Football is a riveting sport that goes beyond athletics.

It involves a combination of physical

strength, strategic skill, and mental resilience. At the core of this complex combination of
factors is the phenomena of anxiety, a widespread impact that affects players, coaches, and
spectators equally. In the wider scope of football, anxiety plays a complex role, affecting the
results of performance, the dynamics of the team, and the well-being of individuals.
Yet, it is under the intense pressure of penalty shootouts when the significant effects of
anxiety are most apparent. These critical moments, known for their great intensity and
inherent unpredictability, are a small-scale representation of the complex psychological
aspects of the sport. When players approach the spot, their thoughts are overwhelmed by a
multitude of expectations, demands, and uncertainties. Anxiety plays a crucial part in
deciding whether they will succeed or fail.
Therefore, in order to thoroughly examine the significance of anxiety in football, specifically
in penalty shootouts, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the current body of research. A
comprehensive comprehension of the complex relationship between anxiety and performance
may be obtained by combining information from empirical investigations, theoretical
frameworks, and anecdotal stories. Furthermore, this research not only provides insight into
the psychological foundations of football but also has ramifications for the wider field of
sports psychology and tactics for improving performance.

This literature review aims to explore two main aspects. Firstly, it seeks to clarify the overall
importance of anxiety in football, highlighting its widespread impact on different aspects of
the sport. Secondly, it aims to analyse the specific intricacies of anxiety in the context of
penalty shootouts, examining its complex role in determining outcomes and influencing
strategic approaches. This thorough investigation reveals a greater understanding of the
significant interaction between the mind and body in the sport, highlighting the crucial
influence of psychological elements on physical achievement.
Penalty kicks in football are crucial moments that have the power to influence the result of a
match and evoke strong emotions among players and supporters. The importance of these
situations goes beyond simple talent; it explores the complex field of psychology, namely the
function of anxiety. This literature study seeks to analyse the influence of anxiety on penalty
kicks in football, specifically addressing both regular penalties and the intensified pressure of
shootouts. This review aims to clarify the intricacies of anxiety at these important moments
of the game by combining previous studies.
Psychological distress experienced during football penalty shootouts
Anxiety, characterised as a feeling of worry and discomfort, is present across the realm of
football penalties, significantly impacting the performance of players. The study conducted
by Jones and Harwood (2008) emphasises the high occurrence of anxiety among football
players while facing penalty kicks, and highlights how it negatively impacts their ability to
make decisions and execute them well. Furthermore, research conducted by Hanton et al.
(2009) indicates a connection between heightened levels of anxiety and a higher probability
of failing penalty kicks, highlighting the need of implementing effective measures for
managing anxiety.
Indeed, there are other elements that might add to the nervousness experienced by penalty
shooters in football. Now, let us examine a few of these factors:
1. Crowd pressure refers to the influence and impact exerted by a large group of people on an
individual or a smaller group. It involves the social and psychological forces that may shape
behaviour, opinions,
Penalty shooters might experience substantial pressure when faced with a large and
outspoken audience, since they are very conscious of the demands and close observation of
onlookers. The cacophony of the audience, coupled with the captivating sight of several
gazes fixated on them, has the potential to intensify sensations of unease and lack of
confidence, resulting in increased anxiety.
The number 2. Atmosphere in the stadium:
The intense and thrilling environment in the stadium may sometimes cause nervousness for
penalty shooters. The resounding shouts, rhythmic drumbeats, and enthusiastic applause
emanating from fans provide an electrifying atmosphere that may be both invigorating and
daunting, intensifying the mental strain experienced by players.
The number 3. Significance of the Present Moment:
The penalty shootout moment itself carries a substantial weight of strain and anxiety for the
shooters. Each penalty kick in the contest has significant importance and has a substantial
impact on the final result. Awareness of the possible consequences of their actions on the
team's outcome might elicit emotions of worry and tension connected to performance.
The number is 4. Personal anticipations:
Players may also encounter anxiety arising from their own internal expectations and
performance criteria. The aspiration for achievement, combined with the apprehension of not
succeeding, may generate a psychological state of tension that presents itself as worry. In
addition, players may experience pressure to meet their own previous performances or
reputations as skilled penalty takers, which may further heighten feelings of nervousness.
The number 5. Tactics for Goalkeepers:
The anxiety levels of penalty shooters might be influenced by the presence of the opposing
custodian and their planned manoeuvres. Goalkeepers may use psychological strategies, such
as gamesmanship, to unsettle the shooter by pretending to make certain motions or assuming
scary postures. The ambiguity over the goalkeeper's intentions introduces an element of
unpredictability that may intensify nervousness for shooters.
The number 6. Team Expectations:
The nervousness experienced by penalty shooters might be influenced by the expectations
and views of their teammates and coaching staff. Players may have a feeling of obligation to
perform well for their team and meet the expectations set on them by their teammates. The
apprehension of disappointing teammates or confronting criticism in the case of a failed
penalty may intensify sensations of worry and pressure.
Overall, a variety of elements, both external and internal, such as crowd influence, stadium
ambiance, the significance of the situation, personal anticipations, custodian strategies, and
team aspirations, may all contribute to the nervousness felt by football penalty takers. It is
crucial to acknowledge and comprehend these aspects in order to develop efficient techniques
for handling anxiety and maximising performance in high-pressure circumstances.

