PK is short for “penalty kick.” In soccer, a PK is awarded when a defending player commits a foul that would normally give the other team a direct free kick, but does it inside their own penalty area. The ball is placed on the penalty spot, 12 yards (11 meters) from the goal line, and one attacker gets a free shot with only the goalkeeper to beat.
“PKs” also refers to a penalty shootout, used to decide a tied knockout game. In this guide you’ll learn the PK rules, how professional players actually strike their penalties, and how to build a calm, repeatable routine of your own.
What Are PKs in Soccer? The Basic Rules
- The ball is placed on the penalty spot, 12 yards from goal.
- The kicker must be clearly identified, and all other players stay outside the penalty area, behind the ball and at least 10 yards from the spot.
- The goalkeeper must stay on the goal line, between the posts, until the ball is kicked, with at least part of one foot touching or in line with the line.
- The kicker must kick the ball forward and can’t touch it again until another player has.
- Feinting during the run-up is allowed, but faking a kick once the run-up is complete is an offence (see our guide to the paradinha penalty).
How the Pros Shoot PKs: Three Techniques
Most penalty kicks fall into one of three striking styles:
1. The push (side-foot) shot
Struck with the inside of the foot by opening the hips. It’s the most accurate technique and the easiest to control, but it carries less power. Great placement makes up for the lack of pace.
2. The driven (laces) shot
Struck with the laces for maximum power. Hard to save when on target, but the shooter has less control over exactly where the ball goes, and a lot of high misses come from this style.
3. The cut (instep) shot
Struck with the instep, around the big toe area, combining much of the accuracy of the side-foot with more of the power of the laces. When executed well, it’s both accurate and difficult to reach.
Where Do the Pros Aim?
- Low corners: the most common target. A low, firm shot just inside the post is hard for a diving keeper to reach.
- High corners: almost unsaveable when on target, but the margin for error is small.
- Down the middle: works when keepers dive early, but it’s a gamble if the keeper stays big.
The most important rule: pick your spot before you start your run-up and don’t change your mind. Indecision causes more missed PKs than goalkeepers do.
Building a PK Routine
- Place the ball yourself. Check the spot and set the ball the way you like it.
- Choose your corner and commit to it.
- Use the same run-up every time, including the number of steps and the angle.
- Breathe. One slow breath before the referee’s whistle settles your nerves.
- Strike through the ball with your body over it to keep the shot down.
Penalty Practice Drill
Place two cones just inside each post, at ground level. Take 10 penalties: 5 to each side, side-foot only, and count how many finish between cone and post. Then add a goalkeeper, then add pressure: teammates watching, or a “sudden death” scoring game. Practising under mild pressure is the best preparation for real PKs.
PKs in Youth Soccer
Penalty shootouts can feel huge for young players. Coaches can help by practising penalties regularly, letting players choose a technique they trust, and praising courage, not just results. Confidence from the spot comes from clean technique, and clean technique comes from lots of quality touches on the ball.
Want to see some famous penalties? Watch how Messi takes a penalty and the Johan Cruyff passed penalty.
The Goalkeeper Side of PKs
Penalties are a duel. Goalkeepers study takers’ habits, watch the hips and standing foot, and sometimes try to distract the kicker by moving along the line. Under the Laws of the Game, the keeper must stay on the goal line between the posts until the ball is kicked, and can’t touch the posts, crossbar or net to distract the taker. For shooters, the lesson is simple: if your technique is clean and your choice is made early, the goalkeeper’s tricks matter much less.
Penalty Shootouts: How “Going to PKs” Works
When a knockout game is tied after regular time (and extra time, if played), it’s often decided by a penalty shootout. Each team takes five kicks, alternating. If the teams are still level, they continue with one kick each in “sudden death” until one team scores and the other misses. Only players on the field at the end of the game can take part, and every eligible player must take a kick before anyone takes a second.
For coaches, shootouts are a great reason to practise penalties regularly in training, so players know their routine before the pressure arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PK stand for in soccer?
PK stands for penalty kick.
How far is a PK from the goal?
The penalty spot is 12 yards (11 meters) from the goal line.
What is “going to PKs”?
It means a tied knockout game will be decided by a penalty shootout.
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