Direction of a penalty kick

[Wil Bradfield]

I got asked the other night "can the ball be kicked sideways in a penalty kick?". I know it must go forward but does it still oblige if it goes side ways?

 

[Mikysaints]

As long it moves in a forward direction, it can go either side of the penalty mark (see famous Cruff/Olsen penalty for Ajax) but it can't, technically, be played to the side as it wouldn't be deemed to have moved forward

 

[DaveMac]

Check out Henry and Pires.

 

[Charlie Jones]

haha if you want a masterclass in taking penalties - watch that video

 

[Ross]

You mean this one? Skip to around 40 seconds to see what I mean

 

[Charlie Jones]

powerful