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.

If you have watched a game of soccer before, I am sure you’ve wondered what offside is. I am here to tell you all you need to know so that you can be an informed fan of Husky soccer.

According to Law 11 of FIFA’s Laws of the Game, a player is in an offside position if he or she (any part of the head, feet or body) is closer to the opponent’s goal line than the second to last defender and the ball – and he is in the opponent’s half of the field.

That is the official rule, but it’s confusing, so let me explain it better. The offside rule in soccer is a way to ensure fair play and prevent goals from players hanging in front of their opponent’s goal. A player is considered offside if they are closer to the opponent’s goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last defending player (usually the goalkeeper is last the last defender) when the ball is played to them.

It is not a violation merely to be in an offside position. It only becomes an offense if the offside player gains an advantage from being in that position or interferes with an opponent. The rule is applied to encourage skillful gameplay while preventing unfair advantages.

If a player is deemed offside, the opposing team is awarded a free kick or an indirect free kick, depending on the location and circumstances of the offside offense. The free kick is taken from the place where the offside violation occurred.

We asked a few hockey players what they think the offside rule is, and this is what they had to say.

“If you’re behind the defense of the other team before your teammate plays the ball,” Pete Moore ’24 said.

“Doesn’t the ball have to cross before you?” asked Ritter Coombs ’25.

“The player has to be in front of the last defender before the ball is played,” said Will Schneid ’25.

So, obviously our hockey players need this explainer. They have the idea of it correct, but not 100%.

Here is a diagram and a short video of what is an offside position and what is not:

Read other articles in the “Idiot’s Guide to Soccer” series.