An Investigation on the Influence of Anxiety on Performance in Penalty Shootouts

Anxiety becomes much more important in penalty shootouts, as the pressure increases and
the stakes rise. Jordet et al. (2013) discovered that players experience increased anxiety
during shootouts, which is marked by heightened physiological arousal and cognitive
distractions. The increased anxiousness, along with the individual character of penalty kicks,
intensifies the psychological pressure on players, affecting their performance when faced
with stress.
Penalty shootouts are highly stressful and emotionally charged moments in football, when the
result of a match is in a perilous position and depends on the performance of a few players. In
this demanding setting, anxiety plays a significant role in moulding the performance and
decision-making processes of participants.
Mental or emotional weight
Penalty kicks, being a one-on-one situation, intensify the psychological pressure on players,
hence heightening emotions of fear and uncertainty. Studies indicate that the possibility of
participating in a penalty shootout induces increased levels of tension and uneasiness among
players (Jordet et al., 2013). The psychological weight may appear in several forms, such as
elevated heart rate, cognitive disruptions, and negative internal dialogue, all of which can
hinder performance while under pressure.
Influence on the process of making decisions.
The presence of anxiety during penalty shootouts may have a substantial influence on the
cognitive processes involved in players' decision-making. Research has shown that higher
levels of anxiety are linked to a greater probability of making less than ideal judgements,
such as selecting predictable shot locations or straying from established routines (Vilar et al.,
2012). This inclination towards risk-averse conduct arises from a want to minimise probable
failure and lessen the psychological suffering linked to the high-stakes circumstance.
Implementation and Efficiency
Anxiety may have negative effects on both the body and the mind, which can hinder the
ability to perform penalty kicks effectively. This can result in reduced accuracy and power
while placing shots. A study conducted by Bar-Eli et al. (2007) revealed a positive correlation
between heightened anxiety levels in players and an increased occurrence of missed penalty
kicks. This underscores the adverse effect of worry on performance results, as players have
difficulties in maintaining cool and executing their shots accurately while under pressure.
Restoration and fortitude
In penalty shootouts, athletes exhibit exceptional tenacity in overcoming adversity despite the
difficulties presented by nervousness. Research has recorded cases in which athletes have
effectively controlled their anxiousness and performed decisively at critical periods
(Gucciardi et al., 2009). The resilience shown by players is a result of several psychological
elements, including as self-assurance, resilience, and proficient methods of dealing with
challenges. These aspects empower players to recover from failures and excel at critical
moments.

