FU - A rules question.

by hobbs, San Diego, CA, Monday, July 06, 2026, 07:43 (16 days ago)

(I googled it and did not find a clear answer)

On a penalty kick does the player taking the kick have to declare which foot the kick will be taken with?

While watching the Brazil/Norway game Brazil had a PK opportunity early. Normally your best player takes the PK. But Vinícius Jr isn't good on PKs so the kick was taken by someone with less experience. The lack of experience showed as he tipped the side (his hips flew open) he was going to early and the Norway goalkeeper made the save.

That got me thinking. Elite level soccer players can damn near eat with their feet. Some of these guys have to be ambidextrous. So my wonder is how come nobody ever uses their off foot for a PK.

By using your off foot, your hips remain closed, and the goalkeeper doesn't get a tell on what side you're going for.