It’s been a weird year…
…to say the least. Plans have been interrupted and staying connected with our global network of incredible supporters has gone entirely digital. Amidst the chaos though, we’ve been climbing stairs (a lot of them) and staying in touch with our friends at Guinness World Records.
When GWR mentioned that they will be celebrating #GWRDay this November 18th… we just couldn’t say no. With travel restrictions in place though, we’ve decided to help one of our own, Deena Rahman from Bahrain, break yet another World Record for the “Most Penalties Taken in 24 Hours”. She has world records with EPF from Mount Kilimanjaro, Jordan, and France… but can she get one in her own backyard?
Check out our Q&A with Deena below to learn more about the challenge!
So who is this Deena character? Let’s find out!
Q: First things first, what was your position as a player?
A: Central attacking midfielder
Q: How long have you been coaching?
A: Since I was 17 years old, so 20 years.
Q: How have you been keeping active and on top of your game in 2020?
A: I broke my foot last year and so in January I finally got out of the boot and started getting fit again. During lockdown I was in the UK and did some crazy challenges like running a marathon in my front garden. :) Since being back in Bahrain, I have been mixing it up with running, cycling and football training with my ladies team.
Q: Do you like taking penalties in matches?
A: I’m not that keen on taking penalties, however I do take them, I have been one of the 3 pen takers for Bahrain in recent tournaments.
Q: What position in the order do you prefer?
A: I think number 5. If you are the one to step up and score, that winning pen is the best. But it can also be the worst if it’s on you to keep your team in. Number one or 2 is prob the safest bet.
Q: What is your go-to shot?
A: My go-to shot I shouldn’t be telling you this ha! But is always power to the bottom right of the keeper
Now about this World Record attempt…
Q: What made you excited about this WR attempt in particular?
A: I was seeking out a team one for Tekkers (my Academy in Bahrain) and I came across the 24 hour penalty challenge and was automatically drawn to it… so i applied for it! I do like a challenge where you really feel like you earned it, so this is one of those challenges.
Q: Have you ever pulled an all nighter before?
A: I’m such a granny so not really. This will be half the challenge. However, in the last EPF world record my team and I did play the longest stint in the 5 aside match (7 hours starting at midnight) so I would say that’s the closest it gets.
Q: Do you plan to shoot with both legs so you don’t get tired or injured?
A: Yes I definitely plan on using both legs for this to try and avoid the fatigue in my right.
Q: How do you prepare for this specific task?
A: I think over the next few weeks I just need to try and look after myself and hopefully not pick up any silly injuries, hydrate, rest up, and then mentally just make sure I am ready to pull myself through it.
Q: What do you think will be the toughest hour?
A: It will have to be something in the middle of the night, probably like around 3am when it’s just unknown territory for me. I will want my bed, there won’t be many people around, I will nearly be at the end but still a good 4 hours off, so that’s where I think it could potentially hit me hard.
Q: Do they count if you miss the target?
A: Yes, it doesn’t matter if I score or not every penalty I take will count for the record.
From a coach’s perspective…
Q: What qualities make a good penalty taker?
A: You have to be confident to take penalties and know exactly where you want to put it.
Q: What is the most challenging part of taking penalties (for you or in general)?
A: It’s always going to be that fear of missing, the pressure you feel stepping up to take it can feel out of your control.
Q: How can you practice penalty kicks?
A: Repetition is key, find your comfort zone with it and go for it.
Q: How can you prepare for the mental side of taking a penalty?
Just trying to relax your mind, control your breathing, focus and strike that ball with confidence. Self talk is good too.
Q: Should players pick one side or develop multiple shots?
A: The more options you are comfortable with when taking penalties is better. Any good GK will study players who take pens if you are in a cup game, so if you are predictable it’s easier for them. The trick is them not knowing what you might do.
Q: If you have to retake a penalty, or take multiple in a game, should you switch your side?
A: That’s a tough one but I think when you are there at the time, you can vibe what you want to do and whether the keeper might guess your plan. I think I would stick with the same side most of the time though .
Q: What advice would you give to a player who’s missed a penalty in a match?
A: Don’t worry about it and move on quickly. I always tell my players it’s a lottery. Some you win and some you lose, but as a team you can never blame an individual for a penalty miss in a match or a shoot out. It takes guts to take one, so be proud you put yourself in that situation and if you miss, so be it.
Q: What penalty taking skills can you apply to other areas of life?
A: Mind over matter. I think the mental game of a penalty can definitely help you deal with situations in every day life, and I would hope it would be the not giving up or disappointment of a miss but the determination, confidence and leadership to succeed or pick yourself up and dust yourself off when things don’t go your way, or enjoy the success when it comes.
We can’t wait to watch this all go down! Be sure to tune in November 17-18 as we will be live streaming Deena’s penalty marathon and chatting with some special guests on our Instagram Live.
