How Penalty Kicks Work in Soccer

The Basics

A penalty kick, also known as a spot kick, is a method used in soccer to determine the winner of a match that has ended in a tie after regular and extra time.

Each team takes turns taking five penalty kicks. The kicks are taken from a distance of 12 yards (11 meters) from the goal, with the goalkeeper standing on the goal line.

The player taking the penalty kick has one opportunity to score. If the player misses the goal, the opposing team is awarded a point.

Before the Penalty Kick

Before the penalty kick is taken, the referee will ensure that all players are positioned correctly. The player taking the penalty kick must be standing behind the ball, and the goalkeeper must be standing between the goalposts.

The referee will then blow his whistle to signal that the penalty kick can be taken.

After the Penalty Kick

After the penalty kick is taken, the referee will award a point to the team that scored. If both teams score, the penalty shootout will continue until one team has scored more goals than the other.

Conclusion

Penalty kicks are a dramatic way to determine the winner of a soccer match. They can be a heart-stopping experience for both players and fans alike.

If you want to learn more about penalty kicks, you can consult the Cambridge German-English Dictionary or visit the FIFA website.