Aug 9, 2013

Throw In

When the ball goes out of play on the side lines, the opponent of the player who last touched the ball will take a throw in. The throwing method has to follow some rather strict rules; otherwise the referee might dictate a throw in for the other team. 

The player taking the throw must keep his feet outside the side line, with the sole on the ground and the actual throw must be executed with the ball over the thrower's head.


A quick throw-in can often give a team an important tactical advantage. A highly skilled player can achieve a great distance. The two-handed throw-in was adapted in 1882 by the Scottish FA, since the one-handed throw-in was considered unfair.


The Offside Rule is not in effect during a throw-in taken in the opponent's half, therefore a goal can be scored if the ball is touched by another player.  If it goes directly into the goal, play is restarted with a goal kick.


It is important that players are aware of the rules at all times. They, especially the goalie, should know if a play is a direct or indirect kick. A kick-in, rather than a throw-in (both were indirect kicks), was used in college soccer in the 1950's.


Some strong kickers would actually put the ball on net from three-quarters of the field away. In  instance of where the sun was in my eyes, I stepped aside and let the ball go in rather than chance mishandling it.


Copyright protected 2013 Alan Rubin all rights reserved