One player. One ball. One kick. Millions watching.

With the World Cup in the knockout stages, Grace is joined by Chartered Psychologist Stuart Duff to explore the psychology of penalty taking — one of the most intense moments in sport. Because standing on the penalty spot is about far more than football. It’s about what happens when the pressure is overwhelming, the stakes are high, and there is nowhere to hide.

Drawing on the research of Professor Geir Jordet and his book Pressure, they unpack why penalty shootouts are not a lottery, but a powerful test of human psychology. Why do some players stay composed while others unravel? What does pressure do to the body and mind in those few decisive seconds?

From rushed run-ups and wandering focus to the routines that help players hold their nerve, this episode reveals the hidden psychology behind success and failure from twelve yards.

A fascinating listen for football fans and anyone interested in how we perform when everything is on the line.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

References:

• Jordet, G. and Hartman, E. (2008) Avoidance Motivation and Choking under Pressure in Soccer Penalty Shootouts. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology 30(4):450-7
• Jordet, G. (2024). Pressure: Lessons from the Psychology of the Penalty Shootout. London: New River Books. ISBN: 9781915780218.