Science: "The unstoppable penalty"

[Dammit! FC]

from www.cnn.com

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Ken Bray, a theoretical physicist with a doctorate in quantum science, has some advice for any player taking a penalty: Aim for the top corner.

It may sound obvious, but Bray's advice is backed by scientific research that he says can help players in everything from taking free kicks to saving penalties.

"Science is important in terms of winning matches," said Bray, author of a book on the science behind soccer called "How to Score."

Bray has analyzed memorable games over the past 50 years and applied research in physics, biology, computing and psychology to the beautiful game.

Using biomechanics to calculate the absolute reach of a goalkeeper diving to try to save a penalty, Bray has identified an area near the posts and in the top corners where the goalkeeper cannot reach as the "unsaveable zone."

"If a player were to place the ball in those regions, which are 28-30 percent of the goal area, there is not a sniff that the goalkeeper can do to get across to them," explained Bray, from the University of Bath in England.

-----------------

Okay, now just show us how to kick it there with certainty, and you will be a genius.

[angusmcpresley]

Okay, now just show us how to kick it there with certainty, and you will be a genius.


Exactly. Everyone already knows that spot is there. It's a matter of how to hit it there. This guy's about as helpful as Uri Geller (http://homepages.manx.net/jha/The-Curse.htm).

[jithinijithan]

the top corner is good,but it is also risky bcos anything could happen.the ball could hit the bar,might go out or might go in.I think a safer yet reliable option would be to hit at the bottom corner with decent work,this usually works even in the the goalie guesses the right way,but if u mess this type then u r gonna give the goalie an easy goal.

[Middle Of The Shed]

Wow, talk about point out the obvious Mr Ken Bray. Guarantee this bloke has never kicked a ball in his life, we all know that it pretty much depends on the individual situatiion with factors such as the goalkeepers positioning, how confident the player feels and so on.
Hitting the top corner guarantees nothing.

[servotron]

That also assumes that the keeper doesn't start off his line early. This is just reeking of lame, slow news day.

[navid90]

what if the goalie guesses the top corner, and im a goalie i know i can reach a up the top corner if i know im going there