Shootout Guide
Penalty shootouts determine match outcomes when games end in ties during playoffs and tournaments.
Basic Rules
- Only players on the field at the end of regulation or overtime may participate
- The first 5 players each take a kick
- After that, it’s one-by-one until there’s a winner
- Every player takes one kick before anyone takes a second
- The kicking sequence can change between rounds
- Any player on the field can serve as goalkeeper
- Goalkeeper changes are allowed at any time
Coach Preparation
Before the Season
- Rotate players through positions during practice
- Build weaker players’ penalty kick skills
- Identify your strongest penalty takers
- Practice penalty kicks regularly
Before a Potential Shootout
Have a predetermined kicking order list ready. Know who your top 5 kickers are and who will follow.
During the Shootout
Immediately After the Whistle
- Corral your players onto the field quickly
- Keep players in the center circle — wandering counts as a missed kick
Managing the Team
- Hand players the written kicking order to prevent confusion
- Keep remaining players focused and in the circle
- Avoid talking to referees during the shootout
Special Rules
Substitutions
No substitutions are allowed except for injured goalkeepers.
Unequal Teams
If one team has fewer players, the opposing team must remove players to equalize numbers.
Related Pages
- Game Day Guide — Running games
- Tournament Teams — Tournament information
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