The penalty: from the line

The referee blows the whistle and points to the penalty spot. My first reaction is frustration, but I know I can't change the situation. From this moment on, I try to take as much time as possible. I quickly check to see who will take the kick, recalling the video clips I watched and the conversation I had with the goalkeeper coach about the players' tendencies. I feel prepared. The referee tells me to get on the line, and it's time to focus on the player taking the penalty. After taking a few deep breaths, I decide on my approach.

Two ways to face a penalty

There are essentially two ways to approach saving a penalty kick. The first option is to choose a corner and commit early. This allows you to push off properly and reach full stretch. If the taker commits to their corner without checking where you're going, and you've read it right, you have a real chance of making a save. However, the downside is that if the taker stays calm and patient, they can easily place the ball in the opposite direction.

The second option is to wait and show the taker that you're not going anywhere. With this approach, you may be able to save the penalty if the taker doesn't place the ball accurately. However, if the ball is struck into the corner, you'll have virtually no chance of saving it from a standing position.

To be honest, if it's a perfect penalty, neither approach will be effective. A composed taker with good technique will score most of the time. All goalkeepers are aware of this, but that doesn't mean we will give up.

The mental bit

I've decided on my approach. Now, I look the taker in the eyes and might say something to try to disrupt him. I'll even move around a bit to make him think I know where he's going. After taking a few deep breaths to calm myself down, I'll use a quick affirmation like "Come on, you can do this" or "I will save this penalty". When he runs up to the ball, I might be able to tell from his pace, body shape, or the angle of his approach which way he's going.

The outcome

I save the ball, and my teammates come running over as the stadium erupts in celebration (or falls completely silent). I pump my fists, letting out a roar, and then immediately refocus on the game. There aren't many better feelings in the job. One game a few years ago stands out in my memory: we were playing away at West Brom, and in the 82nd minute, the score was tied 2-2. West Brom was awarded a penalty, but I saved it. Five minutes later, we scored and won the game 3-2. What an incredible feeling.

Of course, there's another outcome that is far more likely to occur: the taker scores the penalty. It's never a nice feeling to concede a goal, and I often feel disappointed and frustrated that I couldn't help the team. In the game, there isn't much time to dwell on it, so you have to refocus and move on. Some readers may remember the 17–16 penalty shootout between Preston and Fulham in the League Cup in 2024. I was one of the two goalkeepers. Both goalkeepers saved only one penalty each, but ultimately, we ended up losing, and Preston advanced to the next round. I'm not proud to be part of this record, and I was bitterly disappointed after the game, but I'll laugh about it eventually.

Both outcomes are part of the job. The good only comes if you can live with the bad.

This is my first attempt at writing a blog post, and I hope to share many more in the future. If you're interested in reading more, consider subscribing to receive the posts directly in your inbox. I plan to publish new content every two weeks. Thank you for reading!

— Steven-Andreas Benda