To take a legal throw-in in soccer, 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, from the point where the ball left the field. Opponents must stand at least 2 meters away. If you lift a foot, throw with one hand or fail to bring the ball over your head, the referee awards a throw-in to the other team. A good throw-in is quick, accurate and aimed at a teammate’s feet or chest, and a long throw can be a genuine attacking weapon, working almost like a cross into the penalty area.
Rulebook note: The rules in this guide follow Law 15 of the IFAB Laws of the Game used in most competitions. Youth leagues, schools and local competitions may adapt them, for example by letting young players retake a foul throw. Check the rules for your league.
Throw-in rules at a glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | Stand facing the field, at the point where the ball went out |
| Feet | Part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the field |
| Hands | Both hands on the ball |
| Delivery | From behind and over the head in one motion |
| Opponents | At least 2 meters from the point of the throw |
| Ball in play | When it enters the field of play |
| Second touch | The thrower cannot touch the ball again until another player has |
When is a throw-in awarded?
A throw-in is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the touchline, the long side line of the field, either on the ground or in the air. It goes to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball. The throw is taken from the point where the ball crossed the line. Throw-ins restart play more often than any other set piece in most matches, so taking them well can make a noticeable difference to a team’s possession and attacking chances.
How to take a throw-in step by step
- Go to the right spot. Take the throw from where the ball left the field, not several meters farther up the line.
- Grip the ball. Hold it with both hands, fingers spread around the back and sides, thumbs close together behind the ball.
- Set your feet. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart or one in front of the other. Keep part of each foot on the touchline or the ground behind it.
- Face the field and pick your target.
- Bring the ball back. Take it behind your head, bending your elbows and arching your back slightly.
- Throw in one motion. Bring the ball forward over your head, releasing it as your arms extend, using your core and legs for power.
- Keep both feet grounded until the ball has left your hands. You may drag your back foot along the ground, but do not lift it.
What counts as a foul throw?
A foul throw occurs when the thrower does not follow the procedure. Common examples include lifting one or both feet off the ground during the throw, stepping fully onto the field, throwing with one hand or with more force from one hand than the other, not bringing the ball fully behind and over the head, and throwing from the wrong place. When a throw-in is not taken correctly, the referee awards a throw-in to the opposing team. If the ball does not enter the field of play at all, the same team retakes the throw. If the thrower touches the ball a second time before another player has touched it, the opponents receive an indirect free kick, or a direct free kick if the second touch is a handball.
Special cases under the Laws
A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. If a player throws the ball directly into the opponents’ goal, the restart is a goal kick. If a player throws the ball directly into their own goal, the opponents are awarded a corner kick. Players cannot be penalized for offside when receiving the ball directly from a throw-in, which is why throw-ins near the opponents’ penalty area can create dangerous situations. Opponents who unfairly distract or impede the thrower, including by standing closer than 2 meters, can be cautioned, and the throw-in may be retaken.
Short throw-ins
Most throw-ins are short passes to a nearby teammate. Speed matters: taking the throw quickly before defenders are organized can create space. Aim at a teammate’s feet, thigh or chest so they can control the ball easily, rather than bouncing it awkwardly in front of them. Teammates should move to create options, for example by checking toward the thrower and then spinning away, or by moving back toward their own goal to receive with space. A common pattern is for the thrower to receive a quick return pass, since they are often unmarked after the throw.
Long throw-ins
In the attacking third, some teams use long throws to deliver the ball into the penalty area, much like a corner kick. A long throw depends on technique as much as strength. Take a short run-up of a few steps, drag your back foot as you plant, arch your back and use your core, shoulders and arms together in one whipping motion. Keep the ball close behind your head before releasing it. Throws that are fast and flat are harder for defenders and goalkeepers to deal with than high, looping throws. Teams that use long throws often place tall players near the goal and others to challenge the goalkeeper or win second balls.
Throw-ins in youth soccer
Young players often struggle with throw-ins because they are still developing the coordination and strength the technique requires. Many youth leagues give players a second attempt after a foul throw, and some small-sided formats replace throw-ins with kick-ins or dribble-ins to keep the game flowing. Coaches can help by teaching the grip and footwork first, then adding the arm motion, and by praising correct technique rather than distance.
Practice drills
Partner throws. Stand 10 to 15 meters apart and throw to a partner’s chest, then feet, focusing on correct technique each time.
Target practice. Place cones or hoops at different distances and aim to land throws in them.
Quick restart. Practice picking up the ball, getting to the line and throwing to a moving teammate within a few seconds.
Long throw progression. Start with a standing throw, then add a short run-up, measuring distance as your technique improves.
Common mistakes
- Lifting the back foot as you release the ball.
- Throwing from the side of the head rather than behind and over it.
- Uneven hands, which can make the throw look like a one-handed throw.
- Throwing from the wrong spot, which referees may penalize.
- Throwing to a marked teammate or into a bouncing position that is hard to control.
- Taking too long, allowing defenders to reorganize.
Frequently asked questions
Can you score directly from a throw-in?
No. A throw directly into the opponents’ goal results in a goal kick.
What happens after a foul throw?
The opposing team is awarded the throw-in.
Is there offside from a throw-in?
No. A player cannot be offside when receiving the ball directly from a throw-in.
