Penalties provide goalkeepers with a rare opportunity to become heroes. A crucial penalty save can turn the tide of a match, whether it’s the final penalty in a shootout or a pivotal moment during the game.
However, statistically speaking, penalties are still heavily in favour of the shooter. In the Premier League, for instance, 84% of penalties are converted, while only 12% are saved. Yet, with the right approach and mindset, goalkeepers can improve their chances of making that game-changing save.
Let’s dive into proven strategies that can boost your penalty-saving ability and sharpen your reflexes when the pressure’s on.
1. Resist the Urge to Dive
It might sound counterintuitive, but standing still can often be the most effective strategy.
A study examining 286 penalty shootouts revealed that goalkeepers who stayed on their feet had a 39.2% chance of saving a penalty. In contrast, those who dove left or right only saved about 11% of penalties. Despite this, many goalkeepers still feel compelled to jump, driven by “action bias,” or the instinct to do something.
By staying rooted on the spot and keeping an eye on the ball, you maximise your chances of saving a shot aimed at the centre — a tactic often overlooked by keepers who instinctively dive.
2. Position Yourself Slightly Off-Centre
While staying still is a great option, where you stand in trhe goal is also crucial. Standing just off-centre (to either the left or right) can increase the likelihood of a penalty taker aiming towards the larger side of the goal.
Research has shown that when goalkeepers stand off-centre, around 60% of shooters tend to aim for the more open side. It’s a subtle shift, but by positioning yourself this way, you increase the odds that the penalty taker will aim where you’re already prepared to react.
3. Focus on the Eyes and Body Language
Watch the taker closely for signs that can reveal where they’re going to place the ball.
For example, penalty takers often glance in the direction they plan to shoot just before striking the ball. If they look to one side, there’s a strong chance they will aim that way — though, of course, experienced players may try to mislead you with a glance and shoot in the opposite direction.
Additionally, keep an eye on their body language. Sometimes, subtle shifts in their posture or the way they approach the ball can give you clues about where the shot might go.
4. Recognise the Stutter Step
The stutter step is becoming increasingly common, especially in high-pressure situations. If you see the taker hesitate or stutter before striking, don’t rush to commit. Wait until the last possible moment to react.
The slower approach gives you a window of time to make your move, and because the penalty taker is not using their full momentum, the shot tends to be less powerful, making it easier to save. This tactic allows you to read the situation and adjust accordingly.
5. Look for Foot Placement Clues
Often, a player’s weak foot can give you valuable insight into where the ball is going.
Most penalty takers prefer to strike the ball with their dominant foot, but be sure to pay attention to their non-kicking foot as it often points to the directiion they plan to shoot.
While it’s not a foolproof method — because skilled players may disguise their intentions — this technique can help you better anticipate the shot’s trajectory.
6. Step Off Your Line (With Caution)
Breaking the rule by stepping off your line before the kick is struck can be an effective strategy — if done subtly. By moving forward, you reduce the size of the target and narrow the angle, forcing the penalty taker to aim for a smaller section of the goal.
That said, be careful not to overstep, as referees will penalise keepers who are too obvious about moving off their line.
7. Make Yourself Look Bigger
An often-overlooked tactic is simply making yourself appear bigger. Stand tall, on your toes, and take up as much space as possible. By doing this, you create an intimidating presence, which might cause the shooter to second-guess their aim or rush their shot.
Some goalkeepers even incorporate subtle body movements, swaying or bouncing lightly, to further increase their perceived size.
8. Research Previous Penalties
If you have access to footage or data on your opponent’s past penalty attempts, take full advantage. Many players tend to favour a specific side or target certain areas in high-pressure situations. By watching videos of their past penalties, you can spot trends that will give you an edge.
Of course, players can always mix things up, but knowing their patterns can guide your decision-making in the moment.
9. Watch Penalty Compilations
There’s no substitute for experience, but watching penalty shootouts or compilations on platforms like YouTube can sharpen your instincts. The more penalties you observe, the more you’ll learn to recognise subtle patterns, body movements, and shooting techniques. This helps you develop an intuition for where penalties are likely to go.
10. Treat Each Penalty Independently
One of the most common myths surrounding penalties is that shooters will “even out” their previous attempts — if they shot left before, they might shoot right next time. This is rarely the case.
In fact, each penalty is independent of the last, and it’s best to treat each one as a new opportunity. Focus on applying your techniques to each individual shot rather than making assumptions based on previous attempts.
Final Thoughts
Mastering penalty saves is an art form, and like any skill, it requires practice, focus, and a strategic mindset. By incorporating these techniques into your approach, you’ll greatly improve your chances of making that vital save when it matters most.
You may also like my article on How VAR Creates More Penalties in Professional Football.