[header] How to score a penalty [title] Place the ball yourself. [step] Don't let the referee, the goalie, or some other player place the ball for you. You're the one doing the kick, so you should be the one to place the ball on the penalty marker. 
Run your hand through the grass to get any clumps, rocks, or sticks out of the way, then place the ball as high up on the grass as possible. [substeps] Ideally, the ball should be fluffed slightly on the grass to give yourself the best chance of striking it clean.