The steps a player takes before striking the ball on a free kick or penalty. Ronaldo's stutter run-up, with the wide stance and pause, is famous. Longer run-ups supposedly generate more power; shorter ones offer more control. Some run-ups are mind games, designed to put the keeper off. Regulations now limit how long you can take, stopping the ridiculous delays that used to happen.
Bruno Fernandes' hop in his penalty run-up draws criticism but works. He pauses mid-run, waits for the keeper to commit, then places it the other way. It looks strange but his conversion rate is excellent.
Robbie
Jan 26, 2026