PENALTY KICKS

Penalty kicks are a natural part of the game of soccer. In many ways, if a goalkeeper does not make the save, it is not looked at as a failure. But most goalkeepers do not want penalty kicks to result in points for the other team. Goalkeepers have to learn to observe the shooter and watch certain body cues that inform the goalkeeper as to which direction the ball will be heading. When a goalkeeper has been playing soccer long enough, this practice of observing a shooter will become natural. A goalkeeper should be observant throughout the entire game. When saving the ball, the goalkeeper should utilize all their skills.

There are a few things to watch out for when trying to block a penalty kick. Watch the shooter’s foot position. Their dominant foot will be planted in the opposite direction of the ball. This means if the dominant foot is the right foot, then the ball will go left. This is not true for all players, but for the most part, it is worth looking at when observing a player before they kick the ball. A goalkeeper should also look at the shooter entire body and facial reactions. They can give away plenty in terms of how hard the shooter will kick the ball, which way it will go, and if they will kick it into the air or keep it low to the ground. Watch the player’s body movements as well. Sometimes a goalkeeper can determine if the shot will be a push pass, or a cross-body shot. This can help a goalkeeper protect the goal and possibly keep the other team from winning the game.

When a goalkeeper is deciding on which way they think the ball will go, they should be prepared for anything. Being ready for whatever will happen is the best strategy. Penalty kicks are a toss up when it comes to whether a goal will be scored or not. Goalkeepers have a fair chance at saving the ball, but many times they do not. This does not mean that the goalkeeper is not a good player, it is simply luck sometimes.

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