21 · PENALTY TECHNIQUE

Best football tricks

PENALTY TECHNIQUE

Penalty technique — how to get the perfect shot

With the penalty technique shown, always approach the ball in the same way, whether you intend to aim at the right or left corner. Consistency is the key to success.

The run-up is especially important and should remain consistent. You decide whether it is short, as in the video, or slightly longer. What matters is that you feel comfortable and the rhythm suits you.

Mental preparation is another decisive factor. Visualise the situation beforehand, following the example of Jack Nicklaus, the most successful golfer of all time. He once said:

“I have never hit a shot, even in practice, without first clearly imagining it.”

Bring this strategy into your penalty and picture exactly how the ball goes perfectly into the net. With this technique, you can approach the spot confidently and successfully.

How do you take the best penalties?

The German Sport University Cologne

examined penalties in a scientific review, identifying the key factors and success probabilities through an analysis of 80 studies.

Here are some important findings:

1.

Think carefully about your strategy before you shoot.

2.

Remember that the safest penalty is aimed at the top third of the goal.

If you strike it correctly, the goalkeeper has almost a 0 per cent chance of saving it. Only 13 per cent of professionals choose this option.

See our video no. 22 — Training Video Trick — Penalty Technique.

3.

30 per cent of shots go into the middle third and 57 per cent into the lower third. These techniques are much more popular, but also riskier because the goalkeeper expects them.

4.

Remember that right-footed players mainly aim at the left corner from the taker’s perspective. You might choose the other side sometimes.

5.

Remember that left-footed players mainly aim at the right corner from the taker’s perspective. You might choose the other side sometimes.

6.

A red shirt worn by the taker often unsettles the goalkeeper.

7.

Do not let the goalkeeper’s movements unsettle you. Concentrate on your shot from beginning to end.