Stature-Dependent Differences in Goalkeeper Movement Initiation During Penalty Kicks

This preprint presents a theoretical biomechanical and neuro-motor analysis of goalkeeper performance during penalty kicks under non-anticipatory conditions. The focus is placed on the movement initiation phase immediately following ball release, rather than on outcome-based metrics such as save success or spatial coverage. The paper proposes a stature-dependent framework explaining why goalkeepers of shorter stature tend to initiate movement more effectively for low, ground-level shots due to reduced center-of-mass displacement and lower inertial constraints. In contrast, advantages associated with greater stature primarily emerge in high-shot scenarios through increased reach rather than faster reaction. By isolating initiation dynamics and distinguishing between low and high shot trajectories, this work offers a mechanistic explanation for commonly observed performance asymmetries and outlines implications for goalkeeper training, evaluation, and future empirical research.