A throw-in restarts play in soccer when the whole ball crosses the touchline, on the ground or in the air. The team that did not touch it last throws it back in from the point where it left the field. To take a legal throw-in, face the field, keep part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside it, hold the ball with both hands, and deliver it from behind and over your head in one continuous motion. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in, and a player cannot be offside from one. A foul throw gives the throw-in to the other team.
This guide explains the rules of Law 15, step-by-step technique for short and long throws, tactics, what counts as a foul throw, drills and common mistakes.
Throw-in rules at a glance
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Location | From the point where the ball crossed the touchline |
| Feet | Part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the field |
| Facing | Thrower must face the field of play |
| Hands | Both hands on the ball |
| Delivery | From behind and over the head |
| Opponents | Must stand at least 2 metres from the point of the throw |
| Second touch | Thrower cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it |
| Scoring | No goal directly from a throw-in |
| Offside | No offside offence directly from a throw-in |
How to take a throw-in step by step
- Grip the ball: hold it with both hands spread behind the ball, fingers pointing up, thumbs almost touching.
- Set your feet: stand with both feet on or behind the touchline, either side by side or with one foot in front for more power.
- Face your target: square your body toward the field.
- Bring the ball back: take it behind your head with bent elbows.
- Arch and throw: use your back, core and arms to bring the ball forward over your head.
- Release: let go with both hands at the same time as the ball passes above your head.
- Keep your feet down: both feet must stay on the ground until the ball is released.
The long throw
Some players use a long throw as an attacking weapon, launching the ball into the penalty area like a cross. A long throw uses a short run-up, a strong plant with both feet on or behind the line, and a powerful arch of the back and core. Many players drag the back foot so it stays on the ground at release. Long throws require strength and practice, and they are only legal if both feet stay grounded and the delivery is from behind and over the head.
Throw-in tactics
- Quick throws: take it fast before the defence organises.
- Throw to feet: aim at a teammate’s feet or thigh for easy control.
- Throw down the line: find a runner moving into space.
- Return pass: throw to a teammate who passes straight back to you.
- Movement: teammates should move to create space and options rather than standing still.
What counts as a foul throw
- Lifting a foot off the ground before release.
- Standing fully inside the field.
- Throwing with one hand or releasing one hand early.
- Not taking the ball behind the head.
- Throwing from the wrong place.
A foul throw results in the throw-in being awarded to the opposing team. If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower or stands closer than 2 metres, they can be cautioned.
For exact wording, refer to the IFAB Laws of the Game, Law 15 (The Throw-in). Some youth leagues allow retakes of foul throws for young players, so check local rules.
Drills to practise
- Target throws: throw to cones or a partner’s feet at different distances.
- Quick throw drill: retrieve the ball and throw quickly to a moving teammate.
- Long throw practice: build strength and technique with a short run-up.
- Throw-in patterns: practise set movements with teammates.
Common mistakes
- Lifting the back foot: the most common foul throw.
- Throwing in front of the head: not a legal delivery.
- Throwing to a marked teammate: gives possession away.
- Slow throws: let the defence reset.
- Everyone standing still: no options for the thrower.
Throw-in tactics by area of the field
| Area | Common approach |
|---|---|
| Defensive third | Safe throw down the line or to a free teammate; avoid throwing across your own goal |
| Middle third | Quick throws to keep possession or switch play |
| Attacking third | Throws into the box, flick-ons or quick combinations to create chances |
Throw-ins for young players
Young players often find throw-ins tricky. Coaches can help by practising the basic technique regularly, using lighter balls for the youngest age groups, and allowing retakes in some youth leagues. Focus on keeping both feet on the ground and using both hands, which are the most common errors. Short throws to nearby teammates build confidence before trying longer throws.
Throw-in variations
Some teams use flip throws, where the thrower does a handspring before releasing the ball to generate extra distance. These are legal if both feet remain on the ground at release and the ball is thrown from behind and over the head, but they carry injury risk and should only be attempted by trained players.
Defending against throw-ins
Teams often switch off at throw-ins, which is exactly when opponents can create chances. Mark players close to the thrower, cover space down the line and stay alert for quick throws. On long throws into the box, defend as you would a corner, with players marking attackers and protecting the near post. Remember that opponents cannot be offside from a throw-in, so defenders cannot rely on the offside line.
Practising throw-ins in training
Many teams rarely practise throw-ins, even though they happen dozens of times per match. Set aside a few minutes each week to rehearse patterns, work on technique and improve long throws. Small improvements in keeping possession from throw-ins can make a big difference over a season.
Throw-in trials and changes
The IFAB occasionally trials changes to restarts, such as kick-ins instead of throw-ins in certain youth or experimental competitions. These trials are limited, so the throw-in remains the standard restart in almost all matches. Check your competition’s rules if you play in a youth league that uses modified formats.
Good throw-ins keep possession and can even create goals.
Frequently asked questions
Can you score directly from a throw-in?
No. If the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal, a goal kick is awarded; into your own goal, a corner kick.
Can a player be offside from a throw-in?
No. There is no offside offence when receiving the ball directly from a throw-in.
How far must opponents stand from the thrower?
At least 2 metres from the point where the throw-in is taken.
