Understanding the English FA’s new touchline restart rule

At the start of the 2024-25 season, the Football Association (FA) rolled out a new touchline restart rule for U7s to U9s soccer in England.

The rule dictates that, when the ball goes out of play, the opposition is required to pass or dribble the ball in, rather than being awarded a throw-in.

Let’s dig a little deeper into what this means for players and coaches.

What are the specifics?

As with a throw-in, a pass-in or dribble-in (often called a kick-in) is awarded when the whole of the ball passes over the whole of the touchline, either on the ground or in the air.

Should the player choose to dribble the ball in, there is no limit to the amount of touches they can take before it is touched by another player.

Should the player opt to pass the ball in, they cannot use the pass as a shot – a goal can’t be scored directly from a pass-in, just as it can’t from a throw-in. 

At the moment the restart is taken, the ball must be stationary on the touchline at the point where it left the pitch. Only the kicker may be off the pitch.

All opposition players must be at least five yards from the ball – it’s two yards for a throw-in – and when the ball is kicked and clearly moves, it is in play.

Why has it been implemented?

According to the FA, the new rule is in place for three primary reasons:

• To create more technical opportunities for players with the ball at their feet
• To allow for more effective playing time
• To help reduce the amount of time the ball is in the air during a match.

The latter is particularly important given another new rule, implemented at U7s to U11s level for the 2024-25 season, to disallow deliberate heading in matches. By the 2026-27 season, heading will be phased out up to U11 level.

Is it permanent?

As part of the heading trial, the FA – along with soccer’s lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) – will monitor the new rule and assess its impact before deciding whether to implement it permanently.

What does it mean for the game?

The FA’s aim of increasing technical opportunities means players get to work on their dribbling and passing skills more regularly. In particular, they will be challenged to deliver different types of passes.

Games are likely to have more effective playing time, as restarts can be executed more quickly through kick-ins than throw-ins. 

It is also, therefore, likely that the speed of the game will increase and transitions will become even quicker.

How can you work on it in training?

The best way to ensure your players understand the new rule, and to give them as many opportunities as possible to use it, is to implement it into any small-sided games or matches you do in training.

When working with U7s to U9s, much like in the case of other dead-ball situations, it’s not appropriate to spend much, if any, time practising kick-in routines or set-ups. 

The general principles which will ensure effective kick-ins – including movement and passing or dribbling techniques – can be explored through small-sided games, or other game-based activities.