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Penalty. Our taker has picked a side. Everyone else waits on the edge of the box and the arc.
Drawn for 11v11 4-3-3. Pick your own format and shape and every step is redrawn for your players. Then present it or send it to your team.
Step by step Penalty. Our taker has picked a side. Everyone else waits on the edge of the box and the arc. As it's struck, the runners follow in: the keeper may save it or it may hit the post. Parried out. First to the rebound wins it. When to use it Every penalty in a match, and in penalty shoot-outs at the end of cup games.
Coaching points Pick a side before placing the ball and don't change your mind. Same run-up and same routine every time. Strike hard and low into the corner, or high if confident. Team-mates line up on the edge of the box and the arc, ready to follow in. Follow in on the strike, not before (encroachment can mean a retake). With younger players Never single out a child who misses. Let volunteers take penalties in shoot-outs and praise the courage to step up.
Who does what Position Their job Taker Picks a side, keeps the routine, strikes. Rebound runners Line up on the edge, follow in as it's struck. Rest defence Two or three stay back in case it's saved and cleared.
When they change it If they… You… Their keeper moves early Keep your routine. The referee deals with encroachment. It's a shoot-out No rebounds: the taker's routine is everything. The keeper saves and parries First to the rebound wins it.
Common mistakes Changing your mind halfway through the run-up. Team-mates entering the box before the kick. Nobody following in for the rebound. At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11
7v7 Many 7v7 formats have shorter penalties (a closer spot). Check your league's rules.
9v9 The penalty spot is often closer than at 11v11. Same routine.
11v11 The board: taker, rebound runners on the edge, rest defence. Drills to practise it Questions coaches ask Where should players stand at a penalty? Outside the penalty area and the penalty arc, behind the ball, until it's kicked.
Can the keeper move before the kick? The keeper must have at least part of one foot on or in line with the goal line when the ball is kicked.
How do you practise penalties? Make it routine: same run-up, pick a side, and practise with a bit of pressure, like a shoot-out at the end of training.
More tactics boards Set piece Central free kick Central free kicks around the box: the direct shot, a dummy run, and the short lay-off, with runners following in for rebounds. Animated board.
Watch it → Set piece Attacking corner A simple attacking corner routine: start deep, attack three spaces, flick on at the near post, keep players back. Roles, variations and drills.
Watch it → Winning it back Counter-attack How to counter-attack: win it, look forward first, sprint into three lanes and finish in a few passes. Animated in a 4-2-3-1 with roles, mistakes and drills.
Watch it → ← All tactics boards · Formations · Drills
