Comparative analysis of reaction time and decision-making among goalkeepers of different playing levels during penalty kicks

Penalty kicks represent critical moments in football where goalkeepers have under one second to interpret visual cues such as body orientation and approach angle to make rapid defensive movements. This study used a quasi-experimental design involving twenty male goalkeepers divided into university level and amateur groups to examine differences in reaction speed and decision-making performance. By recording each participant facing ten standardized penalty kicks in a field setting and analyzing movement using specialized video software, the research aims to highlight how athletic experience shapes perceptive processing and reactive agility under time constrained competitive conditions.