There is a simple but effective rule to respect during a penalty kick. The fastest defenders should position themselves where the "D" line crosses the line of the penalty area in order to be first to the ball in case of a rebound or save. Also, equally position the defenders around the penalty area in order to have every area covered.
At all levels of football, it is well known that teams having just scored a goal, temporarily lose their concentration and the resulting kick-off can lead to a goal being conceded. Similarly, at the beginning of the game, a team can also be caught cold. This demonstrates the need for good concentration in defence. A team should not give away the tactical advantage of having all it's players in it's own half. It is advisable to allow only two forwards to attack the man with the ball when the ball is kicked off.. The other players should maintain their positions and concentrate on their defensive tasks. A tactic which can sometimes work involves two players positioned on the halfway line next to the centre circle. As soon as the ball is kicked off, one player attacks the opposition players in the centre circle, whilst the other anticipates that the ball will be played backwards and sprints into the opposition's half to immediately put pressure on the opposition.