Very few moments in soccer rival the drama of a penalty. It is often a game-deciding moment that is just between you and the opposition’s goalkeeper. For those unfamiliar with the game’s rules, a penalty occurs when a foul is committed inside the 18-yard box on a soccer field. The ball is then placed twelve yards away from the goal in the center for an uncontested shot. While it may seem simple, the moment’s pressure is immense and the true test of a player’s mental strength.
Penalty kicks are as much about nerves as they are about skill. Standing alone with the game on the line can unnerve any experienced player. Psychologists call it “paralysis by analysis” when players overthink instead of trusting their training. Composure and confidence are keys to success. Mitchell Baker ‘24, a former top-scoring striker for Northwood, comments, “Penalties are all about pressure and mentality. In training, everyone can score a penalty because there is no pressure, but at the moment when there is pressure on, it’s about how confident you are to hit the ball with power top corner.”
Mitchell Baker 24’ taking a penalty at Northwood. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
Every penalty taker has a pre-shot routine to stay focused. Some take a deep breath, others adjust their socks, and a few will pray. These rituals, like Cristiano Ronaldo’s wide stance or Lionel Messi’s calm pause, help players find their rhythm and execute under pressure. Each player has their own; Jace Donawa ‘25 begins his routine by setting the ball on the penalty spot. “Next, I take five steps back and one to the right. Then, when the referee blows the whistle, I curve my run to the ball’s left to set my shot up for a right-footed shot. Then I stutter three steps before the ball, and after that, I put it where I want to,” he states.
Statistically, penalties aimed at the top corners are the hardest to save, yet many players prefer low shots for safety. Matt Sheldon, a professional soccer player and YouTuber, created a list of a few tips for penalties based on years of studies. One tip was as minor as not turning your back to the keeper. Psychiatrist Geir Jordet spent five years analyzing every single penalty shootout from all major tournaments, finding that if you turn your back, you are much more likely to miss your shot. At high levels, goalkeepers often don’t have time to react once the ball is hit, picking a side to dive—either left or right. This makes the center of the goal a surprisingly effective place to shoot. Many things play a big role in penalties that differ from other shots in the game, but confidence in execution often makes the biggest difference.
The penalty kick is a combination of art and science. At Northwood, students are mastering not only the technicalities of penalties but also how to navigate high-pressure moments in life. Success comes from trusting your routine, embracing the pressure, and taking the shot. At Northwood School, penalty kicks are more than just a soccer skill—they’re a lesson in handling life’s pressures.
Read other articles in the “Idiot’s Guide to Soccer” series.
