Penalty Kick vs Penalty Shootout — What's the Difference?

Both involve kicking from the penalty spot 12 yards from goal, but they could not be more different in context. One is a punishment awarded mid-match. The other is a structured competition that only happens in specific knockout tournaments when nothing else has separated the teams.

| | Penalty Kick | Penalty Shootout | |---|---|---| | When | During the match | After extra time, knockout only | | Reason | Foul or handball in the box | Tied score — to decide a winner | | Match continues after? | Yes | No — it decides the match | | Number of kicks | One | Five each, then sudden death | | Rebounds playable? | Yes | No |

When is a penalty kick given during a match?

A penalty kick is awarded when a player commits a direct free kick offence inside their own penalty area. The most common reasons are fouls (tripping, holding, pushing) or deliberate handball. The kick is taken immediately from the penalty spot, and if it is saved or hits the post, play resumes from the rebound — defenders and attackers both try to win the ball.

A penalty kick does not end the match. The game continues with the full 90 minutes (or extra time) running as normal regardless of the outcome of the kick.

How does a penalty shootout work?

A penalty shootout only happens in knockout competitions when the score is tied after extra time. Each team nominates five players to take kicks, alternating one at a time. If one team is already mathematically ahead after fewer than five kicks each, the shootout ends early.

If the score is still level after five kicks each, the shootout enters sudden death. Teams continue taking one kick each in turn. The first team to score when the other misses wins.

Goalkeepers can be selected as kick-takers. Outfield players who have been substituted off cannot take kicks. The goalkeeper must stay on their line until the kick is taken but can move laterally.

Unlike a penalty kick during the match, there are no rebounds in a shootout — if the kick is saved or hits the post, the attempt is over.

Are the rules the same for both?

Mostly, but not entirely. The same 12-yard spot is used, and the goalkeeper must stay on the line in both cases. The key difference is that rebounds during a shootout are dead — play does not continue. Encroachment rules are the same: players must remain outside the area until the kick is taken.

Learn more in the penalty kick lesson, the penalty shootout lesson, penalty encroachment rules, and the extra time and penalties guide.