Throw-In in Soccer: How It Works
Discover how the throw-in works in soccer: correct execution, opponents' distance, offside rules, and main special cases explained.
What is a throw-in?
A throw-in is a method of restarting play when the ball crosses completely over one of the touchlines.
It is awarded to the team opposite to the one that last touched the ball.
When is it awarded?
A throw-in is given when the ball completely passes over the sideline, whether on the ground or in the air.
It is not enough for part of the ball to pass the line; it must leave the field entirely.
Where is it taken from?
The throw-in must be taken from the point where the ball crossed the sideline.
The referee can intervene if the player moves excessively from the correct spot.
How to correctly perform a throw-in
The player executing the throw-in must follow a specific procedure.
Generally, they must: - face the field of play; - have part of both feet on the touchline or on the ground outside the line; - use both hands; - bring the ball from behind and over the head; - throw the ball from the point it went out.
Can a foot be lifted during the throw-in?
The player must maintain the stipulated position with both feet during execution.
An irregular throw-in can be awarded to the opposing team.
Can only one hand be used?
No.
The throw-in must be carried out using both hands.
Must the ball pass over the head?
Yes.
The movement must start from behind the head and proceed over it, according to the Laws of the Game techniques.
How far must opponents stay?
Opponents must respect a minimum distance from the throw-in point.
Typically, they should be at least 2 meters away from where the throw is taken.
What if an opponent does not respect this distance?
A player who irregularly obstructs the throw-in or does not keep the required distance can be sanctioned.
The referee may also take disciplinary measures in certain situations.
When is the ball in play?
The ball is in play once it enters the field after being correctly thrown.
Can the thrower touch the ball again?
No, not before the ball is touched by another player.
If the thrower touches the ball a second time before another player does, the restart according to the regulations is awarded.
Can a goal be scored directly from a throw-in?
No.
It is not possible to score directly into the opponent’s goal from a throw-in.
For a goal to be valid, another player must touch the ball.
What happens if the ball goes directly into the opponent’s goal?
If a throw-in enters the opponent’s goal directly without another touch, the goal is disallowed.
The match restarts as provided by the Laws of the Game.
What if it goes directly into the team’s own goal?
Similarly, an own goal is not awarded directly.
The subsequent restart depends on the regulations.
Is there offside on a throw-in?
No.
A player cannot be penalized for offside when receiving the ball directly from a throw-in.
Practical example
An attacker is beyond all defenders and receives a throw-in directly from a teammate.
In this situation, no offside is called.
Can the goalkeeper handle a teammate's throw-in?
No.
The goalkeeper cannot use their hands when receiving a throw-in taken directly from a teammate.
However, the goalkeeper can play the ball normally with their feet.
Can a quick throw-in be taken?
Yes.
A team may quickly execute a throw-in if all conditions are respected.
This can be useful to surprise a defense not yet organized.
Can a throw-in be long?
Yes.
Some players can throw the ball many meters, turning the throw-in into a real offensive option near the opponent’s area.
Why do some teams use throw-in specialists?
A long and precise throw-in can create situations similar to a free-kick.
That’s why some teams assign the most dangerous throw-ins to players especially skilled in throwing.
Can VAR intervene on a throw-in?
A simple decision regarding a throw-in is not normally within main VAR intervention categories.
However, a subsequent action can be checked if it leads to an event covered by the protocol, like a goal or a possible penalty.
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Frequently asked questions
When is a throw-in awarded?
When the ball completely crosses a sideline.
With how many hands is it taken?
With both hands.
Can you score directly?
No. The ball must be touched by another player before entering the goal.
Is there offside?
No, when the ball is received directly from a throw-in.
How far must opponents be?
Generally, at least 2 meters from the throw-in point.
Can the goalkeeper handle a teammate’s throw-in?
No, if they receive the ball directly from their own teammate’s throw-in.