News release: The psychology of penalty shoot-outs

Abstract

A sports psychology lecturer from the University of Central Lancashire is looking into
the effects of stress on footballers - particularly when it comes to taking that all
important penalty.
With most of the world currently focusing on the events in Japan and South Korea, the
work done by Dr Rod Corban is particularly relevant.
Dr Corban says: " My research looks at the effects of stress and self confidence on the
control of our movements, and in particular how this relates to what we know about the
parts of the brain involved in movement control."
So how do the likes of players such as David Beckham cope with getting the ball in the
back of the net when the pressure is so intense?
"Some individuals are always mentally strong, but it is difficult to predict how people
will react on the day. Sometimes pressure from the fans and the footballer' s urge to
score can have a devasting effect on performance. It is our job to give sports people the
psychological skills to deal with pressure".
Dr Corban's top penalty penalty takers?
"Sol Campbell, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and obviously David Beckham"
-ends-
19 June 2002
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Note:
1. For further information, please contact Dr Rod Corban, Dept of Psychology,
University of Central Lancashire, Preston, tel: 01772 893438, email
rmcorban@uclan.ac.uk or Pam Culley, University Media Office, tel: 01 772
892486
2. The University of Central Lancashire runs successful degrees in Sports Science
and Sports Psychology. For more information, please contact the Department of
Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, tel: 01772 893420