Overview

A throw-in is awarded when the ball has wholly crossed the touchline (the sideline). Play is restarted by a player of the team opposite to the one that last touched the ball. Throw-ins are one of the game's basic restarts and are governed by the Laws of the Game.

Procedure and essential requirements

The player taking a throw-in must follow a simple set of conditions to make the restart valid. In practice these include facing the field of play, using both hands, delivering the ball from behind and over the head, and keeping part of each foot on the ground either on the touchline or on the ground outside it. The throw must be taken from the point where the ball left the field, unless play is restarted quickly from a different but legal spot.

  • Opponents must generally be a short distance away (commonly interpreted as about 2 metres) to allow the throw to be taken.
  • A quick throw-in may be taken without waiting for the referee if the laws are respected.
  • A player may not touch the ball a second time until another player has touched it.

Common infringements and sanctions

Typical errors include using one hand, failing to throw the ball from behind the head, lifting a foot off the ground, or taking the throw from the wrong place. When an infringement occurs, the opposing team is awarded the throw-in from the same position. Repeated or deliberate breaches can be penalized as unsporting behaviour.

Tactical uses and history

While often routine, throw-ins can be valuable defensively and offensively. Teams use short throws to retain possession, or long, powerful throws to create crossing situations near the opponent's penalty area. The throw-in as a restart was codified in the 19th century and has been adjusted over time to clarify technique and fair play.

Notable distinctions

A throw-in differs from other restarts: it is used only when the ball crosses a touchline, not the goal line. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in into the opponent's goal; if it enters the thrower's own goal directly, a corner kick is awarded to the opponents.