Penalty kick
A direct shot at goal from a marked spot, awarded for a serious foul committed inside the defending team’s penalty area.
Definition
In football, a penalty kick is taken from the penalty spot with only the goalkeeper allowed to defend it, giving the attacking side a strong chance to score. It is awarded when a defender commits a foul, usually a direct-free-kick offence, inside their own penalty area.
The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line until the ball is struck, and all other players stand outside the penalty area until the kick is taken. Comparable penalty shots also exist in other goal sports, such as futsal and field hockey.
Where you’ll hear “penalty kick”
Sports that use this term:
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Futsal
A fast, small-sided indoor form of football played on a hard court with a low-bounce ball.
Field Hockey
An outdoor team sport that uses curved sticks to move a ball, built on agility and teamwork.
Water Polo
A demanding team sport played in deep water, blending swimming endurance with tactics.
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Equipment
Rules
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
- Penalty kick awardA one-on-one kick against the goalkeeper awarded when a defending player commits a direct-free-kick foul inside their own penalty area.
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- Volleyball rotationThe rule that players rotate one position clockwise each time their team wins back the serve.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
Scoring systems
Skills
Tactics
- Set-piece playRehearsed routines from a dead-ball situation such as a corner, free kick or throw-in used to create chances.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Pick and rollA two-player basketball action where one player screens for the ball-handler, then rolls to the basket.
- Zone defenceA defensive system where each player guards an area of the court rather than a specific opponent.
Positions
- GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
- CenterThe center is usually the tallest player on a basketball team, playing near the basket to score inside, rebound, and protect the rim.
- SetterThe setter is volleyball’s playmaker, taking the team’s second contact and delivering accurate sets for hitters to attack.
- Fly-halfThe fly-half is rugby’s chief decision-maker and tactical kicker, directing the backline and controlling how the team attacks.
- PivotThe pivot is a handball attacker who plays close to the opposition defence, setting screens and looking for chances near the goal area.