Can You Fake a Penalty Kick? Here’s Your Answer.

Can you fake a penalty kick in soccer? Yes, but only at a certain point.

According to Law 14 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), feinting (or faking) as the player is running up to the ball is permitted but not after the run up is completed.

In other words, you can fake and move when you run up to the ball but not when you are kicking the ball.

For youth soccer players: I highly recommend you DON’T fake a penalty kick. You will find more success if you place it in the corners. When you fake a penalty kick, you lose momentum to strike the ball hard and accurately. Just my 2 cents!

While faking a penalty kick may seem like a clever tactic, it’s important to remember that it’s ultimately up to the referee’s discretion whether or not it’s allowed.

Let’s dive into this controversial topic some more…

Understanding Penalty Kicks in Soccer

What is a penalty kick? If an offensive team is fouled inside the penalty area, the referee will award the team a penalty kick.

A penalty kick is a direct free kick taken from 12 yards away centered in front of the goal. The abbreviation for a penalty kick is ‘PK’.

The attacking team can choose any player that is currently on the field to take the PK. Here are some more details about a penalty kick.

Penalty Kick Techniques

Here are some of the most common execution techniques for penalty kicks:

• Power Shot: This involves striking the ball with power and accuracy to one side of the goal, hoping to beat the goalkeeper even if they guess the right way.
• Placement Shot: This involves aiming for a specific spot in the goal, usually one that is difficult for the goalkeeper to reach.
• Chip Shot: This involves chipping the ball over the goalkeeper and into the goal. It requires a lot of skill and precision. I wouldn’t recommend this for youth soccer players.
• Stutter Step: This involves taking a few short steps before the actual shot, which can be used to throw off the goalkeeper’s timing. Neymar is a master at this (video below).
• Fake Shot: This involves feinting a shot to one side of the goal before actually kicking the ball to the other side. It can be risky but can also be effective if done correctly.

Faking a Penalty Kick

Faking a penalty kick in soccer refers to the act of deceiving the goalkeeper by pretending to kick the ball in one direction and then actually kicking it in another direction.

This technique is used by the player taking the penalty kick to gain an advantage over the goalkeeper and increase the chances of scoring a goal.

Purpose

The purpose of faking a penalty kick is to create confusion and uncertainty in the mind of the goalkeeper, making it difficult for them to predict the direction of the ball.

It is important to note that faking a penalty kick is not always successful and can sometimes result in a missed opportunity. It requires a high level of skill, practice, and confidence to execute the technique effectively.

In addition, faking a penalty kick can also be considered an act of unsporting behavior and may result in a caution or even a red card if the referee deems it to be intentional deception. Therefore, it is important for players to use the technique responsibly and within the rules of the game.

Remember, it is okay to fake on the run to the ball but not after the run is completed.

Methods to Fake a Penalty Kick

There are a few methods you can use to fake out the goalkeeper and increase your chances of scoring. Here are three popular techniques:

Feinting

Feinting involves making a sudden movement or change in direction just before you kick the ball.

Feinting can be done in a number of ways, such as a sudden change in direction, a fake kick, or a stutter step.

If you can make the goalkeeper think you’re going one way, then suddenly go the other, you’ll have a much better chance of scoring.

Misdirection

Misdirection involves looking one way but kicking the ball in another direction. For example, you might look like you’re going to kick the ball to the left, but then kick it to the right.

To misdirect successfully, you need to make the goalkeeper think you’re going one way, then quickly change direction and kick the ball in the opposite direction.

This can be done by using your body language, such as looking one way but kicking the ball in another direction.

Body Language

Your body language can give away your intentions, so it’s important to use it to your advantage.

For example, you might lean one way to make the goalkeeper think you’re going to kick the ball in that direction, then quickly change direction and kick the ball in the opposite direction.

To use body language effectively, you need to be aware of your movements and how they might be interpreted by the goalkeeper.

If you can make the goalkeeper think you’re going one way, then quickly change direction and kick the ball in the opposite direction, you’ll have a much better chance of scoring.

Can You Stutter Step on a Penalty Kick?

Yes, a player can legally stutter step during a penalty kick as long as they do not stop their forward motion once they have started their approach to the ball. If a player stops their forward motion after stutter stepping, it is considered a violation and the kick will be disallowed.

Here’s a video of Neymar’s penalty shot, notice the stutter step on the run up.

Consequences of Faking a Penalty Kick

Faking a penalty kick in soccer can have both positive and negative implications. In this section, we will explore the risk factors and possible outcomes.

Risk Factors

Faking a penalty kick can be a risky move for a player. It requires a great deal of skill and confidence to pull it off successfully.

If the player fails to execute the fake convincingly, they risk losing the opportunity to score a goal and facing the consequences of a missed penalty kick.

Additionally, if the referee detects that the player is faking, they may issue a card for unsportsmanlike behavior.

Possible Outcomes

If a player successfully fakes a penalty kick, they may be able to score a goal and gain an advantage for their team.

Faking can also be a useful tactic for players who are facing a particularly skilled goalkeeper.

By faking, the player may be able to throw off the goalkeeper’s timing and increase their chances of scoring.

But, as we mentioned above, it’s also riskier than simply kicking it in a fluid and natural motion.

Conclusion

To reiterate, during the run-up to a penalty kick, the kicker may make feinting movements, but they may not do it after the run-up is over.

If the referee deems the feinting to be an act of unsporting behavior, the player may be cautioned.

For players like Neymar, the stutter step works well. But, we are talking about one of the most skilled players on the planet. If most youth players will be better suited to place the ball in a corner during a PK.

If you are ever put in a position to take a PK for your team, have confidence that it will go in. That’s 80% of the battle!