Tactics / Set pieces

Penalties

A simple routine for both ends. Our taker picks a corner early, our keeper stands on the line, and everyone else waits on the edge of the box, outside the arc, ready for a rebound.

Set piecesFrom 7v7

9.15 M IN 9V9 AND 11V11GK97854
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

A penalty is mostly about staying calm and being first to the rebound. A plan for every player means nobody gets it retaken for being in the box early, and the second ball is ours.

What players do

  • Taker: choose a corner before you put the ball down. Side-foot it low and firm.
  • Everyone else: outside the box and behind the ball until it is kicked, at least 5 yards from the spot in 5v5 and 7v7, and 9.15 m (outside the arc) in 9v9 and 11v11.
  • Two runners on the edge, one each side, ready to follow in.
  • Our keeper facing a penalty: on the line, between the posts, facing the taker, until it is kicked.
  • Against: defenders on the edge, goal-side of their players, ready to clear wide.

Common mistakes

  • Players running into the box before the kick, so it is retaken.
  • The taker changing their mind during the run-up.
  • Everyone watching the kick instead of following in.

With young players

Keep it light. Everyone misses some penalties, and a save is a bonus for a keeper, not an expectation. Agree the taker before the match so nobody has to decide in the moment, and let anyone who wants to practise have a go in training.

Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch, showing the part where it happens. Orange attacks left to right and the other team is in blue; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.

Put it into your own team's plan in the team builder, and see what it asks of each player.

Next: Width and depth

What it asks of each player

The same idea, from every line of the team. Set it up for your own team in the team builder.

Practices that train it

Start with the first, and build up to the game.