Shootout

How it is used

Used in sports such as football and hockey, though the format varies by sport. It refers to the formal tie-break after normal time or extra time.

Example sentences

1. The regional final went to a shootout after extra time ended scoreless, and our backup goalkeeper saved two attempts in a row.

   Here, shootout means the official tie-break phase used when regular play and extra time still do not produce a winner.

2. At practice, the assistant coach ran a mock shootout so younger players could rehearse their routine while teammates watched in silence.

   In this example, the term refers to a simulated tie-break sequence used to train composure, order, and decision-making under pressure.

Common collocations

• win the shootout
• lose in a shootout
• penalty shootout

Related terms

• matchA sports competition between two players or teams, such as a game of football, tennis or boxing, that ends with a result.
• scoreTo win a point, goal or run in a game; as a noun, the number of points each side has, as in "The score is 2–1".

More terms: Competition & Scoring

• tournament
• referee
• draw
• league
• personal best
• opponent
• beat
• qualify
• doping
• off-season
• point
• points table