AFCON 2022: The Jorginho penalty technique is best left to the pros as shown by Ivory Coast's Eric Bailly
When done right Chelsea and Italy midfielder Jorginho's penalty technique is a thing of beauty.
When it is not though it looks a bit like... well let Ivory Coast and Manchester United defender Eric Bailly demonstrate
In the penalty shoot out of an elimination game against fellow AFCON favorite Egypt, the Ivorian defender missed a no-look shot which ended his country's journey in the tournament.
The form was eerily similar to that of Jorginho or his Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes
... minus one thing the finish.
Many were left scratching their heads wondering as to why he would attempt that sort of technique but the results speak for themselves. It gets goals just not if you are Bailly...
What makes that penalty form so effective?
As a keeper, the best way to stop this shot is by waiting it out until the last minute and following the ball.
One thing to notice is when Jorginho comes up to take the kick just before the leap he takes a look at the keeper, not the ball to tell which side the goalie is drifting towards.
If the goalie doesn't wait and instead guesses the side where the shot will arrive (hint given by their body language) Jorginho will easily slot the ball in the other side.
The recent rule implemented for goalies to keep at least one foot on the line when saving the spot-kick doesn't help their case either.
Why it's a bad idea to take that kind of shot?
Although the Chelsea midfielder has an 85% conversion rate from the spot, he's clearly an expert at it and a frequent penalty taker.
Really this form has a few disadvantages.
It limits your movement before the kick so where you place the ball is pretty limited unless you have pinpoint accuracy.
And most importantly if the goalie simply waits long enough it'll be an easier save as your body language will guide them to make the save.
What went wrong with Eric Bailly's attempt?
For one there was no run-up at all, just a literal step back before taking the kick and this couldn't have made the save any easier for the goalie. But also and most importantly he didn't look at the keeper who was already drifting towards a side before he took the shot.
Ultimately the one-step hop penalty should not be taken unless you've come to the point of mastering it. There's no doubt Eric Bailly probably tried it at the training ground but it should be used just for that ... the training ground.