What Is a Throw-In in Football? Rules Explained

A throw-in is one of the most common restarts in football. It happens when the entire ball crosses the touchline, also known as the sideline.

Unlike most restarts, a throw-in is taken using the player's hands. Here is how it works.

When Is a Throw-In Awarded?

A throw-in is awarded to the opposing team when the ball completely crosses the touchline.

The team that did not touch the ball last gets the throw-in.

For example, if a defender touches the ball last before it goes over the sideline, the attacking team receives the throw-in.

How Is a Throw-In Taken?

There are several requirements for a legal throw-in.

The player taking it must:

• Face the field of play
• Have part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline
• Hold the ball with both hands
• Bring the ball from behind and over their head
• Release the ball from where it went out

The player cannot simply throw the ball using one hand or take a running-style throw without following the required technique.

Can You Score From a Throw-In?

A player cannot score directly from a throw-in.

If the ball goes directly into the opponent's goal from a throw-in, the restart is a goal kick.

If it goes directly into the thrower's own goal, the opposing team receives a corner kick.

The ball must touch another player before a goal can be scored.

Can a Player Be Offside From a Throw-In?

No.

A player cannot be penalized for being in an offside position when receiving the ball directly from a throw-in.

This is one of the special situations where the normal offside rule does not apply.

Can a Throw-In Be Taken Quickly?

Yes.

A team can often take a quick throw-in instead of waiting for everyone to get into position.

Quick restarts can be useful when the opposition has not yet organized its defense.

Long Throw-Ins

Some players are particularly good at throwing the ball long distances.

A long throw can send the ball deep into the opponent's penalty area and create a situation similar to a set piece.

Teams may practice specific movements around long throw-ins to create scoring opportunities.

What Happens If the Throw-In Is Taken Incorrectly?

If the throw-in does not follow the required procedure, the opposing team is normally awarded a throw-in.

For example, this can happen if the player does not use both hands or releases the ball from an incorrect position.

The referee or assistant referee can make the decision when the procedure has not been followed.

Why Are Throw-Ins Important?

Throw-ins may seem like minor restarts, but they can affect possession and attacking opportunities.

Teams can use them to:

• Keep possession
• Start an attack
• Move the ball forward
• Create space
• Put pressure on the defense

Some teams even have specialized throw-in routines.

Final Thoughts

Throw-ins are a basic but important part of football. Knowing when they are awarded and how they must be taken makes it easier to understand what happens when the ball goes out of play.

From a quick pass back into play to a long throw into the penalty area, throw-ins can be used in many different ways.