 |
|
|
Ever wondered just how to take that perfect Penalty? Well, we have for the first time in print the low down from our resident Penalty Ace, Riky Rocket -
|
|
|
|
1.) First, clear your mind of all things so that you are totally focused on the job in hand.. .
|
|
|
|
No, no, no... clear your mind! Ideally this would involve some sort of meditation the night before the match, but in reality this is only carried out by the really serious, and/or those who are really crap at pens.
|
|
|
|
2.) Secondly, be the first to grab the ball, the second that the ref's whistle is blown. This shows confidence and will give the attacker a slight advantage in the psychological battle between him and the keeper.
Take your time before placing the ball on the spot. There is nothing worse than waiting, ready to take the pen, while the defenders complain to the ref about the penalty decision - this will lead to nerves for even the most confident player. And as we all know, defenders can't help but whinge (you can tell a striker wrote this!!). .
|
|
|
|
When the ball is on the spot, carefully measure your distance from the ball, in order to allow for a powerful and effective run-up (and to avoid David Beckham-style slips).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Next, before you begin the run-up, know where you will place the ball. Never change your mind during this process - in truth it is advisable to know where you will aim towards before the match even kicks off.(Oh serious bit that!)
|
|
|
|
3.) Now, then, you are ready to complete arguably the most important stage in the penalty-taking process; making the shot.
Depending on where you aim to place the penalty, make sure you know which part of your foot should be making contact with ball. Good practice here is to hit the ball firmly - this is a shot, not a backpass!
After the shot has left your foot, follow it in. The keeper may have got lucky and fallen over the right way; but he may pass the ball straight back to you, leaving you with a tap-in.
|
|
|
|
4.) The penultimate tip is to make sure that you have a celebration planned; a successful penalty demands it! Suggestions for this stage include the 'Ravenelli shirt-over-the-head' or the 'Jan Age Fjortoft aeroplane'.
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.) And finally: to observe all the above in perfect harmony, look no further than Rose and Thistle's number 9, when we next are awarded a pen!
|
|
|
|
|
|
With Love RIKY ROCKET
|
|
|
