This research focuses on the special case of the penalty kick in soccer. Although quite some research has already tried to search for cues that predict where a penalty kick will be shot, this research examines, besides the already known predictive cues, new cues which could help a goalkeeper predict the direction of a penalty kick. Using a self-created database of penalty kicks (including penalty kicks from both amateurs and professionals), we analyze 20 cues that are potentially predictive for the direction of a penalty kick for professionals, as well as 20 cues for amateur players. A model based on the hip position, type of kick, and velocity of the run-up allows us to correctly predict the direction of a penalty kick in 68.2% of the cases, using a sample of professionals. Furthermore with the use of an amateur sample, a model was created based on the direction of the non-kicking foot, the hip position, type of kick and the height of a shot which allows us to predict 83.0% correctly for the direction of the penalty kick. Although these are decent results, elaborate models have less practical use for a goalkeeper. For this reason, with the use hierarchical tree models, more practical guidelines were formulated in order to help goalkeepers become better a predicting the direction of penalty kicks. From these guidelines, the direction of the non-kicking foot, the position of the hip and arm stretching were identified as most promising. The type of kick, the velocity of the run-up and the stretch of the arm were newly found cues to have a relationship with the direction of a penalty kick.
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