The Soccer Football Throw-In.
26th May 2011

The throw-in is quite often a contentious part of football, with everyone in the game and on the touch-lines having an opinion about what is a legal throw-in.

The throw-in is used to put the ball back into play after it has rolled out over the touch-line.  

Throwing the ball back into play is fairly straight forward, though it is not just about keeping the technique within the laws of the game, the thrower also needs to know where to throw the ball and be ready to receive it back.

Any player can take the throw-in, even the goal-keeper, though it is good practice for a defensive player or a full-back to throw the ball back into play. The team putting the ball into play are in possession and are therefore mounting an attack, and having a defender throw the ball in allows more attacking players available to receive it.

In mini-soccer it is often the best player who throws the ball in, though this could be a mistake because the best player would be better being the receiver.

The thrower, often a defender, should be in a position and ready to receive the ball back. Doing this enables the team to keep possession of the ball, whereas throwing the ball aimlessly down the line invariably gives possession to the opposition. With the ball back at the thrower’s feet, two touches and it is passed away to a team mate and a new attack can be built.

The law governing the throw-in is quite simple to follow:  

• Both feet on the ground, on or behind the touch-line.

• Facing the field of play

• Both hands on the ball

• The ball must be delivered from behind and over the head

• The thrower cannot touch the ball again until it has been touched by another player

• Opposing players must be at least 1 yard away from the thrower

The ball must come from behind and over the head, and not from the top of the head as many young children do. Another very common problem for children is that they tend to lean forward when throwing the ball which often brings one foot up off the ground.  

If a throw is taken incorrectly, meaning a foul throw, the throw-in is awarded to the opposing team. Often especially in mini-soccer, the player is asked to retake the throw, having had the error pointed out to them, and after two fouls the throw is then given to the opposing team, though this practice is against the laws of football.  

The throw-in is simple, though it should be practiced in training on a regular basis by all players to perfect it. If used correctly it is a very good technique to build attacking play with.

The next time you shout foul throw by a 9 year old, remember how the laws say it should be done.

Further Reading:

• How to become a Referee?

• Laws of the game - Myths

• The Laws of Mini-Soccer

• Who'd be a Football Ref?