Penalty kicks are one of the most exciting moments in a soccer game.
At least when you are a neutral or its not a penalty against your own team that is.
But it is the moment when a player has the chance to score a goal without any interference from the opposing team, except for the goalkeeper.
It builds this tension.
Not just for the player but for all fans watching themselves.
However, penalty kicks are not always easy to execute.
Which may have something to do with what I just alluded to above
This raises the question: can you fake a penalty kick in soccer?
Faking a penalty kick is when a player pretends to take a shot in one direction but actually kicks the ball in another direction.
Some players use this technique to deceive the goalkeeper and increase their chances of scoring a goal.
I cerntainly wouldnt myself.
Not because this move requires a lot of skill and practice.
But get it all wrong and it can result in a missed opportunity to score a goal.
So in this article, we will explore the different aspects of faking a penalty kick in soccer.
We will look at the advantages and disadvantages of using this technique, the skills required to execute it successfully, and the strategies that players can use to improve their chances of scoring a goal.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of not only whether faking a penalty kick is a viable option in soccer.
But whether you would like to risk it and try to execute it yourself.
Concept of Faking in Soccer
Faking in soccer refers to the act of deceiving the opposition player, referee, or audience by pretending to do something that one is not actually doing.
There are so many different faking tactics used.
That it can often be a challenge for referees to get on top off.
Especially if a game features players like Neymar Jr.
Now faking is a common tactic used by players to gain an advantage over their opponents.
You could fake an injury.
A shot.
Pass.
And of course has we will get on to today a penalty.
Legal Implications
Faking in soccer can have legal implications, as it can be considered as a form of cheating.
In some cases, faking can result in a yellow or red card, which can lead to a suspension.
In extreme cases, faking can lead to a penalty or even a ban from the game.
However, it can be difficult for referees to determine whether a player is faking or not, which makes it a controversial issue.
Ethical Considerations
Faking in soccer also raises ethical concerns, as it can be seen as a violation of fair play.
It can be argued that faking goes against the spirit of the game and undermines the integrity of soccer.
Moreover, faking can also lead to negative consequences, such as injury to the player or loss of credibility for the team.
In conclusion, while faking can be an effective strategy in soccer, it also raises legal and ethical concerns.
Players should be aware of the potential consequences of faking and should use it judiciously.
Referees should also be vigilant in detecting faking and should take appropriate action to maintain the fairness and integrity of the game.
Methods of Faking a Penalty Kick
Penalty kicks are one of the most critical moments in a soccer game.
So when called upon, a player needs to do what it takes to score.
However, while it would make sense to keep things simple.
Especially in a high-pressure scenario like this one.
But for those who want to raise the stakes.
Even if not needed.
Here are two methods that can be used to fake a penalty kick:
Deceptive Run-Up
One way to fake a penalty kick is to use a deceptive run-up.
Its probably the most common and popular of the fake penalty kick techniques.
This involves the player approaching the ball in a way that misleads the goalkeeper into thinking that they are going to kick the ball in one direction.
The player can do this by running up to the ball at an angle.
Or by taking a stuttering step before kicking the ball.
This can cause the goalkeeper to start moving.
Giving the shooter the opportunity to score what sometimes can be an easy goal.
Changing Kick Direction at the Last Moment
The oldest trick in the book, is looking one way then shooting the other.
Not only is this another method used for taking penalty kicks.
But its a move used all over the field, for moves such as dribbling and passing too.
So quite simply this involves the player looking in one direction.
To then kick the ball in another direction.
The player can do this by using the inside or outside of their foot to change the direction of the ball.
This can be especially effective if the goalkeeper has already committed to moving in one direction.
Effects of Faking a Penalty Kick
When it comes to soccer, penalty kicks are one of the most exciting moments of the game.
Players sometimes try to fake a penalty kick to deceive the goalkeeper and score a goal.
However, faking a penalty kick can have various effects on the game.
This section will discuss the effects of faking a penalty kick on the goalkeeper and the game outcome.
