Author(s): HOOTA, C., LIDOR, R., BAR-ELI, M., Institution: THE LEVINSKI-WINGATE ACADEMIC COLLEGE, Country: ISRAEL, Abstract-ID: 1105

INTRODUCTION:
In recent decades, 11-m penalty kicks have become pivotal in determining soccer-match outcomes. Bar-Eli and Azar (2009) found that scoring is heavily impacted by the vertical dimension, since powerful, well-placed shots – particularly to the top corners of the goal – greatly reduce the goalkeepers chances of stopping the ball, leaving success almost entirely dependent on the kickers execution. Yet, kickers tend to avoid targeting these areas, likely due to the inherent difficulty of executing the kick with the necessary precision. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine whether the accuracy of the 11-m penalty kick is consistent across all goal areas, while analyzing ball-flight speed – to gain deeper insights into player performance.
METHODS:
Thirty soccer players (aged M=17.9 years, SD=0.64), from three clubs in Israels Youth Premier League, participated in three sessions, each spaced 2–7 days apart. Kicking accuracy and ball-flight speed – when aiming at different goal zones – were measured under three controlled conditions: no goalkeeper, no crowd, and no physical fatigue. Each player performed 15 penalty kicks per session, targeting nine randomized goal zones. All kicks were video recorded, and accuracy was analyzed after the sessions. Ball-flight speed (km/h) was measured using a radar gun. After the third and final session, each player completed a survey regarding their attitudes towards penalty kicks.
RESULTS:
The vertical direction of penalty kicks significantly impacted kicking accuracy (p<.01), with the highest accuracy (61%) seen in the lower third of the goal. Horizontal direction, session order, and trial sequence did not significantly influence accuracy. Ball-flight speed varied across goal zones, with the highest speed recorded in the central zones (96 km/h), and the lowest speeds in the right-hand zones. Analysis of the self-reporting questionnaires revealed players’ challenges in aiming at the upper corners of the goal, the impact of pressure on performance, and the crucial role of penalty-kick training.
CONCLUSION:
Kicks aimed at the upper corners of the goal, which are considered optimal for scoring, are notably more challenging in terms of accuracy. As the participants were youth players rather than professional experts, their performance likely reflects a lack of preparation and focused training. These findings highlight the need for dedicated training – especially in youth leagues – to improve accuracy in targeting upper corners, combined with mental training – to better manage pressure that is associated with such situations.
Bar‐Eli, M., & Azar, O. H. (2009). Penalty kicks in soccer: an empirical analysis of shooting strategies and goalkeepers’ preferences. Soccer & Society, 10(2), 183-191.‏