Soccer coaching laws of the game Law 15 the throw in

These soccer coaching tips are designed to help coaches and players understand the laws of the game. This article looks at Law 15, which deals with throw-ins. These rules apply to: 11-a-side, 7-a-side and minis.

• A throw-in is a method of restarting play.

• A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball when the whole of the ball crosses the touchline, either on the ground or in the air.

• A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in, it must touch a player from either team first.

Procedure

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:

• Faces the field of play.

• Has part of each foot either on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline.

• Holds the ball with both hands.

• Delivers the ball from behind and over their head.

• Delivers the ball from the point where it left the field of play.
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Rules

• All opponents must stand at least two yards from the point at which the throw-in is taken.

• The ball is in play when it enters the field of play.

• After delivering the ball, the thrower must not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.

• A team mate cannot be offside from the throw-in.

Technique with hands

• Use both hands to throw the ball.

• Have index fingers and thumbs as close together as possible to form a ‘W’ shape.

• To maintain control of the ball, spread the fingers and hold the ball firmly but comfortably.

• Have ‘loose’ arms, elbows bent and flared out.

• Take the ball back past the ears.

• Release the ball immediately after it passes the front of the head.

• Throw the ball from behind and over the head in a continuous motion.

• Continue the throwing movement at the point of release.

Technique with feet

• Feet about shoulder-width apart, next to each other – or one foot in front of the other.

• Part of each foot must be either on the touchline or on the ground outside the pitch WHEN THE BALL IS RELEASED. So, for example, if the heels come off the ground, the toes must still make contact.