A penalty kick is taken from 12 yards (11 metres), and most are scored, so a goalkeeper who saves even a few can change results. To give yourself the best chance, study the taker’s tendencies if you can, stay on your goal line as the Laws require, stay patient and balanced, read the kicker’s run-up, hips and standing foot, then commit explosively to one side with a strong, low dive. You cannot stop every penalty, but good preparation, legal positioning, composure and a confident presence can raise your save rate and put pressure on the taker.
This guide explains the rules for goalkeepers, how to prepare, what to read in the taker, diving technique, mind games within the rules, penalty shootouts, drills and common mistakes.
What the rules require
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Position | The goalkeeper stays on the goal line between the posts, facing the kicker, until the ball is kicked |
| Feet at the kick | At least part of one foot must be touching or in line with the goal line when the ball is kicked |
| No touching the goal frame | The keeper must not touch the posts, crossbar or net |
| Movement | The keeper may move along the line but not step forward off it before the kick |
| Fair play | The keeper must not unfairly distract the kicker or delay the kick |
| Offence | If the keeper offends and the kick is missed or saved, it is usually retaken; repeated offences can lead to a caution |
How to prepare
- Study takers: watch video of opponents’ penalties if available, noting preferred sides and styles.
- Know your team’s information: some teams keep notes on opponents’ penalty takers.
- Warm up diving: practise dives to both sides before games.
- Stay calm: use breathing and a routine to settle before the kick.
What to read in the taker
- Run-up angle: a wide, angled run-up often suggests a shot across the body to the keeper’s left for a right-footed taker, though good takers disguise this.
- Standing foot: the non-kicking foot often points toward the target.
- Hips and shoulders: open hips often mean a shot across the body.
- Pace of run-up: a stuttering or slow run-up can mean the taker is waiting for the keeper to move.
- Eyes: some takers glance at their target, but experienced ones hide it.
Diving technique
- Stand in a balanced, ready stance on the line, weight on the balls of your feet.
- Stay patient until the kicker is close to the ball.
- Push off explosively with the leg closest to the side you are diving to.
- Lead with your hands and keep your body facing the ball.
- Dive forward along the line as much as the rules allow, to cut the angle.
- Land on your side, not your stomach, and be ready for rebounds.
Mind games within the rules
Goalkeepers often try to influence takers by making themselves look big, moving along the line, or taking time before settling into position, as long as they do not delay the restart or unfairly distract the kicker. Some keepers stand slightly off-centre to tempt the taker toward the bigger side, then dive that way. Confidence and body language can make takers doubt themselves.
Penalty shootouts
In shootouts, the keeper faces several different takers in a row. Preparation notes, sometimes kept on a water bottle or card, can help. Keepers may also decide in advance which way to dive against unknown takers. Staying calm between kicks and celebrating saves to lift teammates are part of shootout goalkeeping.
For the exact rules, refer to the IFAB Laws of the Game, Law 14 (The Penalty Kick) and Law 10 for kicks from the penalty mark. Goalkeeping involves diving and impact, so warm up properly and use appropriate padding.
Drills to practise
- Reaction dives: a coach points or calls a side as the ball is kicked.
- Penalty rounds: teammates take penalties while the keeper practises reading run-ups.
- Explosive footwork: lateral jumps and plyometric drills for push-off power.
- Rebound recovery: save, get up and defend the follow-up.
Common mistakes
- Diving too early: good takers simply shoot the other way.
- Stepping off the line: leads to retakes.
- Diving backward: lose the angle and reach.
- Staying flat-footed: slow reaction and weak dives.
- Forgetting the rebound: saves are wasted if the follow-up goes in.
Penalty zones and how to cover them
Thinking about the goal in zones helps goalkeepers plan how to react. Each area of the goal calls for a slightly different save.
| Zone | Difficulty to save | Goalkeeper focus |
|---|---|---|
| Top corners | Hardest, but also hardest for takers to hit accurately | Strong push off the near foot and full extension |
| Low corners | Difficult, very common target | Fast collapse dive with hands leading low |
| Middle height, near the posts | Moderate | Early, powerful dive with a strong top hand |
| Central, low or chipped | Easy if the keeper stays up, embarrassing if they dive early | Staying tall for as long as possible and using the legs |
Scouting penalty takers
At higher levels, goalkeepers and analysts study opponents’ previous penalties. They look at each taker’s preferred side, run-up length, whether they wait for the keeper to move, and how they strike the ball under pressure. Even without video, a goalkeeper can note which foot a player uses, how they strike free kicks, and how they approach the ball. Some keepers keep simple notes on a water bottle or card, which is allowed as long as it does not delay the game.
A pre-penalty routine
- Take a moment to breathe and reset while the referee organises the kick.
- Settle on the goal line in a balanced stance with weight on the balls of your feet.
- Watch the taker’s run-up, hips and standing foot rather than the eyes.
- Stay big and still until the last moment to encourage the taker to commit.
- Explode toward your chosen side with a strong push and hands leading.
After the kick: rebounds and second chances
A penalty in normal play does not end with the first save. If the ball rebounds into play, the taker and other players can follow up, so goalkeepers should get up immediately and be ready to block or smother a second shot. Defenders must also react quickly to clear the ball. In a penalty shootout, however, there are no rebounds: once the ball stops moving, goes out of play or is saved, the kick is over. Knowing which situation you are in helps keepers react correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Can a goalkeeper move before a penalty kick?
Yes, along the line, but at least part of one foot must be touching or in line with the goal line when the ball is kicked.
What happens if the keeper comes off the line early?
If the kick is missed or saved, it is usually retaken.
Which way should a goalkeeper dive?
Use information on the taker and their run-up. Without information, many keepers pick a side in advance.
