LMSC GK

Penalty Kicks
(Updated)

I've written before in this space about PKs and the aspects of that situation that the GK can have some control over (read that post - with video - here).  Young goalkeepers dread it, but there's a few strategies they can learn easily to help their cause.  Here we'll take out the notion of "knowing" the opponent, as youth level GKs simply won't have pre-kick information.  At the top level it's all game theory, as Edwin Van Der Sar found out after he joined Man U (which was late in his career...odd to get good advice so late in his career):

Click here for the full article

So, what does a kid have going for herself if not video to analize, and other sources of information to cull through for tips on where a given shooter will aim?  Most importantly is the mental strength to accept the probability of failure, but still make a great effort.  This skill is lost on too many young players, but it's particularly crucial in a PK situation for GKs.  Without some information to work with, it's guesswork, and there are abundant theories as to what to look for prior to the contact of foot to ball.  Any GK hoping to stop PKs should be talking with other GKs, coaches, and even shooters to get some idea of cues might help.  There are theories pertaining to where the shooter looks last, which foot moves first after the whistle, the angle at which the shooter runs to the ball, and so on.  After the years I've put in, I'd offer that any theory a GK believes in, is a good one; confidence is the key.

One theme that penalty saves seems to have is that they are almost all low balls.  The odd 36" or higher shot will get saved, but the majority are saved below that mark.  So, a GK ought to be able to dive low and explosively...all that is needed is good technique to cover to the post.  Harder for the shorter kids, but not impossible.  Remember, too, that any ref will take enough pity that the GK can usually step one long step forward prior to the kick (but only just...don't take advantage of the official's largesse!), thereby giving some momentum to the GK, as well as trimming down the angle ever so slightly.

Here's the 2015 matchup of Bayer Leverkusen V. Athletico Madrid in the Champions League:

The GKs at the 2013 Confederations Cup gave some great examples.  But do recall that they will have had scouting information of varying qualities.  For an amateur GK, the trick is to go as hard as these GKs do, and just accept that whatever method used to choose the side to go to, is still just a guess.  At least a couple will go the other way, and that'll sting.

Deadspin has some good video of the shootout here, but you can see the short version below: