Soccer Penalty Kicks and Shootouts Explained: The Rules and Process

Penalty shootouts are intense moments in soccer knockout-stage matches that can determine the outcome of the game.

Players and fans alike experience the pressure as games are decided by penalty kicks, a crucial component of international tournaments like the World Cup, European Championships, and Copa America.

This article provides insights into how penalty shootouts operate.

Understanding Penalty Kicks in Soccer

A penalty kick in soccer is a free shot taken from the penalty spot, situated 12 yards away from the goal line. The player taking the penalty aims to score past the opposing goalkeeper, who tries to prevent the goal.

Penalty kicks occur in two situations: as a consequence of a foul in the penalty box during regular play or as part of a penalty shootout to determine the winner of a tied tournament match.

The latter scenario comes into play when a knockout match remains level after 90 minutes of regular play and 30 minutes of extra time.

A penalty shootout was needed to decide the winner of the 2006 #FIFAWorldCup… pic.twitter.com/GmAfkbvWeW

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 11, 2022

Penalty Shootout Process

At the commencement of a penalty shootout, the team captains participate in a coin toss conducted by the referee to determine which team goes first and selects the end of the pitch for the shootout.

Teams alternate taking penalties for the initial 10 kicks. Team A takes one, followed by Team B, then Team A again, and so forth until both sides have taken five each.

If one team establishes an insurmountable lead, they win. In case of a tie after five penalties each, the shootout proceeds to sudden death, where the trailing team at the end of each round faces defeat.

Number of Penalty Kicks

If the score remains level after the initial 10 penalties (five each), the shootout transitions to sudden death, where penalties continue until one team scores and the opponent misses.

This allows all players, including goalkeepers, to take penalties. It’s even possible for players to take multiple spot-kicks, albeit only after all other available teammates – specifically those on the field at the end of extra time – have taken one.