How Jimenez Excels with His Unique Penalty Technique

Jimenez’s Penalty Record

Raul Jimenez has successfully converted all 14 penalties he has taken in the Premier League. His latest goal capped off Fulham’s 3-1 win over struggling Burnley, further solidifying his unparalleled record for the highest successful conversion rate in the league’s history.

This moment was particularly special for the Mexican striker, as he celebrated on his knees, pointing to the sky—an homage to his father, who passed away recently, with the announcement coming from the Mexican Football Federation on March 13.

While Jimenez enjoyed this emotional moment with his teammates, players from Burnley expressed their discontent towards referee Chris Kavanagh regarding the legitimacy of Jimenez’s stuttering technique.

Burnley’s manager, Scott Parker, shared his initial confusion about the penalty decision during an interview with BBC Match of the Day, voicing concerns about the rules surrounding the run-up to the penalty.

The Unique Style of Jimenez

What is Jimenez’s Technique?

When setting up for a penalty, Jimenez moves back approximately ten paces before placing his hands on his hips. He then takes a few steps to the side before starting his run-up, incorporating a stutter that allows him to calmly place the ball in the net.

This method has been effective for him, particularly as he has surpassed Yaya Toure’s record of scoring 11 penalties without a miss. Jimenez’s technique positions him as arguably the top penalty taker in Premier League history.

Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva, praised Jimenez’s composure, stating that his precise technique contributes to his success. He emphasized the confidence the team places in Jimenez during crucial moments.

While Jimenez’s style isn’t unprecedented—former players like John Aldridge adopted similar strategies, achieving an impressive success rate—Jimenez’s accuracy stands out. With a success rate of 95.5%, he has only missed two penalties throughout his career, including occasions for Mexico and Wolves.

Legality and Controversy of the Technique

Despite lacking an English term, the “Paradinha” technique is recognized in Portuguese-speaking nations. The strategy cleverly navigates FIFA regulations that prevent a complete stop during a penalty run-up.

The legality stems from the fact that feints and stutters occur during the approach, rather than at the moment of kicking the ball.

Dale Johnson, a correspondent for BBC Sport, highlighted that, historically, feinting during penalty attempts was deemed illegal for a brief period but was later reinstated in the 1980s. Players today may feint as they desire during the run-up, provided they do not stop just before making contact with the ball.

Although some find this technique controversial due to the edge it grants the player, it remains permissible within the rules. Instances of retakes due to feinting are rare; the only notable case occurred in February 2018.

Premier League’s Leading Penalty Scorers

Top Penalty Takers in the Premier League

Data provided by analysts at Opta—showing players with over 10 penalties taken in the Premier League.

Jimenez’s remarkable feat not only showcases his skills as a player but also highlights the ongoing discussions about the rules and strategies in football.