Penalty shootout — what it is and why it grips fans

A penalty shootout is the most dramatic way to settle a tied knockout game. One kick can turn joy into heartbreak in seconds. Whether you're a player, coach, or just watching, knowing the rules and the small details makes the moment less mysterious and more thrilling.

How a shootout works — quick and practical

After extra time ends tied, a coin toss decides which team kicks first and which goal to use. Each team takes five kicks in alternation. If one team can't catch up before all five kicks are taken, the shootout ends early. If they're still level after five each, it goes to sudden death: one kick each until one team scores and the other misses.

Key rules to remember: the ball is kicked from the penalty mark, the goalkeeper must stay on the goal line until the ball is kicked, and players other than the kicker and keeper must stay outside the penalty area. If a kicker or keeper breaks the rules, the referee can order a retake or award the kick to the other team.

Simple tips for takers and keepers

For takers: pick your spot before you run up. Hesitation costs you time and confidence. Practice one or two reliable finishes under pressure so your body knows the motion when nerves kick in. Change your routine rarely in shootouts — consistency beats creativity when the stadium is loud.

For keepers: study opponents' habits. Some players always aim low to one side; others prefer the keeper’s reach. Delay your dive by a fraction to force the kicker to commit. When you dive, commit fully — half-hearted shuffles are easy to read. And remember: saving one makes you a hero; staying in position can force a miss.

Psychology matters more than technique in many cases. Slow, deep breaths, a short routine, and a focus point on the spot reduce panic. Coaches often choose kickers by calmness under pressure, not just by who scored most in training.

Real match context helps. Paulo Dybala’s composed penalty against Venezia shows how a practiced routine wins tight games. Mason Greenwood’s late spot-kick for Marseille proves penalties aren't only shootouts — spot kicks decide matches at all moments. These examples show the same skills that win shootouts: confidence, practice, and timing.

If you're watching, notice the body language. Players going early with their eyes closed often miss direction. A keeper who blinks or shifts weight before the kick is easier to read. And when a shootout reaches sudden death, expect managers to send experienced, calm players forward — not always the top scorers.

Want more? Scan our penalty-related stories and match reports to see how different teams handle the pressure, and watch how tactics change in real time. Penalty shootouts are theatre — and a little knowledge makes them a lot more exciting to follow.