How To Make a Penalty Kick

  • November 12, 2008
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It’s just you and the goalkeeper—what could be easier? The penalty kick doesn’t have to be scary. Think of it as your golden opportunity to save the day and cover yourself in glory.

You Will Need

  • A soccer game
  • A penalty kick opportunity
  • A soccer ball
How To Make a Penalty Kick: Observe referee

Step 1: Observe referee

Observe the referee as he places the ball on the penalty mark, which is 12 yards from the center of the goal line. Use the opportunity to shake out your legs and clear your mind of distractions.

How To Make a Penalty Kick: Go to the ball

Step 2: Go to the ball

As your teammates and the opposing team clear the penalty area, go to the ball to signal to the referee that you will be the one taking the shot.

How To Make a Penalty Kick: Line up for the kick

Step 3: Line up for the kick

Line up for the kick, taking a few backward steps diagonally behind the ball.

If you’re a right-footed kicker, step diagonally back to the left. Left-footed kickers should step back diagonally right.

How To Make a Penalty Kick: Aim

Step 4: Aim

Decide what part of the net you’re going to aim for. Once you’ve decided, do not change your mind.

Consider kicking the ball to one of the low corners. This is the hardest place for the goalkeeper to reach.

How To Make a Penalty Kick: Wait for the whistle

Step 5: Wait for the whistle

Wait for the whistle signal from the referee that indicates you can proceed with your kick.

How To Make a Penalty Kick: Approach the ball

Step 6: Approach the ball

Once the referee signals, approach the ball, planting your non-striking foot to the side of the ball.

How To Make a Penalty Kick: Kick the ball

Step 7: Kick the ball

Kick the ball with the instep of your striking foot.

How To Make a Penalty Kick: Celebrate

Step 8: Celebrate

Watch the goalkeeper miss, then celebrate your heroism with your exultant teammates.

The 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup was decided on penalty kicks between the U.S. and China. The U.S. won.

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Comments (1)

HeatherM

I love cut-out animation like this!

over 3 years ago by HeatherM

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