Opening Whistle
Penalty kicks have the unparalleled ability of captivating the attention of millions, as the fate of a game can hinge on a single strike. The art of taking penalties encompasses a delicate balance between technique, mind games and mental fortitude. As the ultimate one-on-one battle between goalkeeper and shooter, it is a moment where nerves are tested, and legends are made. Join us on this journey into the intricate world of spot kicks, as we look to unravel the secrets behind the art of penalty taking.
Image Credit - Creative Commons
Element 1: Handling the Pressure
The first step of taking a successful penalty starts as soon as the penalty is awarded. The designated penalty taker must immediately enter into a positive mental state to deal with the pressure. This could include taking deep breaths as the referee is setting up the spot kick or visualizing a successful outcome. The key is embracing the pressure all while managing to remain grounded in the present moment. Approaching the penalty with a confident mindset is key and drastically increases the chance of a goal.
Element 2 : The Run-Up
The run-up to a penalty is the second step which can decide the outcome of a spot kick. As the player positions the ball on the spot, anticipation builds among the crowd from both sets of supporters. There is no set run up style, with approaches varying among players. Some prefer an explosive run up, while others like Paul Pogba have adopted a very slow and relaxed method. Clinical strikers Robert Lewandoski and Mario Balotelli use a stutter-step run up, where they look the keeper in the eye, hesitate, and place the ball in the corner.
There are also many variations in the length of a run up. Most players prefer a traditional approach of 4-5 steps. That being said, there are players that prefer short 1-2 step run ups while others take extremely long run ups. Regardless of the length and speed of the run up, it is important for players to pick one technique and consistently practice it until it becomes second nature.
Great Video On How to Take Penalties- Video Credit Bundesliga Youtube
Element 3: Ball Striking technique
The final step of a penalty is making contact with the ball and putting it in the back of the net. Similar to the run up, there are many different techniques. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Placement Penalty: Precision is paramount when it comes to penalty kicks. With this method, players opt to place the ball in specific areas of the goal, targeting the corners. With this technique power is compromised which can allow the keeper to make a save if he dives the right way.
Power Penalty: As the name indicates, with this technique players hit the ball as hard as they possibly can. If they manage to hit the target, this penalty is very difficult to save. However, you run the risk of over-hitting the ball and missing the next.
Panenka: An ingenious penalty invented by Czech player Antonín Panenka, this technique entails chipping the ball right down the middle of the net. The key for success is using the run up to trick the keeper into believing that you are shooting in the corners. However, if the keeper does not dive and you use the Panenka, you risk one of the most embarrassing penalty outcomes.
Hop-Jump: A more modern technique used by Arsenal Player Jorginho, the hop jump entails jumping right before shooting the ball in order to confuse the keeper and make him dive. After the jump, the player simply side foots the ball in the net. A solid technique, however similar to the panenka, if the keeper does not fall for the trick, it is quite easy to save.
Great Video On Panenkas - Video Wrzzer Youtube
Artists on Display
We talked about the technicalities of a great penalty, now let’s look at 3 of the world’s best penalty takers, masters of their craft.
Ivan Toney: Arguably the most clinical penalty taker in world football right now is Ivan Toney. His casual 2 step run up is somewhat unorthodox, however he almost always manages to find the back of the next. Cool, calm and collected in front of goal, Toney has a talent of sending the keeper the wrong way with his eyes and body language.
Cristiano Ronaldo: The man for the big moment. When the game is on the line, there is nobody you would want on the ball more than CR7. Ronaldo loves big moments and the pressure that comes with it. The coolest customer in front of goal, Ronaldo is undoubtedly the athlete with the strongest mental fortitude.
Matt Le Tissier: One of the most underrated midfielders in English football, Matt Le Tissier was also one of the greatest penalty takers of all time. With a record of 47 penalties scored out of 48 attempts, Le Tissier had a remarkable 98% penalty conversion record throughout his career. His trick was keeping it simple. Picking a corner and side footing it there hard and low.
Final Whistle
In the captivating world of soccer, penalty kicks hold a unique place as an art form in their own right. The margins of success are very thin and all lie in how the shooter handles pressure, approaches his run up and how he strikes the ball. By delving into the intricacies of penalty kicks, we gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and finesse required to unleash the perfect strike and all the glory that comes with it.
And just like that the final whistle is blown. We hope you liked today’s article and we want to thank you for sticking with us till the end. Subscribe to the blog down below for the latest stories and follow us on Instagram @Studsup99 for more content. If you want in person technical training, book your free player assessment today. Let’s get stuck in!
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