Anxiety Management Strategies

Although anxiousness during football penalties is widespread, it may be overcome.
Woodman and Hardy (2003) conducted research that identified many coping methods used
by players to reduce anxiety. These mechanisms include positive self-talk, visualisation, and
pre-performance rituals. In addition, treatments like as psychological skills training, as
suggested by Weinberg and Gould (2015), provide potential methods for providing players
with the necessary abilities to properly handle anxiety, therefore improving performance in
penalty scenarios.
Anxiety Management Strategies
To effectively handle anxiety in penalty scenarios, players must use a blend of psychological
strategies and practical methods that attempt to improve their capacity to manage stress and
achieve optimum performance under pressure. Athletes and sports psychologists have
developed and used several ways to reduce anxiety and improve performance in high-
pressure circumstances such as penalty shootouts.
1. Cognitive restructuring refers to the process of modifying or changing one's thought
patterns or beliefs in order to promote more adaptive and positive thinking.
Cognitive restructuring is the process of recognising and questioning pessimistic attitudes and
beliefs that lead to anxiety, and substituting them with more optimistic and adaptable
alternatives. Players are advised to alter their perspectives on pressure and failure,
emphasising the chance to demonstrate their abilities rather than the apprehension of
committing errors. By fostering a mentality characterised by self-assurance and the ability to
recover quickly from setbacks, athletes may mitigate the influence of worry on their
performance.
The number 2. Visualising and mentally rehearsing
Visualisation and mental rehearsal include mentally practicing the execution of penalty kicks
with great clarity, envisioning excellent results and favourable performance encounters.
Players may enhance their self-efficacy and cultivate a feeling of comfort and control in high-
pressure circumstances by mentally seeing themselves playing confidently and completing
their shots with accuracy. Mental rehearsal prepares players' brains and bodies for success,
increasing their preparedness to perform when the time arrives.
The number is 3. Methods for achieving a state of relaxation
Different relaxation methods, such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle
relaxation, and mindfulness meditation, may mitigate physiological symptoms of anxiety and
foster a state of tranquilly and concentration. By integrating these strategies into their pre-
performance rituals, athletes may control their arousal levels and sustain ideal levels of
activity throughout penalty shootouts. This allows individuals to maintain composure and
emotional control, so enhancing their ability to perform consistently and effectively when
faced with pressure.
The number 4. Attention control refers to the ability to direct and focus one's attention on a
certain task or stimulus, while filtering out distractions or irrelevant information.
Attention control refers to the ability to consciously concentrate and sustain attention on
important signals and task-related information, while effectively ignoring distractions and
irrelevant inputs. Athletes are instructed to develop a concentrated and specific attention on
crucial aspects of their skill and performance, such as the ball, designated area, and their
desired shot accuracy. Players may enhance their attention and decision-making abilities
during penalty kicks by focusing on certain key areas and disregarding irrelevant ideas and
distractions.

