Penalty shootouts as opposed to penalty strokes have been internationally accepted since 2011 but they have been used in the Australian Hockey League since 2001 and the Euro Hockey League since it started in 2007/2008. After much discussion and research, it was decided to use Penalty Shoot-outs because they ultimately better replicate real game situations and tend to require more skill, and as such are a better way to determine a tied match. Since its introduction the popular process for determining a result between drawn teams has filtered down all forms of competitions and as such a penalty shootout skill needs to be practised like other skills.
What are the key differences between a penalty stroke and a shoot-out?
A penalty stroke is a single shot by an attacker against a goalkeeper. The ball is placed on the penalty spot 6.4 metres from the back line. A good comparison for a newcomer to hockey would be to say that it is similar to a penalty kick in football. In a Penalty Shoot-out, the ball is placed on the 23-metre line, with an attacker next to it and a goalkeeper in goal on the back line. When the whistle is blown the attacker has 8 seconds in which to try and score a goal. This more mirrors what ice hockey has as it is permitted for the attacker to move the ball forward before taking a shot.
To find out the rules associated with the penalty shoot out 
What to consider as a player taking the shootout
- You have only 8 seconds therefore mentally count out 8 seconds to yourself prior to undertaking the shoot out.
- If you are not the designated first shoot out player watch how the goalkeeper plans his defence and determine his strengths and weaknesses
- Determine what are your strengths? i.e., hitting from the top of circle, change of speed to deceive an approaching goal keeper, changing directions quickly to place the goal keeper in an unbalanced position, and having the ability to draw a goalkeeper out and preciously place the ball over an approaching keeper.
- If you plan your strategy it is important to use a quick process of mental rehearsal, i.e., working through the execution of the skill in your mind as a mental picture.
- If you do not have a plan but are going to be reactive to the goalkeeper movements then you need to have practiced as many scenarios as you can at training.
- It is important to establish which of the shooting order your prefer, i.e., first, last, second etc and team practice specialise in this
What to consider as a goalkeeper in the shoot out
- Confidence in your skills and success is critical
- Like shoot out players you need formulate a plan that plays to your strengths, i.e., you like to attack the oncoming player or you prefer to stay closer to the defending goal, or you chose to leave part of the goal uncovered as it will play to your strength
- Covering and cutting down the shooting angles by maintaining your position around a semi circle from one post to another so that any shot is blocked naturally is a strong option if you are not an agile goalkeeper
- After each shooter has their turn irrespective of the result it is important to regroup your thoughts and approach for the next one. Again mental rehearsal techniques should be learnt.
- Finally consider having a longer goalie stick in your kit bag for penalty shootouts. It will provide you with extra stopping and tackling length. The current rules allow the goalkeeper to use a longer stick [up to 42 inches]
PENALTY SHOOT OUT SKILLS IN ACTION
The following penalty shootout videos between Australia and New Zealand showcase the skills and strategies being used by both the shooters and goalkeepers.
Remember to succeed fully you need to practice, practice and practice
