ABBA penalties refer to a new penalty shootout format that is being trialed in football competitions. The ABBA system is based on the format used in tennis tie-breaks, with the team taking the first kick in each pair of kicks alternating, so AB BA AB BA and so on instead of AB AB AB AB etc. . The ABBA system is designed to attenuate the first-mover advantage that exists in the current ABAB system, where shooters from each team alternate in shooting a penalty. The ABBA system is aimed at being fairer on the team taking the second penalty, thus minimizing the advantage for the team striking first. The ABBA system has been trialed in FIFA and UEFA competitions and is now being introduced in the EFL Cup, EFL trophy, and playoffs at the end of the season). The hypothesis behind the ABBA system is that the player taking the second kick in the pair is under greater mental pressure.