SADDICK ADAMS WRITES: Why penalty kicks are science, not luck

A German goalkeeper consulting notes containing record of opponent penalty takers

Some few years ago, I watched a documentary on German Football chiefs paying for a great deal of research interest in penalty taking in football..

The research somehow began around 1988 and spanned over 6 years. The studies eventually became a course of study and application in the various soccer schools in the country, according to the file.

The scientists collected statistics from penalty shoot-outs at every World Cup, African Cup of Nations and European Championships etc and also reviewed 140 matches in some 18 international competitions across 16 countries. In all over 2,000 penalty kicks under research.

It all was simple. The German Football School wanted to answer a FAQ – Is a penalty kick an art of science or purely a kick of luck?

After collating the data, research proved that, element of luck may count in everything sport no doubt.

Much more profoundly, those who think that penalty shoot-outs come down to luck must have a rethink.

As the statisticians Prozone put it, penalty is called “the science from 12 yards”.

They’d also answer the question “Who is in control- the kicker or the keeper”

This research has been very instrumental in helping German National Teams and their clubs winning very crucial competitions and tournaments from penalties.

They actually study the art from academies. For German’s, in selecting best penalty takers for their teams, studies could go as odd as examining the shape of a player’s leg, the size of their foot and the formation of their bodies (center of gravity, differences in upper body and lower weight).

This has worked almost perfectly for Germany, establishing them as a country with a fearsome spot-kick reputation.

By consulting that research and various others instituted by the German Federation years ago, German technical staff spend days, making painstaking efforts in reviewing opponents ahead of every game in tournaments.

They’ll prepare a list containing the record of each opponent penalty taker’s preferred part of the goal target. This information they use to enhance the probability of saving penalties and the effort have worked out almost all the time for Germany.

In 1996 Euros, as Germany eliminated England via penalties, the goalkeeper was seen consulting notes on a sheet of paper hidden in his socks.

At the 2006 World Cup, goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had a small book of penalty tips which he consulted to help his country beat Argentina on penalties.

At the recent Euro U-21 Championships, England came up against Germany in finals. Before every England kick, the German U21 goalkeeper Julian Pollersbeck consulted what appeared to be some notes that were cleverly tucked away in his shorts. The notes showed him where to dive depending on weaker foot of the taker and the movement before the kick. He saved 3 and they won.

Through that, records say Germany have never lost a penalty shootout in World Cup history, having missed only one penalty from 18 kicks at the World Cup since 1982.

I don’t think this is by LUCK. And I doubt if some God loves them because their penalty takers are the most faithful of all. They invested in perfecting the art.

Despite Ghana’s incredible talent, the country’s national teams and it’s clubs have suffered the most devastating heartbreaks from penalty kicks in competitions.

According to rsssf research, since 1988, Ghana’s record (both clubs and country) from penalty shootout success rate is as low as 13%, compared to Egypt’s 78% and Germany’s’ 96%.

After Kotoko penalty farce and eventual exit from Africa yet from the 12 yard jinx, many coaches have spoken.

Majority of those I’ve heard confidently refer to penalty kicks as a game of luck. Don’t forget, these are some of the most respected technical men in the land.

The opinion of countries like Germany, Brazil, Egypt etc who have taken pain and resources to apply more science to the game may not be right on penalties. But their results have proven right.

When we say in Ghana that we are practicing penalties, are we not only taking turns to shoot at training grounds and seeing who scores the most and who misses the most?

Do we apply any sort of science, psychology and statistics?

That especially in Ghana, our most trusted coaches still think of penalty kicks as a game of LUCK, then let’s continue to pray.

The Writer, Saddick Adams SportsObama’, is a journalist with Atinka FM and TV.