Adver News: THE VIC MORGAN COLUMN: Is there an alternative to penalties?

[Barry Scott]

Penalty's shouldn't be hit and hope, and the fact that that's the prevailing attitude in this country (alongside the 'it's a lottery' myth) is largely the reason this nation does so bad at them.

They are an easily mastered skill, and the chances are if you want to win a knock out competition you will likely have to win at least one game on penalties. To leave it to chance is ludicrous.

Couldn't agree more. If you can take the pressure (which would come with consistent penalty practice) and you're able to strike the ball into the top corner, no keeper's saving them.

I can remember a few Ballack and Shearer penalties smashed into the TC where the keeper stood no chance.

[Bewster]

All games go to extra time. 15 minutes each way. Prior to the start of the extra time, each team removes one of their players making it 10 on 10. A further player from each side is removed every 5 minutes.

This gets my vote

[Dr Pierre Chang]

Maybe a better way to do the penalty shoot out would be to have the shoot out before the game starts or maybe at 1/2 time? There might be a bot more skill as the players aren't knackered. Also, you wouldn't get both teams playing for the draw afterwards - One team would have to go for it as they know that they will have lost if the penalty shoot out is used to settle the match.

[DV]

Next goal wins. Play till someone scores...

[PetsWinPrizes]

Maybe a better way to do the penalty shoot out would be to have the shoot out before the game starts or maybe at 1/2 time? There might be a bot more skill as the players aren't knackered. Also, you wouldn't get both teams playing for the draw afterwards - One team would have to go for it as they know that they will have lost if the penalty shoot out is used to settle the match.

Its all swings and roundabouts. Whatever you do, someone wins and someone loses.

I've heard a version of this before, and have to say it's my favourite.

[No Longer Posh Red]

Couldn't agree more. If you can take the pressure (which would come with consistent penalty practice) and you're able to strike the ball into the top corner, no keeper's saving them.

I can remember a few Ballack and Shearer penalties smashed into the TC where the keeper stood no chance.

I'm sure I remember some years ago seeing a documentary piece about one of the England Youth teams who were due to play in their Euro Championships. The coach at the time brought in a sports psychiatrist to talk to the team and had them go through some meditation exercises & had them visualise themselves scoring in a penalty shoot out. They did this several times in the build up to the tournament.

The ironic thing was, they won the Final beating the Germans on penalties.

Now it may have just been a huge coincidence, but it does make you think.