PK
PK is the common abbreviation for **penalty kick** in soccer.
PK is the common abbreviation for penalty kick in soccer, a set-piece awarded when the defending team commits a direct-free-kick foul inside its own penalty area. The kick is taken from the penalty mark against the goalkeeper. In some contexts, PK can also refer to a penalty shoot-out used to decide a tied match, but that is a separate concept from the single penalty kick.
Meaning
PK stands for penalty kick, a soccer restart awarded after certain fouls in the defending team’s penalty area. It is one of the best-known set pieces in the sport.
When it is awarded
A penalty kick is given when a defending player commits a direct-free-kick foul inside the penalty area, including actions such as tripping, pushing, or handling the ball.
How it is taken
The ball is placed on the penalty mark and kicked toward goal with the goalkeeper defending. Other players must wait outside the area until the kick is taken.
Penalty shoot-outs
When a match is tied and a competition needs a winner, teams may use a penalty shoot-out. This is a separate tiebreak procedure from the single penalty kick used during play.
Key facts
- A PK is a penalty kick in soccer, usually awarded for a foul in the penalty area.
- The kick is taken from the penalty mark and involves only the kicker and the goalkeeper in the immediate contest.
- A penalty kick is part of normal match play and can lead to a rebound being played if the ball remains in play.
- A penalty shoot-out is a separate match-deciding procedure used when a match remains tied and competition rules require a winner.
- In Japanese soccer usage, PK is the standard abbreviation for ペナルティーキック.
PK is standard soccer terminology used in Canadian English-language coverage and coaching, especially in match reports and youth soccer instruction.
Frequently asked questions
What does PK mean in soccer?
When is a PK awarded?
Where is a PK taken from?
Who defends a PK?
Is a penalty shoot-out the same as a PK?
References
- soccermama.jp — https://soccermama.jp/3178/Supports: Explains that a penalty shoot-out is used to decide a match after a tie and describes the alternating-kick format.
- Soccer Book Library — http://soccer-book.com/library/%E3%83%AB%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB/%E3%82%B5%E3%83%83%E3%82%AB%E3%83%BC%E3%81%AEpk%E3%83%AB%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%82%92%E3%82%8f%E3%81%8b%E3%82%8a%E3%82%84%E3%81%99%E3%81%8F%E8%A7%A3%E8%AA%AC%E3%80%81%E5%8F%8D%E5%89%87%E3%83%BB%E5%86%8D/Supports: Defines a penalty kick as being awarded for a direct-free-kick foul in the penalty area and taken from the penalty mark.
- ABEMA — https://abema.tv/lp/soccer-pkSupports: States that PK is a penalty kick awarded for a direct-free-kick foul such as handball or a foul in the penalty area.
- soccer-laws-dojo.com — https://www.soccer-laws-dojo.com/blog/pk-rules-explainedSupports: Explains that PK is awarded for direct-free-kick fouls in the penalty area, including contact fouls and handball.
- Niconico Encyclopedia — https://dic.nicovideo.jp/a/%E3%83%9A%E3%83%8A%E3%83%AB%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%83%BC%E3%82%AD%E3%83%83%E3%82%AFSupports: States that penalty kick is a soccer rule and is abbreviated as PK in Japanese usage.
- YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Th7_BrTXeYSupports: Explains that a penalty kick is awarded for a foul inside the defending team’s penalty box and taken from the penalty mark.
- Hatena Blog — https://num-11235.hateblo.jp/entry/2025/01/19/172917Supports: Describes the distinction between penalty kicks during play and penalty shoot-outs after a tied match.