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How to Succeed in Penalty Shootouts: Strategies, Preparation, and Misconceptions

Penalty shootouts push players to their limits, testing nerves and skill under intense pressure. History has shown even the greatest names like Roberto Baggio in the 1994 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé at Euro 2020, and Lionel Messi during the Copa América have stumbled at these moments. It doesn’t matter if you’re a superstar or a lesser-known player; shootouts can unfold unpredictably.

Still, there are ways to improve your chances. Preparation, tactics, and understanding what really works can make a difference. Here we break down some key tips and debunk common myths about penalty shootouts.

Practice Changes Everything

Many call penalty shootouts a lottery, implying that outcome is random and beyond control. This idea often shields players and coaches from blame. Yet, practice can turn the odds.

England endured a poor record from 1990 to 2012, losing six out of seven shootouts. Under Gareth Southgate, careful psychological training and repeated practice helped them win three of four shootouts since. Southgate reflected after beating Switzerland at Euro 2024, saying, "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." This suggests preparation isn’t luck but effort.

Choose Your Spot and Stick to It

A common piece of advice coaches give young players is to pick a corner and commit to it. Modern players sometimes overthink, pausing or hesitating, which saps control and confidence. Some attempt to wait for the goalkeeper’s move, but this often backfires.

Alan Shearer was known for his straightforward approach: a clean run-up and a powerful shot aimed decisively at either corner. Sticking to your plan forces the keeper to perform miracles to stop the ball.

Use Substitutions Smartly

Managers face tough choices late in matches, sometimes bringing on substitutes specifically for penalties. Certain players are trusted finishers, brought in just to take spot-kicks. This role carries its own pressure.

Goalkeepers sometimes get swapped in too. At the 2014 World Cup, Tim Krul was subbed on by Louis Van Gaal just before the shootout. Krul saved two penalties, sending his team through.

Develop a Team System

Some teams adopt methods to ease pressure. England uses a buddy system where each penalty taker meets a teammate at midfield after their shot, whether scored or missed. This helps shield players from the crowd’s noise or silence alone. Introduced by Southgate and continued by Thomas Tuchel, it aims to protect mental focus.

Other squads try to replicate shootout conditions in training, including crowd noise and playing in the stadium where the match happens. This simulates pressure and helps players adjust ahead of time.

Order of Takers Matters

Choosing the sequence of penalty takers can influence results. The fifth kick is often decisive, so teams used to save their best player for last. But if the shootout ends earlier, that star never gets to take a shot.

It’s smarter to involve your top shooters within the first five kicks, giving the team more consistent chances to score and less risk of missing opportunities.

Don’t Let Past Losses Define You

England struggled with shootout defeats for decades after 1990, spreading doubt among players and fans alike. Southgate’s approach brought positivity, psychological support, and focused practice to overturn that mindset.

Even when England lost on penalties to Italy at Euro 2020, it didn’t trigger a downward spiral as might have happened before. Confidence and preparation make a lasting difference.

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