On the Goalkeeper
Faking a penalty kick can have a significant psychological effect on the goalkeeper.
The goalkeeper has to make a split-second decision on which way to dive to save the ball.
If the penalty taker fakes a shot, the goalkeeper may dive in the wrong direction, leaving the goal open for the penalty taker to score.
Moreover, faking a penalty kick can also affect the goalkeeper’s confidence.
If the goalkeeper falls for the fake, they may feel embarrassed, which can result in a lack of confidence for the rest of the game.
This lack of confidence can lead to the goalkeeper making more mistakes, which can ultimately affect the game’s outcome.
On the Game Outcome
Faking a penalty kick can also have an impact on the game’s outcome.
If the penalty taker successfully scores after faking a penalty kick, it can give their team a boost of confidence, which can lead to more goals and a possible win.
On the other hand, if the goalkeeper saves the penalty after falling for a fake, it can demoralize the penalty taker’s team, leading to a lack of motivation and possibly a loss.
Furthermore, faking a penalty kick can also lead to a penalty kick retake.
If the referee notices that the penalty taker faked the shot, they may order a retake of the penalty kick.
This can give the goalkeeper a second chance to save the penalty kick, which can affect the game’s outcome.
In conclusion, faking a penalty kick can have various effects on the game, including affecting the goalkeeper’s confidence and the game’s outcome.
Players should consider the risks and benefits of faking a penalty kick before attempting it.
Famous Instances of Faked Penalty Kicks
Faked penalty kicks are a rare occurrence in soccer, but there have been a few notable instances where players have attempted to deceive the opposing team and the referee.
are some of the most famous examples:
1. Johan Cruyff (Netherlands) vs Sweden, 1974 World Cup
In a crucial group stage match against Sweden at the 1974 World Cup, Dutch legend Johan Cruyff pulled off a move that would later be named after him.
As he approached the penalty spot, Cruyff feigned to shoot, but instead passed the ball to his teammate Jesper Olsen, who returned it to him with a backheel pass.
Cruyff then calmly slotted the ball into the empty net, leaving the Swedish defenders and goalkeeper bewildered.
2. Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) vs Sevilla, 2017 Spanish Super Cup
In the second leg of the 2017 Spanish Super Cup between Real Madrid and Sevilla, Sergio Ramos tried to catch the Sevilla goalkeeper off guard.
He did this by pretending to tie his shoelaces before taking the penalty kick.
As he bent down, Ramos signaled to his teammate Lucas Vazquez to take the kick instead.
Vazquez duly obliged and scored, giving Real Madrid a 2-0 lead.
However, this example of a fake penalty kick isn’t always that straightforward.
If we look back at years ago, when Henry and Pires tried to do the very same thing, for Arsenal.
Well the outcome was a completely different result.
3. Neymar (Brazil) vs Colombia, 2014 World Cup
In a tense quarterfinal match against Colombia at the 2014 World Cup, Brazilian superstar Neymar appeared to be lining up for a penalty kick.
However, as he approached the ball, he stopped and picked it up, pretending to adjust the position of the ball.
He then placed it back on the spot and scored, sending the Brazilian fans into raptures.
So faking a penalty kick can be a risky move.
It can also be a great way to outsmart the opposition and gain an advantage.
However, players should be careful not to cross the line.
Faking the penalty altogether (for example stopping completely before kicking the ball) could lead to disciplinary action from the referee.
Conclusion
In conclusion, faking a penalty kick in soccer is not an easy task.
You can’t step up to a penalty and execute it with ease.
You will need to know exactly how to pull it off.
To avoid the embarrassment of failing the kick.
As the risk of it is that only could you miss the penalty.
But you could be made to look silly for even attempting it in the first place.
Now if you are thinking of faking a penalty kick yourself.
By all means, go for it, just make sure to put time into practicing your technique.
But with that said, it still remains that the best way to score one is to pick out a corner and take a well-placed shot with confidence and accuracy.
