Pressure: Lessons from the psychology of the penalty shootout

by Geir Jordet

FOREWORD BY ARSÈNE WENGER

Includes exclusive interviews with Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Robert Lewandowski and other Premier League players

'A gripping, surprising and deeply humane look at one of the most intense pieces of drama on earth.' James Graham, author of Dear England


'I can score penalties in my sleep, so why not that one?' Marcus Rashford, Euros 2021

The penalty shootout is the most intense drama in sport. The anxious wait, the building dread, the lonely, heavy-legged walk towards the penalty spot. One kick while the world holds its breath. Even football's most casual observers cannot escape the nerve-wracking suspense.

What happens to a footballer's brain and body in these heart-pounding moments of pressure? Why do some thrive while others choke?

In this ground-breaking book, sport psychology Professor Geir Jordet dissects each agonising element of the shootout's duel and the universal human stress mechanisms that it triggers and illuminates. Drawing on two decades of studying the atomic nuances of performance under pressure, Jordet's vivid case studies take you behind the scenes of football's most nail-biting moments. He interviews superstars and shares stories from his work with top teams and some of the world's best players.

In the penalty shootout, as in life, it is often the tiny, seemingly invisible decisions that impact success and failure. After reading this book, you will have fresh insights and a newly acquired understanding of those dreaded moments when the pressure builds - how to handle them.

Genres: Psychology, Sports, Football

351 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2024

Reviews

[Defne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and well written book about the psychology behind penalty taking in football! Thanks to Geir Jordet I want penalty shootouts in every game now

[Anna Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw someone mention this on a TV programme and thought it sounded interesting. How could the lessons learnt from penalties transfer to every day life?

Well in truth, this book is probably 95% chat about penalties that have happened (this guys really loves penalties) and 5% how it can apply outside of football. That said, and said from someone who doesn’t really follow football, it’s an enjoyable read (well actually listen as I did the audiobook).

Some of my favourite quotes:

“The words dont matter much, it’s about being there”

“To make positive thinking the aim misses the mark. Performing under pressure is not about feeling good, it’s about doing what is right and smart regardless of how one feels and particularly when one feels bad.”

“Celebrate small wins to strengthen collective confidence “

“A miss is often just a temporary setback. What matters is how the team collectively responds to that setback”

“Anxiety is a normal reaction is pressure situations. The question with respect to how it will impact performance is: how do you interpret it and what do you do with it?

[Harry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very very interesting book. Fascinating insight into penalties and the pressure players are under. However, common conception is that penalties can’t be practiced or prepared for. This is wrong. There is so much, communication, team work, pre-shot routines and more that can be done to prepare. Managers can do this and encourage it. A lot of managers don’t believe in this and the results are clear with France in the 2022 World Cup. Gareth Southgate adopted the teamwork mentality. Argentina adopted the goalkeeper role effectively. Plenty of examples where what seems like a ‘luck’ or non-skill moment actually controllable. Impressive.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jordet is one of the foremost authorities on penalty shootouts, and it comes through in the book. I was expecting more of it to be transferable to other areas (and some of it is), but even so, it's a compelling read, useful for coaches, players, and fans. Some of the narrative examples are a little long, but even those usually work.

[Milos Mirosavljevic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting disection of what goes in minds of players during penalty kicks in football (soccer). Author also reveals various tactics used by players to cope with this and finally provides a lot of data-backed up conclusions.

Interesting read in general and a bit different from your typical book out there.

[Joe Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* Stars

Well written book about a fascinating subject. Most of Jordet's points were articulated well and interesting to read about. Particularly liked the parallels to leadership. I thought some parts of the book lacked deeper insight for me, but that's largely due to such a niche subject.

[LRKK · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who love football but loathe seeing matches decided by penalty kicks, this will be a revelation. More vitally, however, he lays out the appalling neglect of psychological considerations in world football. A fascinating piece of work.

[Derek John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best sports psychology book I’ve ever read. The way the author examines the intricacies of penalties is fascinating. Great work. Mark me down on the pre order list for his next.

[Francisco Maldonado · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Interesting. Not repetitive even though it only talks about penalties. But that is its downfall - it’s only about penalties

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems an oversight that there is no reference or discussion to the shoot out at the FIFAWWC2023 which featured the longest shootout in the history of the FIFAWC competition, male or female. 😏