The Art of the Fake Penalty Kick

In soccer, you can legally fake during a penalty kick’s run-up, but the moment you reach the ball, any deception becomes illegal.

The Psychology Behind the Fake

Let’s be honest – penalty kicks are as much about mind games as they are about technique.

Goalkeepers study player tendencies, and shooters try to outsmart them. But here’s my take: the mental battle often causes players to overcomplicate what should be a straightforward shot.

Legal Faking Techniques

The Run-Up Repertoire

Your approach to the ball is your canvas for creativity. Here’s what’s allowed:

• Stutter steps
• Change of pace
• Directional shifts

The Neymar Effect

Speaking of stutter steps, we’ve all seen Neymar’s signature hesitation during penalties.

While it works brilliantly for him, here’s my second opinion: for most players, especially youth athletes, attempting to replicate this style often does more harm than good.

Youth Players: Keep It Simple

The allure of fancy techniques is tempting, but here’s what actually works for developing players:

Focus on Fundamentals

A well-placed shot to the corner with consistent technique trumps tricky footwork. Think of it this way: every additional movement is another opportunity for something to go wrong.

Don’t overcomplicate an uncontested shot.

The Referee’s Perspective

Understanding how officials interpret the rules can make the difference between a successful penalty and a yellow card. They’re specifically watching for:

• Complete stops in the run-up
• Excessive feinting that crosses into unsporting behavior
• Any deception after reaching the ball

The Bottom Line

Success in penalty kicks comes down to confidence and execution. While faking can be part of your arsenal, it shouldn’t come at the expense of proper technique and reliable placement.

Even the simplest, well-placed shot can be unstoppable when executed with conviction.