Question

Why do penalty shootouts have a scientifically proven bias towards the team shooting first, yet no alternative solution has been implemented? Create a fairer system.

Answer 1

Why the first-kicking team may have an advantage

Research has found a statistical tendency for the team that kicks first to win more often. The advantage is thought to come partly from pressure: when the teams are level, the second kicker may feel compelled to score or face immediate defeat. This is a trend, not a guarantee in every shootout.

Why the usual system remains

The current system is simple to understand and run: a coin toss decides which team kicks first, and the teams then take turns. Changing it requires agreement on a clear, practical alternative, and organisers may be cautious about changing a familiar procedure. A coin toss also gives both teams an equal chance of choosing to kick first, even if it does not remove the possible pressure advantage during the shootout.

A fairer system: paired alternating order

1. Use a coin toss only to decide which team takes the first kick.
2. In each pair of rounds, reverse the order: A then B; B then A. Continue this pattern, so each team gets an equal share of the first-kick position.
3. If the shootout reaches sudden death, keep repeating the same pattern.
4. Require each team to complete its kick in a pair before the next pair begins.

This approach balances who kicks first across the shootout while keeping the process easy to follow.

Conclusion: Alternating the order in pairs would reduce the first-kicker advantage without making penalty shootouts complicated.