Football Penalty Kicks Explained: Rules, Procedure & Common Mistakes
The score is level. Ninety minutes of football have come down to this: one player, one goalkeeper, twelve yards and a single kick. No teammates to rely on. No second chances. The goalkeeper dives left. The striker shoots right. The ball hits the net or misses.
Football penalty kicks are one of the most dramatic moments in the game. Yet many fans watch them without fully understanding what happens, what the rules say or why players miss under pressure. From the football ball itself to the rules governing the penalty taker, this guide breaks down football penalty kicks from the ground up, so you know exactly what is happening and why.
What Is a Penalty Kick in Football?
A penalty kick is awarded when a player commits a direct free-kick offense inside their own penalty area. This can include certain fouls or handball offenses. The kicker takes the shot from the penalty mark, which is 11 metres (12 yards) from the goal line. Learning the basic penalty kick rules helps players and fans understand what should happen during the kick.
A penalty kick gives one player a direct attempt against the goalkeeper. All other players must stay outside the penalty area and penalty arc until the ball is kicked.
The Exact Rules of a Penalty Kick
The Laws of the Game set clear conditions for football penalty kicks. The ball must be placed on the penalty mark, and the kicker must be clearly identified before the kick. The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot touching, in line with or behind the goal line when the ball is kicked. Moving forward too early can lead to a retake in certain situations.
All other players must stay outside the penalty area, the penalty arc and behind the penalty mark until the kick is taken. These football penalty rules also cover encroachment by attacking and defending players. What happens after an infringement can depend on who committed it and what happens to the kick.
Key rule:
The kicker cannot touch the ball a second time until another player touches it. For example, if the ball hits the post and comes straight back, the kicker cannot immediately kick it again.
How a Penalty Shootout Works
A penalty shootout is used to decide certain knockout matches when the score remains level after extra time. It is separate from normal match play.
Under standard penalty shootout rules, each team initially takes five kicks, with the teams taking turns. The team that scores more from those five kicks wins. If the score is still level after five kicks each, the shootout continues with one kick per team. This continues until one team scores and the other does not from the same number of kicks.
The penalty shootout rules also cover which players can take kicks and how the teams manage their eligible players. The order of kickers is decided by each team, while an eligible goalkeeper can also take a kick.
Penalty Kick Technique : What Separates a Good Kick from a Great One
Good penalty kick technique starts with a clear decision. Choose where you want to shoot before starting your run-up and commit to it.
The best penalty takers commit to a corner before they start their run and do not look at the goalkeeper again. This is called “placement shooting.” The other approach, keeper-dependent shooting, means the kicker waits to see which way the goalkeeper dives and shoots the other way. It requires quick reflexes and steady nerves. Most top-level coaches teach placement shooting because it removes the goalkeeper from the equation.
Foot contact matters too. A side-foot to the corner is the most reliable technique, as it gives accuracy at the cost of some pace. A laced strike down the middle or to a corner gives power but needs precision timing. Shooting at mid-height to the corners is actually harder for goalkeepers to save than shots to the top corners, which are harder to control.
For players working on their penalty kick technique, practise both placement and power. Start by hitting specific areas of the goal before adding pressure or a goalkeeper. For the right gear to work on your penalty kick technique, explore the full range of football equipment at NIVIA Sports.
Common Mistakes Players Make During Penalty Kicks
- Changing Direction Mid-Run
Decide where you want to shoot before you start your run-up. Changing your mind halfway often leads to a weak, poorly controlled shot.
- Rushing the Run-Up
A rushed run-up can reduce both power and control. Take at least five controlled steps and keep your pace steady as you approach the ball.
- Aiming Too Close to the Centre
Many players play it safe and aim too close to the middle. Aim around 12–18 inches inside the post to give yourself some margin while keeping the ball away from the goalkeeper's comfortable reach.
- Giving Away Your Target
Looking at the goalkeeper for too long can give away where you plan to shoot. Pick your spot, stay focused and commit to the shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a penalty kick awarded in football?
A penalty is awarded when a player commits a direct-free-kick offence inside their own penalty area.
How far is the penalty spot from the goal?
The penalty spot is 11 metres (12 yards) from the goal line.
Can the goalkeeper move before the penalty is kicked?
The goalkeeper must have at least part of one foot touching, in line with, or behind the goal line when the kick is taken.
Can the penalty taker stop during the run-up?
A player can use normal feints during the run-up, but deliberately stopping after completing the run-up is not allowed.
What happens if the penalty taker touches the ball twice?
The kicker cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it. A second touch results in an indirect free kick.
Can any player take a penalty in a shootout?
Only eligible players can take kicks, and the team follows the required order during the shootout.
What is the best way to practise penalty kicks?
Practise placement first, then add power and pressure. Try different targets and repeat kicks when tired.
Should you look at the goalkeeper before taking a penalty?
You can read the goalkeeper, but avoid changing your decision at the last moment. Pick your target and commit to the shot.
Is power more important than placement?
Usually, controlled placement is more useful than simply hitting the ball as hard as possible. A well-placed shot gives the goalkeeper less time and reach.
