Mastering Penalty Shootouts: Strategies, Advice, and Common Misconceptions

Penalty shootouts represent some of the most intense moments in football, testing players' nerves and skills under extreme pressure. They can break even the greatest stars—think Roberto Baggio’s miss in the 1994 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé's moment at Euro 2020, or Lionel Messi's experience at Copa América. Regardless of status, anyone on that spot faces unpredictable challenges.

Still, winning penalties isn’t just about luck. There are methods and preparation tactics teams and players use to increase their chances. Here’s a breakdown of key tips and myths around penalty shootouts.

Practice Makes Perfect, Not Luck

People often call penalty shootouts a lottery, implying outcomes are random and out of control. This idea lets players and coaches escape accountability. England’s history of losing shootouts—from six losses out of seven between 1990 and 2012—changed when Gareth Southgate introduced focused practice and sports psychology, leading to three wins from four attempts.

Southgate said after England’s Euro 2024 win over Switzerland, "We refined that process a little bit. We have more regular penalty-takers in the squad than we had in 2021 and more that have been in shootouts."

Choose Your Spot and Commit

Coaches tell young players to pick a corner and stick with it. Yet modern players sometimes hesitate, stutter-run, or try to read the keeper's move mid-kick. This indecision hands control away from the shooter.

Alan Shearer’s approach was different: a clean run-up and a strong shot aimed at either corner without second-guessing. This forces goalkeepers to make a spectacular save rather than guesswork deciding the outcome.

Use Substitutions Strategically

Managers weigh their options as extra time winds down. Some substitutes enter specifically for their penalty-taking skills or saving abilities. For instance, Tim Krul was brought on at the 2014 World Cup specifically for the shootout, saving two penalties and helping his team advance.

Implement a Support System

Teams like England use a buddy system where each penalty taker is met by a teammate at midfield after their shot, whether they score or miss. This helps players avoid facing the pressure alone, calming nerves.

Some teams go further by replicating match-day conditions during practice, including crowd noise and stadium environments, aiming to simulate the pressure players will face.

Does the Order of Shooters Matter?

The sequence in which players take penalties can influence the outcome. The fifth kick often decides shootouts, so many teams used to save their best player for last. But this can backfire if the shootout ends early.

The smarter approach is having your top five shooters ready from the start, ensuring the strongest players take the earliest kicks and maximizing the team's chance to win.

Don’t Let Past Losses Define You

England’s long history of shootout defeats weighed heavily on players and fans for decades. Southgate’s approach, combining positivity, consistent training, and psychology, helped change that mindset.

Even recent setbacks, such as losing to Italy on penalties at Euro 2020, didn’t trigger a downward spiral as might have happened before. Confidence and mental strength are crucial elements moving forward.

• England's penalty shootout record (1990-2012): Lost 6 out of 7
• England's penalty shootout record under Gareth Southgate: Won 3 out of 4
• Tim Krul substitution impact at 2014 World Cup: Saved 2 penalties after being subbed on late