Mastering Penalty Betting: Key Strategies for Success
Penalty betting offers an exhilarating form of wagering, where the outcome depends on a nail-biting shootout. Though rare, this type of bet can create some of the most exciting moments in sports betting. In this guide, soccer tips today will explain how penalty betting works, explore the types of bets available, and provide strategies to help you succeed.
What Is Penalty Betting?
Penalty betting is an exciting and high-stakes form of wagering, where the outcome is determined by a tense one-on-one shootout between a player and a goalkeeper from a distance of 11 meters. This type of bet is not as common as others in sports betting, but when it appears, many bettors are eager to try their luck, especially by watching the live shootout unfold. All attention is focused on the 16.5-meter box, where goalkeepers face off against penalty shots. If you're intrigued by this type of bet, continue reading to understand how it works.
In football betting, most bets are tied to specific time periods. For example, popular options like handicap, over/under, and European betting markets are offered for both the first half and the full match. In knockout stages of cup competitions, if the match ends in a draw after 90 minutes, extra time bets are available. If the game remains tied after 120 minutes, it proceeds to a penalty shootout, which is where penalty betting comes into play.
Penalty betting applies to the shootout itself, with all other bets canceled, leaving only two main betting options: the team that wins and the number of successful penalties scored.
How Penalty Bets Work
Before diving into how to place penalty bets, it’s important to understand how the penalty shootout is organized. A coin toss determines which goal each team will defend and which team takes the first penalty shot. The teams then alternate, with each taking five shots. If the score is still tied after these 10 shots, the shootout moves to sudden death, starting with the 6th penalty.
Handicap Penalty Betting
Handicap penalty betting involves picking the team that will win the shootout. Since the distance of 11 meters is so short, many factors, such as team skill and fitness, are neutralized. In this case, mental fortitude becomes the most important factor in deciding the winner. As a result, handicap penalty bets typically have equal odds, with differences in payouts.
Over/Under Penalty Betting
This bet focuses on the total number of successful penalties made by both teams in the first 10 shots. The bookmaker sets a threshold, typically between 6.5 and 7.5 successful penalties, and you must decide whether the actual number will be higher or lower. Statistically, the average number of successful penalty kicks per shootout is around seven.
It’s important to remember that over/under betting applies only to the first five kicks from each team. For example, if the score is 3-3 after 10 penalty kicks and the game ends with a score of 7-6, the total number of penalties is still counted as 6, and the "under" bet wins.
Tips for Successful Penalty Betting
Here are some strategies and soccer tips 1x2 to improve your chances of winning when betting on penalties:
Analyze Team Strengths
Before placing a penalty bet, focus on each team’s penalty takers. Experienced teams with older players often have stronger mental resilience in penalty situations than younger, less experienced teams. You can also research a club's or national team's performance and history in penalty shootouts. For example, Croatia is known for being one of the best teams in penalty shootouts, while England has struggled in this area.
Consider the Goalkeeper’s Skills
Goalkeepers play a huge role in penalty shootouts, with some experts estimating they contribute up to 70% of the outcome. Some goalkeepers are particularly skilled at saving penalties, such as Kepa Arrizabalaga, Tim Krul, and Diego Alves. Having one of these goalkeepers in the lineup significantly increases the chances of winning the shootout, making it favorable to bet on the "under" in penalty betting.
Choose the Right Bet
This strategy involves two key considerations. First, choose between handicap penalty or over/under penalty betting. Since penalty shootouts are largely influenced by luck, it’s best to focus on one bet rather than placing multiple bets. Choose the one you feel most confident in and believe will happen during the shootout.
Second, remember that penalty betting often has an additional side bet. For example, a bookmaker might set an over/under of 7 goals for the shootout. If you believe the 10 players won’t score more than 7 penalties, you can choose the "under 7.5" option. This offers a lower payout but increases your chances of winning if the total score is something like 4-3 or 3-4.
Conclusion
With the insights and Series Soccer Tips shared in this article, you now have a deeper understanding of penalty betting. Take your time to research the teams, players, and goalkeepers involved, and prepare to experience the thrill of betting on this high-stakes, dramatic form of wagering during knockout-stage matches.