The number 5. Pre-performance routines

Developing pre-performance rituals enables players to establish a sense of organisation and
familiarity in high-pressure circumstances, therefore reducing emotions of ambiguity and
anxiety. These routines often consist of a series of preparation acts and mental rituals, such as
visualisation, positive self-talk, and physical warm-up exercises, intended to cultivate
confidence and preparedness for competition. Consistently following their routines allows
players to establish a feeling of consistency and control, which improves their psychological
readiness and resilience during penalty shootouts.
In conclusion
To summarise, anxiety plays a crucial role in the context of football penalties, significantly
affecting the performance of players and the final results. Anxiety has a pervasive impact on
the psychological aspects of the game, ranging from common penalties to high-pressure
shootouts. Nevertheless, by comprehending and using efficient techniques for managing
anxiety, athletes may successfully handle these high-stress situations with more calmness and
self-assurance. In the future, more investigation and implementation of psychological
concepts are crucial for maximising the performance of football players during penalty
scenarios, guaranteeing that they excel when it is most important.
To adequately prepare players, including the custodian, for penalty shootouts, a thorough
method is necessary that encompasses both the physical and psychological components of
performing under pressure. Here are some recommendations to augment their preparedness
and achievement in penalty situations:
1. Mental readiness:
Utilise visualisation and mental rehearsal techniques to urge players to mentally see
themselves effectively performing penalty kicks and successfully blocking shots during
penalty shootouts. Engaging in mental rehearsal aids in the development of self-assurance
and familiarity with the current task, hence reducing anxiety and improving overall
performance.
Cognitive restructuring involves instructing players to recognise and question negative
attitudes and beliefs associated with penalty shootouts, and replace them with more positive
and adaptable alternatives. Changing how we see pressure and failure may reduce anxiety and
encourage an attitude of resilience and confidence.
Stress Inoculation Training involves subjecting participants to simulated high-pressure
circumstances during training sessions, systematically escalating the severity and complexity
of the scenarios over time. This intervention aids in the desensitisation of players to stressors
often associated with penalty shootouts, hence enhancing their ability to execute with more
efficacy in high-pressure situations.
The number 2. Preparation in terms of technical and tactical aspects:
Allocate dedicated training periods to practise penalty kicks for both the shooters and the
goalie. Repetition aids in the development of muscle memory and the refinement of
technique, resulting in improved accuracy and confidence while executing or defending
against penalty shots.
Conduct a thorough analysis of the trends and preferences of rival players and goalkeepers
during penalty scenarios. Analysing trends and vulnerabilities may provide valuable insights
for making strategic choices and enhance the chances of victory in shootouts.
Formulate Penalty tactics: Collaborate with players to devise personalised and collective
tactics for penalty shootouts, including shot precision, approach trajectories, and custodian
placement. Establishing a well-defined strategy and assigning specific responsibilities helps
foster assurance and unity among participants, so optimising their likelihood of achieving
favourable outcomes.
The number 3. Preparation for both the physical and emotional aspects:
Preserve Physical Fitness: Guarantee that players are in peak physical condition prior to
penalty shootouts, since weariness may affect performance and decision-making. Enforcing a
well-organized exercise routine aids players in sustaining their stamina and mental acuity
throughout the game and penalty shootout.
Emotional Management: Instruct players on strategies for effectively controlling their
emotions and staying composed in intense circumstances. Promote the practice of deep
breathing, using positive self-talk, and engaging in mindfulness exercises to effectively
manage arousal levels and maintain concentration on the current work.
The number 4. Enhancing Team Support and Cohesion:
Promote Team Cohesion: Cultivate a nurturing team atmosphere characterised by trust,
friendship, and solidarity. Robust team cohesiveness fosters a shared feeling of accountability
and assistance among players, enhancing self-assurance and tenacity in penalty shootouts.
Offer players words of encouragement and comfort before to and during penalty shootouts to
boost their confidence. Highlight the significance of maintaining concentration, having
confidence in their skills, and providing mutual support as a cohesive unit, irrespective of the
result.
Coaches may enhance players' abilities, mentality, and ability to bounce back by including
these tactics into their training routine. This will increase their likelihood of succeeding and
obtaining positive results in penalty shootouts, therefore maximising their chances of success
on the football field.
This research review has explored the complex relationship between anxiety and football
penalties, specifically in the context of high-pressure penalty shootouts. The study has
analysed a wide range of elements that contribute to anxiety among players, including the
pressure from the audience, the environment in the stadium, the expectations of individuals,
and the techniques used by goalkeepers. The review has clarified the complex and varied
effects of anxiety on player performance, emphasising its impact on decision-making,
execution, and ability to handle stressful circumstances.
Moreover, the research has delineated a variety of tactics for effectively handling anxiety,
including psychological, technological, and team-oriented methods. The tactics include
cognitive restructuring, visualisation, technical preparation, and creating team togetherness.
These strategies are designed to prepare players with the requisite abilities and mentality to
excel in high-pressure situations.
In summary, the review highlights the crucial influence of psychological variables on
performance results in football penalty situations. It highlights the significance of
comprehensive methods that include psychological elements into player preparation and
training routines. Coaches and players may improve their preparedness and ability to handle
anxiety in penalty situations by comprehending and dealing with its intricacies. This will
eventually optimise their potential for success on the football field.