Soccer penalty kick is a free kick awarded to a participant who has been fouled in the penalty area during a match. It generates high-pressure moments for both players and spectators, as accuracy is essential for the kicker to score, and agility and intuition are needed for the goalkeeper to defend the goal. This type of kick presents an opportunity to turn the tide of the game – hence, we will explore the rules of penalty kicks to foster a better understanding of this significant soccer action.
What is a Soccer Penalty Kick?
A penalty kick in soccer is when a player is fouled within the penalty area and is consequently awarded a free kick. The penalty space is a huge, rectangular area around the goal at both ends of the pitch, and it provides teams with an opportunity to score during important games.
When is a Soccer Penalty Kick Given?
- When a player behaves carelessly, it suggests they have not considered the potential risks associated with their actions.
- A foul is labeled as reckless when a player appears to have disregarded the potential harm their actions may have posed to other players.
- A player who uses excessive force has intended to cause injury to another player.
Rules for Penalty Kicks in Soccer
A PK, or straight free kick, may be given in a number of circumstances, according to the Football Association (FA). A soccer penalty kick is given whenever a player engages in any of the following violations while acting recklessly, carelessly, or violently, as determined by the referee:
- Tries to kick or kicks
- Pushes
- Attacks or tries to attack (includes head-butting)
- Charges
- Efforts to trip or tackle, or trips or tackles
- Snatching or biting
- Holding an opponent
- Soccer offense
- Throwing anything at the ball, a rival, or a referee
- A player who uses excessive force has done so with the aim to cause injury to another player.
The Process of a Penalty Kicks
- When a player attempts a soccer penalty kick, the ball must be motionless, the kick must come from the penalty mark, and the goalposts, crossbar, and goal net cannot be moving.
- All players must be outside of this area, at least 10 yards away from where the ball will be shot, at the penalty spot or penalty point, which is 12 yards from the goal area and in the middle of the field.
- It is important to know who is kicking off.
- The other players must remain outside the top of the 18-yard box’s D shape. The penalty arc is what we call this.
- Players are not allowed to cross the penalty circle or the top 18-yard box line until the player shoots.
- Until the ball is kicked, the opposing goalie must stand on the goal line between the goalposts. The net, goalposts, or crossbar cannot be touched before the ball has been shot.
- The soccer penalty kick will be performed when the referee gives the signal.
- The ball is deemed to be in play when it is hit and obviously moves.
- The kicker or striker in this case, must kick the ball when instructed to do so, although they are permitted to perform feinting (deceptive) motions in the lead-up to the ball to trick the goalkeeper.
- When the balls stop moving, are blocked by the goalie, are out of play, or the game is stopped due to an offense, a penalty kick is deemed successful.
Tips for Successful Penalty Kicks
- Be confident and at ease when you get the opportunity to take a soccer penalty kick.
- Pay attention to the ball and the intended kick location.
- Kick with force, but make sure to follow through with your foot thereafter.
- If you have a left or right foot, position yourself slightly to the right and around five steps back from the ball.
- Make sure the goalie doesn’t notice you look at both corners of the goal so they don’t know where you’re going to hit.
- As you take the soccer penalty kick, be assured and have a plan in place.
The most important thing you can do is practice your penalty kicks ahead of time. You don’t want your first soccer penalty kick to happen in the middle of a game. Make sure this is a skill you practice regularly. This will help you develop your confidence and accuracy. You can also watch other penalty kick experts to learn their techniques and strategies, or ask a coach to help you practice and improve.
