Definition

A penalty kick is a fixed situation in football, awarded when a defender commits an offence that would normally lead to a direct free kick, but occurs within his own penalty area. The penalty kick is taken from the eleven-metre spot, which is located eleven metres from the goal line in front of the goal. Only the goalkeeper may defend the goal during a penalty kick, while the other players must remain outside the penalty area and at least 9.15 metres from the penalty spot until the kick has been taken. The penalty kick gives the attacking team a very good chance of scoring and is therefore one of the most decisive situations in football.

Rules and execution

When the referee has awarded a penalty kick, the kicker positions himself at the penalty spot and waits for the referee's signal. The goalkeeper must remain on the goal line until the ball is kicked, but may move sideways. The other players stand outside the penalty area and may not run in until the ball is in play. If the goalkeeper saves the ball or it rebounds off the post or crossbar, play may continue and the other players may then participate in the game. If the penalty kick is taken directly into the goal, it counts as a recognised goal. Penalty kicks are also used to settle matches that end in a draw after regular time and extra time, when the teams take it in turns to take penalties in a special penalty shoot-out.

Meaning and psychology

Penalty kicks have a major impact on the outcome of the match and can often be decisive in important matches and tournaments. The situation puts a lot of pressure on both the shooter and the goalkeeper, and the psychological game between these two players is well known in football. Many players train specifically to take penalties, and some goalkeepers are known for their ability to save penalties. The penalty kick is therefore not only a technical but also a mental challenge, and its outcome can affect players, supporters and the morale of the whole team.