Omission Bias and Penalty Kicks

Interesting report at the British Pschological Society's blog suggesting keepers should just stand in the middle of the goal, rather than diving. Research suggests that omission bias comes in to play, that is, goalies feel more regret on letting in a penalty if they don't dive than when they do.

A few points:

- It would be sad if this new tactic was adopted, leading to the demise of the second* greatest penalty, the chip down the middle. (watch the Portugese penalty on 32 sec - I don't mind England being beaten by that display of balls)

- This obviously assumes that a professional goalkeeper is capable of saving a ball hit straight at him.



* This is the best form of pen, obviously. Helps if you tell your team what you're doing though.