Missing a Penalty Kick Hurts…

I know the feeling. I was 14 years old, playing in a match we needed to win in order to advance to the playoffs. The whole team was counting on me. I aimed right down the middle... and missed. Pretty badly.

For years, that moment stayed with me. I avoided the penalty spot because I couldn’t face the possibility of failing my team again.

But three years later, as team captain, we found ourselves in another critical game. We were awarded a penalty kick, and everyone knew how crucial that shot was. No one really wanted to take it, but without saying a word, we all knew it was my responsibility to take it.

It was my time to step up and take another shot. So I did… and missed again…not.

I scored. I felt relieved. I felt happy. But I also felt a bit silly. All those years of carrying that bad memory vanished in just two seconds.

The beautiful game is full of life lessons. That day, I learned the importance of stepping up. You’ll make some, you’ll miss some, but you’ve got to take the chance when it comes.

Even Messi and Ronaldo have missed big penalty kicks recently, so why be afraid?

You got this.

- Sam G.
UNOZERO Founder