Penalty shootouts are among the most dramatic moments in football, but in women's football, missed penalties have become a recurring theme. As UEFA Women's Euro 2025 approaches, experts are analysing why so many spot-kicks go awry.
The Psychological Pressure
Dr. Sarah Johnson, a sports psychologist, explains that the mental aspect plays a huge role. "The pressure to score can be overwhelming, especially in high-stakes tournaments. Many players fixate on not missing rather than focusing on scoring," she says.
Technical Differences
Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis highlights technical factors: "Women generally have less power in their shots compared to men, which means goalkeepers can cover more ground. Placement becomes absolutely crucial."
Training Methods
Manchester City's head of women's football suggests clubs need to dedicate more training time to penalties: "We're seeing more focus on this now, but historically it hasn't been prioritised like in the men's game."
The Statistics
- Conversion rate in top women's leagues: 72%
- Conversion rate in men's leagues: 76%
- Most common miss: Low to the keeper's right
As women's football continues to grow professionally, addressing the penalty issue could be key to elevating the quality of major tournaments.
