Discussing penalties in football, including the increase in penalties and impact of VAR, the high conversion rate in the Premier League, the intersection of football and fashion, goalkeeper personalities in shootouts, the psychology and science of penalty taking, and exploring penalty techniques and anecdotes.
Penalties in the Premier League have seen a significantly higher conversion rate due to factors such as VAR, improved goalkeeping, and refined techniques of penalty takers.
The introduction of VAR in the Premier League has led to an increase in the number of penalties awarded, sparking debates about the criteria for awarding penalties and potential rule changes.
Penalty taking requires a combination of psychological and technical considerations, with strategies employed by takers and goalkeepers constantly evolving to outwit each other.
Deep dives
Penalties in the Premier League have been scored at a high rate this season
Penalties in the Premier League have been converted at a rate of 91% so far this season, which is significantly higher than in previous seasons. This increase in conversion rate may be attributed to various factors, including the introduction of VAR, goalkeepers becoming better prepared and more athletic, and penalty takers refining their techniques. Additionally, research suggests that directing penalties towards the top corners of the goal optimizes the chance of success. Strategies such as waiting for the goalkeeper's movement and utilizing goalkeeper-dependent or independent methods are also discussed. Overall, penalties remain an important aspect of the game, evolving both tactically and psychologically.
The influence of VAR and the contentiousness of penalty decisions
The introduction of VAR has increased the number of penalties awarded in the Premier League. While this has led to more accurate decision-making, there has been ongoing debate about the criteria for awarding penalties and whether it has tipped the balance too much in favor of the attacking team. The contentiousness of handball decisions has been a major talking point, with VAR often spotting fouls that would not have been given in non-VAR football. The high volume of penalties awarded may also be influenced by the behind-closed-doors environment, which has allowed players to better adapt to the pressure of taking penalties. While there are calls for potential rule changes, such as altering the penalty box shape or considering alternative penalty scenarios, the debate over the frequency and impact of penalties continues.
Psychological and technical aspects of penalty taking
Penalty taking involves both psychological and technical considerations. Various strategies are employed by penalty takers, such as waiting for the goalkeeper to commit before shooting, utilizing specific techniques like the hop method, or targeting specific areas of the goal to maximize success. Goalkeepers also play a pivotal role, with research indicating that diving high or low and reading penalty takers' body language can impact their save rate. Furthermore, penalty takers and goalkeepers constantly adapt to each other's strategies, requiring mental strength and the ability to master various techniques. While research provides insights into optimal penalty taking, its execution remains a combination of skill, confidence, and quick decision-making.
The impact of penalties on the game and possible rule changes
Penalties have a significant impact on the outcome of games, and the increase in penalty frequency has led to discussions about the effect on overall entertainment. Some argue that penalties bring an unfair advantage to the attacking team and undermine the importance of other goals scored from open play or set pieces. Proposed alternatives to penalties include revising penalty box shapes, changing penalty kick distances, or exploring different types of penalty shootouts. These suggestions aim to balance the game while maintaining the excitement and skill involved in penalty-taking and saving. Ultimately, finding the right balance between penalties, gameplay, and fairness remains an ongoing challenge.
Unconventional penalty techniques and the future of penalty taking
Penalty takers have employed unconventional techniques, such as using their weaker foot or striking the ball with the outside of their foot, to surprise goalkeepers and maximize their chances of success. These unique approaches, along with the utilization of penalties as a mind game, where penalty takers change their approach after scoring a penalty, add an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to spot-kicks. While there are potential discussions around the fairness and sportsmanship of such techniques, they demonstrate the evolving nature of penalty taking and the creativity employed by players. The future of penalty taking may involve further innovations and experiments with different strategies, ultimately enhancing the spectacle of the game.
The Athletic's Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme join host Ali Maxwell to discuss penalties in football...
Are there too many, are they too big a reward in the VAR era, or, is it in fact becoming more difficult to score?
Plus, the best player in the Premier League at winning penalties, who sent the keeper the wrong way every time, are left-footers better than right-footers and if further rule changes are in order.
