How to score a penalty? Tips and tricks for the players of EURO 2024

Munich, tonight, 6 p.m., UEFA EURO 2024 8th final: Netherlands vs. Romania. The score is tied after 120 minutes, so it comes down to penalties. If Memphis scores, we are through to the quarterfinals. How do you handle such pressure? What do you have to do to score?

Judith Prins, Professor of Medical psychology:

‘Scientists have analyzed television footage of penalty shootouts from the European Championship, World Cup, and Champions League matches. What did they find? You’re more likely to miss if that miss leads to defeat than if the penalty could win the match. Favorable for Memphis! Additionally, star players perform worse than their lesser-known colleagues. Bad news for Memphis…’

‘Another remarkable finding is that players are less likely to score if, after placing the ball, they turn their back on the goalkeeper before starting their run-up. Turning away is a form of avoidance behavior, which only increases anxiety. My tip: focus on yourself, stay calm, and talk to yourself positively. “I’ve trained for this endlessly; I can do it!” This really helps. And you can internalize this through cognitive behavioral therapy. Some sports psychologists specialize in this mental training. This should do the trick, right? Come on Holland!’

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