Penalties

Executing a penalty kick in football requires a combination of technical skill, mental focus, and strategic decision-making. A penalty kick is awarded when a defending player commits a foul inside their own penalty area. It is a one-on-one situation between the penalty taker and the goalkeeper, taken from 12 yards (11 meters) away from goal. Here’s how to execute it effectively, followed by examples of how it can be applied in match situations.

Steps to Execute a Penalty Kick

1. Mental Preparation: Stay calm and focused. The pressure is high, but confidence is key. Penalty takers often choose a target before approaching the ball to avoid last-second indecision.

2. Run-Up and Body Positioning: Approach the ball at a comfortable angle. Some players use a straight run-up, while others prefer a curved approach. The angle and speed can influence the type of shot and direction.

3. Eye on the Ball: Focus on the ball during the strike rather than the goalkeeper. This ensures accuracy and solid contact.

4. Ball Placement: Hit the ball with the inside of the foot for precision, or with the instep (laces) for more power. Common placement areas are the bottom corners or high into the net — both hard for goalkeepers to reach.

5. Deception and Timing: Some players use a stutter-step or delayed shot to throw off the goalkeeper’s timing. Others watch the keeper’s movement before committing to a direction — this is known as a “wait-and-react” method.

6. Follow Through: Ensure a smooth follow-through after contact. Don’t stop abruptly, as this can compromise power and accuracy.

Match Situations and Examples

1. Regular-Time Penalty Award: During a match, a penalty might be awarded for a foul or handball. For instance, in the 2018 World Cup Final, France was awarded a penalty after a VAR review confirmed a handball by a Croatian player. Antoine Griezmann scored, increasing France’s lead.

2. Penalty Shootouts: If a knockout-stage match ends in a draw, it moves to a penalty shootout. Players take alternating shots. In the 2022 World Cup Final, Argentina and France went to penalties after a 3-3 draw. Lionel Messi calmly scored his penalty by deceiving the goalkeeper with a slight pause before shooting.

3. Psychological Duels: In high-stakes moments, mind games matter. Andrea Pirlo’s famous “Panenka” against England in Euro 2012 is a classic example. He chipped the ball gently down the middle as the goalkeeper dived, showing composure and nerve.

4. Club-Level Examples: Cristiano Ronaldo often chooses power and placement, hitting the ball into the side-netting. In contrast, Jorginho uses a hop-step technique to delay his strike and read the keeper’s movement.

In conclusion, executing a penalty in football is as much about psychology and composure as it is about technique. Success depends on thorough preparation, choosing a strategy, and maintaining focus under pressure. Different situations — whether in normal time or shootouts — demand different mental approaches, but the fundamentals remain consistent.