When does the NLL award a penalty shot?

A penalty shot restores a scoring opportunity lost to a foul. Any dressed player on the offended team may take it (Rule 43). Examples in the 2025-26 rules:

• A team already two players down is assessed a time penalty on a third player (43.1). The floor strength stays the same whether or not the shot scores.
• A too-many-men bench minor cannot be served in the time left, or occurs at any time in overtime (43.2). The shot goes against the offending team.
• A defending team member, including anyone on the bench, deliberately throws a stick or object at the ball or ball carrier on a breakaway (43.3), and no goal is scored.
• A player on a breakaway is held from behind, preventing a reasonable scoring opportunity (71.4).

A breakaway means a player in control of the ball, transitioning from defence to offence with an unobstructed path to the goal and a reasonable scoring opportunity.

Source: NLL Official Rules 2025-26, Rules 43 and 71.