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Ignore your opponents, place the ball down carefully and wait three seconds before shooting: Football researcher details how to take the perfect penalty after 21 players scored in the Carabao Cup final shoot-out

Related Topics: scientific research, Geir Jordet

Penalty shootouts are often described as a lottery but in reality taking spot-kicks is an art that can be perfected with psychology and preparation.

That’s according to football researcher Geir Jordet, who has written more than 15 scientific journals on the topic.

The Norwegian says the decisive moments happen in the 10 to 15 seconds before stepping up, rather than the technique from the kick itself.

A football researcher has said the key to taking a good penalty is to try and ignore distractions

‘First of all, it is key to not let the goalkeeper or other opponents distract you,’ Jordet explains to Sportsmail. ‘They will try to play mind games.