How Soccer Throw-Ins Work Explainer
A throw-in restarts soccer after the whole ball crosses a touchline on the ground or in the air. It is awarded to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball, and it is taken from the point where the ball left the field.
The thrower must face the field, keep part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside it, and deliver the ball with both hands from behind and over the head. Opponents must remain at least two meters from the spot and may not unfairly distract or impede the thrower.
The ball is in play when it enters the field. If the technique is improper, the opponents receive the throw-in. If the ball touches the ground before entering, the same team retakes it. The thrower may not touch the ball again until another player has made contact.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. A ball thrown straight into the opponents’ goal produces a goal kick; one thrown into the thrower’s own goal produces a corner. The restart looks simple, but foot position, delivery, and the second-touch rule all matter.
Part of each foot must touch the touchline or the ground outside it when the ball is released.
Opponents must be at least two meters from the point where the throw-in is taken.
No. The restart becomes a goal kick or corner kick depending on which goal the ball enters.
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