The random nature of penalty kicks in football is linked to their insufficient preparation

In football, penalties are only really a “lottery” if you don’t work on them

The most tense moment of a football match is often when the outcome is decided by shots on goal. It is a solitary exercise, where the player finds himself facing the opposing goalkeeper, with all the pressure of the match on his shoulders. Some consider this exercise to be lottery, where chance plays a major role. Nevertheless, many experts and professionals in the field insist that penalty shootouts are really not a lottery that if we don't work on them.

Mental preparation for penalties

The key to success

Good shooters do not relegate shots on goal to chance. They approach exercise with rigorous mental preparation. It's the ability to handle pressure that often separates good shooters from bad ones. This, coupled with solid technique acquired through rigorous work, gives shooters the best chance of success.

The role of training

Shooters who succeed in their shots on goal with a higher than average probability work tirelessly on their technique. They practice shooting at different parts of the goal, from different angles, and with different strengths. This technical preparation minimizes the uncertainty inherent in the exercise of shooting on goal.

The goalkeeper's job

The study of adversaries

Likewise, goalkeepers who regularly thwart penalties don't leave the outcome to luck either. They study their opponents' shooting habits, learning to anticipate where a player is likely to shoot based on their approach to the ball. This is an integral part of preparing for a football match and can prove decisive during training sessions. shots on goal.

Pressure on the goalkeeper

The pressure on a goalkeeper during a penalty shot is enormous. However, a goalkeeper can turn this pressure to his advantage. By learning to manage this pressure and showing confidence, a goalkeeper can impose doubt in the shooter and increase his chances of deflecting the ball.

In conclusion, shooting on goal is not a simple lottery. Beyond chance, it relies on the players' ability to manage pressure, and on the work done upstream, whether in terms of technique or mental preparation. It is therefore essential to prepare these shots carefully to increase your chances of success.