Analysis of Kickers ' Strategic Actions for Finishing in Penalty Shoot-outs

Abstract The present study aims to analyze kickers ' strategic actions for finishing in penalty shoot-outs among youth soccer players ultimately to increase success rates of shoot-outs and to score a victory. Subjects were experienced 271 soccer players attending high schools located around the capital area. To determine any difference in strategic actions for finishing in penalty shoot-outs among the subjects, frequency analysis or chi-square was used for the analysis. The analysis found the following points: First, the success or failure rates of kickers in penalty shoot-outs were found to depend on subjects ' experiences as soccer players. Second, in terms of kickers ' shooting qualities, they were found to shoot on goal regardless of shooting positions. Third, an important factor to enhance the shoot-outs probability was found to be a strategic action through the eyes. Fourth, in view of the strategic actions prior to kickers ' shooting, goalies were found to check out kickers' positions first and estimate the directions and qualities of shooting via kickers ' body actions and eye lines