie Lambert: The English journeyman has scored 48 out of 49 penalty kicks in his career, with a success rate of over 98%. He is known for his power, precision, and reliability when taking penalties.
Q: Who is the best penalty saver in soccer history?
A: This is also a difficult question to answer, as there are many factors that can affect the performance of a goalkeeper, such as their technique, skill , psychology, consistency, and luck. However, some of the players who are widely regarded as the best penalty savers in soccer history are:
Gianluigi Buffon: The Italian legend has saved 28 out of 83 penalty kicks in his career, with a success rate of over 33%. He is known for his reflexes, anticipation, and experience when saving penalties.
Manuel Neuer: The German star has saved 24 out of 66 penalty kicks in his career, with a success rate of over 36%. He is known for his agility, positioning, and intelligence when saving penalties.
Lev Yashin: The Soviet icon has saved 151 out of 270 penalty kicks in his career, with a success rate of over 55%. He is known for his athleticism, courage, and charisma when saving penalties.
Diego Alves: The Brazilian ace has saved 25 out of 56 penalty kicks in his career, with a success rate of over 44%. He is known for his intuition, instinct, and flair when saving penalties.
Jose Luis Chilavert: The Paraguayan hero has saved 62 out of 132 penalty kicks in his career, with a success rate of over 46%. He is known for his technique, skill, and personality when saving penalties.
Q: What are the different types of penalty kicks?
A: There are different types of penalty kicks depending on the situation and context of the game. Some of the common types are:
Regular penalty kick: This is the type of penalty kick that we have discussed in this article. It is awarded when an offence punishable by a direct free kick is committed by a player in their own penalty area during normal play.
Penalty shoot-out: This is a type of penalty kick that is used to determine the winner of a game that is tied after regulation time and extra time. It consists of a series of five penalty kicks taken alternately by each team. If the score is still level after five kicks each, the shoot-out continues with sudden death kicks until one team scores and the other misses.
Kicks from the penalty mark: This is a type of penalty kick that is used to determine the winner of a game that cannot be completed for any reason. It consists of a series of three penalty kicks taken alternately by each team. If the score is still level after three kicks each, the kicks continue with sudden death kicks until one team scores and the other misses.
Indirect penalty kick: This is a type of penalty kick that is awarded when an offence punishable by an indirect free kick is committed by a player in their own goal area. It consists of a free kick taken from any point within the goal area by any player other than the goalkeeper. The ball must touch another player before it can enter the goal.
Q: What are some of the famous or controversial penalty kicks in soccer history?
A: There are many famous or controversial penalty kicks in soccer history that have made headlines or sparked debates. Some of them are:
The Hand of God: In the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England, Diego Maradona scored a goal with his hand that was not spotted by the referee. He later claimed that it was "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God". Argentina went on to win the game 2-1 and eventually the World Cup.
The Panenka: In the 1976 European Championship final between Czechoslovakia and West Germany, Antonin Panenka scored the decisive goal in the penalty shoot-out with a cheeky chip over the goalkeeper. He later said that he had invented this technique after watching children play soccer. The Panenka has since become a popular and risky way to take a penalty kick.
The Zidane Headbutt: In the 2006 World Cup final between France and Italy, Zinedine Zidane was sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the chest after an exchange of words. Zidane later said that Materazzi had insulted his family. France went on to lose the game on penalties and Italy won the World Cup.
The Suarez Bite: In the 2010 World Cup quarter-final between Uruguay and Ghana, Luis Suarez deliberately handled the ball on the goal line to prevent a goal in the last minute of extra time. He was sent off and Ghana were awarded a penalty kick. However, Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty and Uruguay went on to win the game on penalties. Suarez later said that he had made "the save of the tournament".
The VAR Drama: In the 2018 World Cup round of 16 between Spain and Russia, Gerard Pique was penalized for a handball in the penalty area after a video review. Artem Dzyuba scored the penalty and Russia went on to win the game on penalties. Spain were eliminated and Pique announced his retirement from international soccer.
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