3 Soccer Training Secrets to Penalty TakingSoccerSkillsPro.com

Penalty Kicks One of the most pressured and intense

moments in a soccer game A mind game as much as a physical

achievement An element with an important

foundation

•It pays not to be overconfident but to really know your strengths and tactics in advance.

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•It pays not to play games of reverse psychology as the goalkeeper is likely to be well aware of what you’re up to.

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•It’s important not to give the game away with your eyes and body movements.

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Steps to Become an Effective Penalty Shooter1. Practice focusing and

self-composure techniques as part of your regular training.

2. Be decisive and kick the ball once the referee whistles.

3. Be prepared and don’t deviate from your training.

1. Practice focusing and self-composure techniques as part of your regular training. Even before you are

in the position of having to take a penalty goal, part of your training should always be to learn the techniques for keeping yourself calm under pressure.

a. Learn how to remain focused.

b. Practice staying calm under pressure, not thinking about the things that could go wrong.

c. Practice visualization of positive results.

2. Be decisive and kick the ball once the referee whistles. Decide first whether you will kick for

accuracy or for power. This determines your kick style.

ACCURACYIf it’s “precision over

power” you want, then the

recommended kick is the inside-foot.

POWERSometimes power can be enough to take the ball

past the keeper. To achieve this shot, shoot hard with the instep, i.e.

from the laces.

Take a short, straight run up of only four to six steps.

Kick the ball low and hard.Aim for about three inches (7.5 cm) inside of each post.

Chris Jones says that the low and hard shot taken from a short, straight run is “impossible to stop.”

3. Be prepared and don’t deviate from your training. Don’t:

Turn the expectation of a goal into added pressure

Feel that the shot has to leave the ground Hesitate about where you will place the

ball Place undue importance on the moment

If you are playing a goalkeeper who always jumps early, you can send one straight down the middle and watch him jump out of the way.

On average, your team will be awarded a penalty kick every 3-4 games.

As you learn to: Master the mental

toughness Stay composed Score penalties

You will: Score more goals Help your team win

more games Cement yourself as a

valuable player and team leader