libterm.com A throw-in is a method of restarting play in soccer when the ball crosses the touchline. The player must deliver the ball from behind and over the head while keeping both feet on the ground. Discover how mastering throw-ins can improve Your team's possession and attacking options in the rest of this article.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Throw-in | Indirect Free Kick |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Restart by throwing the ball from the sidelines | Free kick where the ball must touch another player before a goal |
| Usage | When the ball crosses the touchline | For specific fouls or technical infringements |
| Goal Scoring Allowed | Direct goal not allowed | Goal only valid if ball touches another player first |
| Procedure | Player throws ball with both hands from behind and over the head | Ball is kicked from the spot with teammates positioned strategically |
| Opponent Distance | Opponents must stay 2 meters away | Opponents must stay at least 9.15 meters (10 yards) |
| Common Use Cases | Ball out of bounds on touchline | Offside, goalkeeper violations, dangerous play |
Understanding Throw-ins in Football
Throw-ins in football are awarded when the ball completely crosses the touchline, requiring players to return the ball to play by throwing it back onto the field with both hands over their heads from behind the touchline. Unlike indirect free kicks, which involve a referee signaling a restart where the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored, throw-ins are simple restarts that do not permit a direct goal from the throw itself. Mastering the technique and timing of throw-ins can significantly influence possession and attacking opportunities in football matches.
What is an Indirect Free Kick?
An indirect free kick is awarded for less severe fouls where the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored, distinguishing it from a direct free kick that allows a direct shot on goal. The referee signals an indirect free kick by raising an arm above their head until the kick is taken and the ball touches another player or goes out of play. Common reasons for indirect free kicks include offside offenses, dangerous play, or goalkeeper infractions within the penalty area.
Key Differences Between Throw-in and Indirect Free Kick
Throw-ins restart play by throwing the ball from the sideline after it crosses the touchline, with the player using both hands and delivering the ball from behind and over the head. Indirect free kicks are awarded for specific fouls or technical infractions, requiring the ball to touch another player before a goal can be scored. Unlike throw-ins, indirect free kicks can be taken from any point on the field and involve placing the ball on the ground rather than throwing it.
When is a Throw-in Awarded?
A throw-in is awarded when the entire ball crosses the touchline, either on the ground or in the air, last touched by an opponent. The throw-in restarts play with the opposing team of the player who last touched the ball before it went out of bounds. This differs from an indirect free kick, which is given for less severe infractions such as offside or a goalkeeper holding the ball too long.
When is an Indirect Free Kick Given?
An indirect free kick is awarded when a player commits a non-penal foul such as dangerous play, offside, or a goalkeeper holding the ball for more than six seconds. Unlike a throw-in, which restarts play after the ball crosses the touchline, the indirect free kick requires the ball to touch another player before a goal can be scored. Understanding the specific infractions that result in an indirect free kick is essential for proper game management and rule enforcement.
Rules and Techniques for Taking a Throw-in
A throw-in is awarded when the ball crosses the touchline and must be taken with both hands from behind and over the head while keeping both feet on the ground to ensure a legal restart. Unlike an indirect free kick, where the ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored, the throw-in cannot directly result in a goal. Proper technique and adherence to the Laws of the Game prevent fouls, such as stepping on or over the touchline or failing to release the ball before the second contact.
Laws Governing Indirect Free Kicks
Indirect free kicks, governed by Law 13 of the IFAB Laws of the Game, require the ball to touch a second player before a goal can be scored, differentiating it clearly from a throw-in, which restarts play without a scoring opportunity directly from the throw. The indirect free kick is awarded for specific offenses such as dangerous play or offsides, demanding strategic positioning for a successful pass or shot after the kick is taken. Unlike a throw-in that is executed by hand from the touchline, the ball must be stationary on the ground for an indirect free kick, and the kicking team must ensure opponents maintain a minimum distance of 10 yards until the ball is in play.
Common Mistakes During Throw-ins and Indirect Free Kicks
Common mistakes during throw-ins include lifting feet off the ground, not delivering the ball from behind and over the head, and throwing out of turn, which often results in turnover of possession. Errors in indirect free kicks involve failing to wait for the ball to touch another player before scoring, encroaching into the protected area prematurely, and misjudging the required distance opponents must maintain, leading to free kick retakes or fouls. Proper adherence to throw-in and indirect free kick rules is crucial to maintaining game flow and fairness in soccer matches.
Tactical Uses: Throw-in vs Indirect Free Kick
Throw-ins serve as strategic restarts to quickly regain possession and exploit flanks, often used to transition into attack with minimal setup, enabling teams to create width and stretch opposing defenses. Indirect free kicks provide structured set-piece opportunities to orchestrate intricate plays, facilitating precise ball positioning and coordinated runs to breach defensive lines in tighter spaces. Coaches employ throw-ins for rapid counterattacks and indirect free kicks to initiate planned tactical maneuvers that maximize goal-scoring potential.
Impact on Game Flow and Scoring Opportunities
A throw-in quickly restarts play by returning possession to the team without the need to set up, maintaining game flow and creating immediate attacking opportunities along the sidelines. Indirect free kicks require the ball to touch another player before scoring, allowing defensive teams to organize and potentially reducing scoring chances compared to the more direct threat posed by throw-ins near the opponent's goal. Teams often exploit throw-ins close to the penalty area to launch rapid offensive plays, while indirect free kicks typically involve set-piece strategies that can slow the tempo yet offer structured scoring opportunities.
Throw-in Infographic
