GK LCB CB RCB LCM RCM LW ST RW ‹ ▶ Play Step 1 of 4 ›
Throw-in in our half. Our right centre-back takes it; the winger and midfielder get ready to move.
Drawn for 9v9 3-2-3. Pick your own format and shape and every step is redrawn for your players. Then present it or send it to your team.
Step by step Throw-in in our half. Our right centre-back takes it; the winger and midfielder get ready to move. The midfielder checks in and back out to lose their marker. The winger spins down the line. Throw to the midfielder's feet. The thrower steps straight back on. Back to the thrower, who plays it down the line to the winger. No offside from a throw-in. When to use it Every throw-in in your own half and the middle third. In the final third, a long throw or a quick throw can be better.
Coaching points Throw quickly when the other team isn't set. One player checks towards the thrower, then away, to lose their marker. One player spins down the line into space; there's no offside from a throw-in. The thrower steps back on as the return option. Throw to feet or chest, not to the head, so it can be controlled. With younger players Teach a legal throw first: both feet on the ground, ball from behind the head with both hands.
Who does what Position Their job Thrower Picks the free player and steps back on for the return. Short option Checks in, gets free, sets it back to the thrower or turns. Line runner Spins down the line into the space behind. Inside option Shows inside for the switch.
When they change it If they… You… They mark everyone tightly Throw down the line for the runner; no offside. They leave the thrower free Short throw and straight back to the thrower. They crowd the touchline Throw back to a defender facing play and switch it.
Common mistakes Everyone standing still waiting for the throw. Throwing to a marked player's head. The thrower staying off the pitch after throwing. At 7v7, 9v9 and 11v11
7v7 Some 7v7 leagues use kick-ins or dribble-ins instead of throw-ins. Check your league's rules; the movement ideas are the same.
9v9 The board: a 3-2-3 with the winger spinning, a midfielder checking short and the full-back throwing.
11v11 Full-back throws, winger spins, central midfielder checks short, striker drops. Drills to practise it Questions coaches ask Is there offside from a throw-in? No. Under the Laws of the Game, a player can't be offside when receiving directly from a throw-in.
Can you score directly from a throw-in? No. A goal can't be scored directly from a throw-in.
Who should take throw-ins? Usually the full-back on that side, so the winger and midfielders can make the runs.
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