Football · Shooting · Set pieces

Penalties under pressure

A full shoot-out rehearsal on tired legs, with the walk from the centre circle, a set routine, a score that counts and the squad watching.

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Start / 5
Time
20 min
Players
8–24
Age
U15+
Area
Full pitch
Equipment
1 full-size goal10 balls12 bibs1 score sheet

Setup

  1. Two teams of five takers in the centre circle, arms linked. One keeper in goal, the other waiting by the post.
  2. Each taker picks a corner and a run-up before the session. The coach keeps the score sheet.

How it runs

  1. Run it at the end of a session or straight after a fitness block (for example 6 × 30 m sprints), when legs are heavy.
  2. Takers walk alone from the circle, place the ball, take their run-up and wait for the whistle. Five kicks each, then sudden death; keepers swap each round.
  3. The losing team does a forfeit the squad agrees on. Record every kick (corner, height, scored or saved) over the season.

Coaching points

  • Same routine every time: place the ball, same steps back, breathe out, look at the target, not the keeper.
  • Pick the corner before the walk and don't change it. Strike it firm towards the side netting, low or high, never at a comfortable height.
  • Keepers: stay big on the line, make the taker look at you, and dive late and forwards.
  • Coaches: add noise, a delay before the whistle, the keeper holding the ball. Pressure is the point of the drill.

Common mistakes

  • Changing the corner during the run-up.
  • Rushing the kick as soon as the whistle goes.
  • Practising penalties fresh at the start of a session, when it is easiest.

Say it: “Pick it, breathe, hit it. Don't change it.”

Make it harder

  • Takers do 30 s of shuttle runs right before their kick.
  • The coach picks the order on the spot.

Make it easier

  • Allow one retake per round.
  • Leave out the walk from the circle at first, then add it.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.