SoccerDrillsForYouth
Back to Drills
ShootingBeginner

Penalty Shootout Practice

Players take turns shooting penalties against a goalkeeper. Builds composure and technique from the spot. Great for all ages.

10 min
2–10 players
Goal, Goalkeeper, 5–8 balls, 1 cone (penalty spot)

Objective

Develop penalty-taking technique, composure under pressure, and the mental side of finishing.

Penalty Shootout Practice youth soccer drill demonstration

Visual Concept

GKSPenalty Shootout PracticePenalties from the spot

Top-down diagram — Shooting drill layout

Setup

Full-size or age-appropriate goal with goalkeeper. Penalty spot marked 8–12 yards from goal (adjust for age).

How to Run It

1

Pick your spot

Before approaching, player decides where they're shooting — left, right, or down the middle. Commit to it.

2

Controlled run-up

Short, controlled approach — 3–5 steps. Don't rush.

3

Strike and follow through

Strike with the inside of the foot for placement, or instep for power. Follow through towards the target.

4

Shootout competition

Each player takes 5 penalties. Highest score wins. Sudden death if tied.

Coaching Cues

Decide where you're shooting before you start your run-up — don't change your mind

Keep your head down at the moment of contact

Breathe — stay calm, it's just you and the goalkeeper

Aim for the corners — not the middle

Variations

  • Goalkeeper can move early — attacker must react
  • Blindfolded goalkeeper (fun for younger groups)
  • Team shootout — which team scores the most from 10 penalties?

Equipment Needed

  • Goal
  • Goalkeeper
  • 5–8 balls
  • 1 cone (penalty spot)

Shop This Drill

Pop-Up Soccer Goals (2-pack)Coach Favorite

Set up in seconds. Perfect for small-sided games and shooting practice.

View on Amazon
Size 4 Soccer BallU9–U12

Standard for U9–U12. Great for skill development and drill work.

View on Amazon
Training Cones (50-pack)Most Popular

Classic tall cones for slalom drills, grids, and field marking.

View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Tags

penaltycomposuretechniqueU7competitive
Browse All Drills

More Shooting Drills

Intermediate

Shooting Gallery

Players receive a pass from the side and shoot first-time at goal, alternating feet each rep.

12 min 4–8
View Drill
Advanced

Volley Practice

Coach or partner tosses the ball for players to volley on goal. Focus on technique and clean contact.

15 min 2–6
View Drill
Intermediate

1v1 vs Keeper

Attacker receives a through ball and must beat the goalkeeper in a 1v1 situation.

10 min 3–8
View Drill