Usa Women's Soccer Team Article

Soccer Tips: Penalty Shot

The goalie in a soccer game is always on red alert for the ball coming towards him. During the game, there are dedicated players whose job is to protect the goal. However, if a penalty kick must be done, it is between the opposing player and the goalie. The opposing player will be adamant on getting the ball in the goal. He will have a good chance on doing it, from twelve yards a way.

Penalty kicks are performed at any time during the game. They are relatively easy to score so some team members may attempt to sabotage the game by purposely getting in another player�s way to obstruct his view. However, if this is obvious to the umpire they will most likely announce a foul against the person obstructing the player.

The goalie will most likely feel like they are on the hot seat with a penalty kick. The goalie must remain within the restraints of the box and once the kick is made, he has seconds to stop it. The goalie can try to anticipate where the ball is going to go, and may be right and is able to prevent the goal. However, it is generally the matter of a split second decision.

Professional players watch their opponents closely and may want to look for clues, such as whether their opponent is right or left handed. They will also study the patterns of their opponents, to try to determine their particular kicking style.

Some professional players have noted that players most often aim for a particular side of the net. If they are right handed and kick with their right foot, they will most likely aim left. The goalie may want to stay to the left in an anticipation of the kick. However, the goalie must be prepared and must make a split second decision.

Other goalies believe that the opposite foot, or weight bearing foot of the kick notes the direction. So some goalies look for this sign and then make a determination about where they believe the ball is going.

The type of kick the player chooses to use for the penalty kick should be studied by the goal keeper. The push kick is used with the inside of the foot and is designed to push the ball into the goal. The driven shot is done with the top of the foot and carries a great deal of power. The cut shot is a combination of the two. The player kicks the ball near the top of his toe.

Soccer is a fast paced sport and the shots must be made with precision even when there are just seconds left in the game.