# Official IFAB Penalty Shootout Rules and Regulations
Penalty shootouts (officially kicks from the penalty mark) determine the winner of a drawn association football match in knockout competitions according to Law 10 of the IFAB Laws of the Game. 5 Initial Kicks
11m Penalty Distance
1v1 Kicker vs Goalkeeper
ABBA / AB Turn Sequences
Mathematical Elimination Rule
If one team leads by more goals than the opposing team has remaining kicks, the shootout terminates immediately without completing the 5 rounds.# Regular Phase vs Sudden Death Comparison
Initial 5 Kicks Phase
Each team takes 5 alternating kicks. Early victory occurs only upon mathematical impossibility of a comeback.
Sudden Death Phase
Single-round pairs after round 5. Any score disparity after equal kick attempts determines the instant winner.
# Key IFAB Penalty Shootout Rules Reference
| Rule / Regulation | Official IFAB Standard Requirement |
|---|---|
| Eligible Players | Only players on the field at the end of match/extra time may take kicks. |
| Goalkeeper Position | Must have at least part of one foot on or touching the goal line when kicked. |
| Feinting in Run-up | Feinting during run-up is permitted; feinting after completing run-up is an offense. |
| Equal Number of Players | If one team has fewer players due to red cards, the opposing team must reduce their team size to match. |
# Pros and Cons of Penalty Shootouts in Football
Shootout Evaluation
Advantages
- Guarantees a definitive match winner within a predictable time window.
- Delivers maximum spectator excitement and dramatic sporting moments.
Disadvantages
- High psychological pressure can overshadow overall team performance across 120 minutes.
- Individual player misses can carry disproportionate blame.