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Essential Soccer Skills - Throw-Ins

By: Patrick Omari

Soccer, football or kick ball as it is known in certain parts of the world involves a variety of different rules or laws. One of these, the throw-in, occurs when the ball is played out of the field of play, crossing the sideline. The throw-in is the only time during the game where an outfield player can handle the ball, without being punished with a free-kick or penalty-kick.

Throw-ins are as much a part of the game as corners, tackles, passing and shooting. Despite rumours that the throw-in would eventually be replaced with a kick-in, it is still an important part of soccer. As it plays an important part in the game, every player should know how to take a throw-in properly.

The laws of the game require certain rules and regulations to be adhered to when taking a throw-in. The ball must be thrown back in from the same position at which it left the field of play. The thrower's feet (both of them) must be on the ground, and behind the line at commencement of ball-launch, and the player must launch the ball from behind their head.

Throw-ins are a simple and effective way for play to be restarted after the ball has been ejected from the game-zone. However, a bad throw-in can prove just as negative as a bad pass, tackle or corner. So, to perform your duty as a good throw-inner then ensure you pack your confidence with your shin-pads, boots and isotonic drink.

Throwing the ball requires a clear mind and positive thoughts. Don't hesitate or doubt yourself as this can affect your throwing style, making you misplace the ball and give it to an opposition player. This, in a worst case scenario, would lead to the other team scoring and your team mates looking to blame you. Bad times, but this can be avoided.

As soon as you receive the ball, ready to throw, look up for any available player from your team. Try to throw to a player who is in space, or who has the ability to create space for themselves. Don't throw to players who are tightly-marked, or players with poor control who will inevitably lose the ball or worse.

Long-throws are a great way of creating goal-scoring opportunities. If your team possesses a player with a long-throw, use the throw in the same way as a corner and fill the opponent's penalty area with big players and good headers of the ball. The long-throw will create mayhem and confusion in the area, often resulting in a scrambled goal. Some of the world's best long-throwers include Rory Delap, Dave Challinor and young Crystal Palace starlet Victor Moses.

Short throws are used to play the ball quickly to a team mate in an attempt to set up an attack or retain possession. Ball retention can be vital to winning football matches so don't be afraid to throw the ball backwards, waste some time and prevent the opposition from getting the ball back.

Practising throw-ins is an important part of any young player's development. Failing to complete a legal throw-in will result in the throw-in being awarded to the other team, which could leads to all sorts of malevolence for your team. So, learn how to throw properly and don't give up or throw-in the towel.

About the author

Patrick is an expert Research and Travel consultant. His current interest is in Manchester airport parking, Airparks Luton and Heathrow hotels.

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