Match moments / Set pieces
A penalty for us
A penalty is a good chance, not a test. The taker picks a spot and sticks to it, and everyone else is ready for the ball to come back out.
In the match
- Decision 1Winger
- Decision 2Striker
- Decision 3Winger
You are 7.
Before the kick, where do you stand?
Play the build-up, then choose.
Best choice
Everyone apart from the taker and the keeper must be outside the box and at least five yards from the penalty mark until it is kicked (in 9v9 and 11v11, 9.15 m: that is what the arc marks). From the edge, you can be first to a save.
It can work
You will not get in trouble, but if the keeper saves it you are too far away to help.
Costly
Being in the box before the kick is against the rules. If it goes in, the referee has it taken again.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 9, taking the penalty.
How do you choose where to put it?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
Deciding early means your run-up is calm. A firm side-foot, low into a corner, is the most reliable penalty. Even good penalties get saved, and that is all right.
It can work
Some experienced players do this well. At this age, changing your mind mid-run often leads to a scuffed kick.
Costly
You can change speed during the run-up, but stopping to fake the kick once the run-up is over is against Law 14, and the referee will penalise it.
In the match, play carries on from the best choice.
You are 7, running in.
The save comes out towards you. What now?
Play what happened next, then choose.
Best choice
The keeper is on the floor on one side. A calm side-foot to the other side, low, is the easiest finish.
It can work
9 can play it once the keeper has touched it, but leaving it costs a second and their defenders are coming.
Costly
Their defenders were waiting on the edge too. If we watch, they clear it.
How you know it is happening
- The referee points to the spot.
- Everyone else must be outside the box and five yards from the spot.
- Their keeper is on the goal line.
Why it works
From a penalty, the taker should score most of the time. A clear plan keeps it calm. Everyone else has a job too: the rebound is a second chance.
Your job, by position
- STStriker
- Choose a corner before you put the ball down.
- Side-foot it low and firm.
- WWinger and wide midfielder
- Edge of the box, ready to run in.
- CMCentral midfielder
- Edge of the box, the other side.
How to explain it
- Agree the taker before the match, and let anyone who wants to practise have a go in training.
- Tell players: a missed penalty is part of football. Everyone misses some.
On the training pitch
- On your ownStrike the cornersThe technique underneath it, with a ball and some space.
- The practiceShoot and saveThe same decision, over and over, with a little pressure.
- The gameThe gameA small-sided game set up so the moment keeps happening.
Set the game up so it keeps happening
- Finish each training game with five penalties each, for fun. Everyone who wants a go gets one.
Three things to say
- Pick a corner early.
- Side-foot, low, firm.
- Everyone else on the edge, ready.
On Saturday
Tick them off on the day. Nothing is saved: print the page if you want to keep it.
After the whistle
Ask yourself
- Did you stick to the corner you chose?
What to look back on
- Were the players outside the box until the kick?