The penalty kick was first used in 1891 to combat the use of illegal means to protect the goal, and since then it has become one of the most stressful parts of a football match. For the goalkeeper (goalkeeper), penalty kicks are sometimes a no-load situation so the pressure is often on the kicker. However, there are ways that the goalkeeper can read the situation and the players so that the chances of saving the goal increase. It is not uncommon to save a penalty kick to determine the win-lose of a team. Learn how to read the instructions and you'll be a good goalkeeper at penalty kicks as long as you practice diligently.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Reading Shots During the Match
Step 1. Watch the kicker's eye
Before shooting, the kicker will assess the situation and determine the direction of the shot. Seeing the eye of the kicker can tell where the ball is going.
- If the kicker repeatedly looks at a certain area of the goal, that is likely where the shot will be directed.
- The kicker's eye can also provide small clues. For example, if the kicker looks up at the sky, chances are the ball will be kicked between the goalposts.
- Professional footballers will also use their eyes to trick the goalkeeper into jumping in the wrong direction. Therefore, also see other instructions regarding the positioning of the kicker's body.
Step 2. Watch how the kicker approaches the goal
Does the kicker take a stand vertically or wide from the side? You can get important clues about where the ball is going by watching how the kicker approaches the goal.
- If the kicker approaches the goal from the side, often the kick goes into the opposite corner of the goal.
- If the kicker approaches the goal straight from the front, the direction of the shot will be more difficult to predict because the kicker is easier to pivot and shoot in different directions.
Step 3. Pay attention to the positioning of the kicker's body
Just like the eye, the way the kicker positions his body can give clues as to where the ball will be kicked. Body positioning is more visible than the kicker's eye, so this method is perfect for new goalkeepers or those who don't have much experience.
- Pay attention to the kicker's foot. The pedestal is the foot that doesn't kick but hits the ground. The ball that is kicked will follow the direction where the pedestal is pointing.
- Pay attention to the kicker's pelvis. Because the direction of the pelvis usually follows the direction of the feet, the ball that is kicked will also go towards the direction of the pelvis facing.
- Watch the kicker's head. Directions for the ball kick can be obtained from the kicker's head. If the kicker lowers his head and then pulls his leg back, the kicker is likely to take a cross-body kick. On the other hand, if the kicker's head is straight, the kick will likely go to the opposite corner.
Step 4. Watch the ball
If you have quick reflexes, or want to increase your reaction time, watch the direction of the ball after it's kicked. This method is risky and does not rely on tactics to read the direction of the kick, but sometimes this is the only option for the goalkeeper.
- This method is called reactionary rescue. Goalkeepers need quick reflexes and the confidence to follow the ball after it has been kicked.
- If you can pay attention to the ball and the positioning of the players, penalty kicks can be saved with some practice.
Step 5. React to the ball
When the kicker shoots the ball, you need to react to the ball based on clues gleaned from watching the ball and the kicker's body positioning. The reaction carried out depends on the path of the ball.
- You must always commit to the game no matter what. Doubts will lead to mistakes, including allowing the goal to be conceded.
- If it's kicked low, jump in and catch the ball with your hands.
- If the ball is gliding high, it's best to jump instead of plunging. If the ball is too high try boxing out of court.
- If you have a lot of opposing players in the goal area and need to quickly get rid of the ball, kick as far as you can.
- Don't forget to always look at the ball so it doesn't go out of sight.
- You need to react quickly, but not too fast. Penalty kicks are generally not so strong that they can be saved by the goalkeeper if they wait and react to the shot.
Step 6. Use instinct
Instinct is part of predicting the direction of a penalty kick. As you gain experience, you will be able to anticipate the direction of the kick effectively. However, even a novice goalkeeper can use instinct to stop penalty shots and save the goal.
Don't ignore your instincts when anticipating your opponent's shot. Your brain may give you subconscious and vague instructions so that your muscles receive reflex impulses and react on instinct
Step 7. Use optical illusions to your advantage
Recent research has shown that goalkeepers can use optical illusions to influence the accuracy of penalty shots. This tactic can make it easier for the goalkeeper to read the kicker.
- Don't stand right in the middle of the goal. Research shows that standing closer to one of the goal posts will affect the kicker's perception of kicking in a more open direction. Thus, the goalkeeper can jump strategically to stop the shot.
- Make yourself appear bigger so that the kicker loses concentration. For example, if you stretch your arms in the air, the kicker will feel your body expand and the goal looks smaller so that kernel doubt will be embedded in the kicker's mind when he is about to shoot.
Step 8. Talk to your partner
Usually, there is a short pause before the penalty kick starts. Take this time to ask your teammates if there are any unique patterns to the kicker's play that will help you anticipate where or how the kicker will shoot the ball.
Method 2 of 2: Researching Players before the Game
Step 1. Know the kicker's penalty shoot statistics
The kicker's general tendency is to shoot the ball in the opposite direction of the goalkeeper. This knowledge can help the goalkeeper anticipate the direction of the kicker's shot effectively.
- One study showed that almost 70% of penalty kicks were taken to the opposite side of the kicker's dominant foot: the right-footed kicker shoots towards the left (the goalkeeper's right), and vice versa.
- This is due to the natural swing of the foot crossing the body making it difficult to aim at the opposite corner of the goal using the footcap.
- If you can't read the kicker or the ball, it's best to assume that the right-footed shooter will shoot to the right and vice versa.
Step 2. Study the opposing team before the game
Studying your opponent before the match is as important as during the match. This will give an idea of how to play the opposing team and also find the pattern of the opposing player's play.
- Watch videos of the opposing team's play to find out their playing style.
- If your opponent's match is nearby and you don't have a video of their match, watch their match live.
- Studying a player's moves on a computer can also improve your ability to read the direction of the kicker's shot because you have clues about how your opponent plays.
Step 3. Learn about kinesiology
Knowing how to anticipate body movement can sometimes help a goalkeeper parry a shot on target. By learning the principles of kinesiology, or studying movement, you can become a more effective goalkeeper, especially when dealing with penalty kicks.
Most colleges offer kinesiology courses, but you can also find these online
Tips
- Pay attention to whether the kicking foot rotates around the ball or uses the inside of the foot.
- You may move along the goal line, but are not allowed to move forward until the shot has been taken.
- Don't forget that rebounds are playable except in penalty shootouts. Get ready to stop further fire.
- Try to predict where your opponent's shot is going, if possible.
