Penalty Kicks Under Pressure: Keep Your Cool

A futsal penalty shootout in which the rest of the group creates allowed noise and pressure while the shooter uses a calming routine. Students work on emotional control and discuss where cheering ends and disrespect begins.

How to play

1. Teach the shooter's routine: set the ball, two breaths, look at the target and say a cue word (2 min).
2. Make 3 groups of 8 at three goals; the extra student keeps time. Rotate the goalie on every kick.
3. Round 1 (4 min): penalty kicks from 6 m (20 ft) in silence; each shooter records whether they scored.
4. Round 2 (4 min): the group, behind a line 5 m (16 ft) back, makes allowed noise: claps, rhythms and generic shouts, never words about the person.
5. Round 3 (5 min): a two-group duel with a rival crowd and a scoreboard; each shooter may ask once for 5 seconds of silence.
6. Wrap-up (5 min): compare results and discuss what helps you stay calm and which fan behaviors are unacceptable.

Rules

• No insults or personal comments: if it happens, the group loses the round.
• The crowd stays on its line and throws nothing.
• The goalie can't move forward before the kick.
• Safety: nobody stands behind the goal during kicks.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: roll the ball by hand, or play goalie seated with a smaller goal.
• Autism or sound sensitivity: may use ear protection or always shoot in the silent round.
• Beginners: shoot from 4 m (13 ft).

Learning goals

• Apply a self-control routine under pressure.
• Tell the difference between cheering and insults or taunting.
• Improve accuracy kicking with the inside of the foot.

Equipment for a class of 25

• futsal balls: 6
• goals: 3
• cones: 6
• pinnies: 12

Teacher tip

Agree with the group beforehand on what noise is allowed and stop the round at any personal comment. Connect the discussion to what students see in the stands at weekend games.

More activities like this

More main activities for High School