i was intrigued by the difference in approach between eng and ger to pelanties

germans study the science/psychology in far greater depth than eng. eng look at stats and base things on that; i.e. where the kicker places the ball, which side the keeper prefers to dive. all stat based. germans study that as well of course but also the psychology e.g. although it is counter inuitive it is better if the penalty taker prolongs the kick as much as possible, he then wrests control of the situation and this has a calming affect which increases confidence. Also, that the kicker doesn't engage in eye contact with the keeper at all. small details that appear to give them the edge.

Stuart pearce wrote about his Euro 96 penalty that he just wanted to get it over as quickly as possible and smash the thing in. It worked on that occasion but that sort of attitude is indicative of how far backwards we are then and I doubt if much has changed since.

Posted By: Tombs, Jul 20, 21:09:13