How to Do a Throw in Soccer

Throw-ins are somewhat crucial moments in a soccer game: they present an opportunity to maintain possession of the ball, capitalize on a turnover or - unfortunately - lose possession of the ball yourself. As such, the throw-in is one of the most fundamental skills in soccer. It is also one of the most nerve-wracking tasks in the game. For one thing, everything stops, and all attention is on the person throwing the ball in. Add to this the fact that many players ignore the development of throw-in skills, and you've got a recipe for disaster. Don't fret, though. Follow these steps, and with a little practice, you'll be able to take advantage of throw-ins like the pros.


1. Pick up the ball. Unless you're the goalie, you don't get to use your hands much in soccer, so enjoy it while you can. Grip the ball with both hands and bring it behind your head. Your hands should be "behind" your head so the ball that your palms will push the ball forward when you throw it in. Make sure you've got a firm, but comfortable, hold on it.

2. Position your feet facing the field. Stand a few feet behind the sideline so that you can run up to the line without crossing it. Some players like to keep their feet together, while others like one foot in front of the other. Do whatever feels most comfortable to you.

3. Scan the field. Deciding where to deliver the ball is the most important step. You may have set plays for this or you may just need to find an open player. Once you've made your decision, you'll need to execute quickly so that your opponent can't detect where you're going to throw.

4. Run up to the sideline to throw the ball. Get a short running start--just 2-4 steps--to help you gain the needed momentum to power the ball to its target.

5. Arch your back slightly. Do this right before you're ready to actually throw the ball. Many players try to throw exclusively with their arms, but most of the power should come from your back and shoulders, as well as the momentum from your running start.

6. Square up with your target and plant your front foot. When you're ready to throw the ball, make sure your shoulders are square with your intended target. This is crucial for making an accurate throw, and also necessary because the ball must travel directly over your head. Now stop your run and plant your leading foot. Remember to keep both feet down to avoid an infraction!

7. Release the ball. Bring your arms up and forward so that your hands (and the ball) travel directly over your head. At the same time bring your arched back forward like a spring and drag the toe of your back foot on the ground. Dragging your toe adds stability and accuracy and helps prevent you from being carried over the sideline. Extend your arms fully and release the ball from just behind the head. Remember to keep your head up or facing strait after the ball is released so you dont just throw the ball at the ground.

8. Run onto the field to re-enter play. You've completed the throw-in, and hopefully you got the ball to your teammate. Now get back out there to help move the ball into scoring position. If, on the other hand, you accidentally threw the ball to your opponent, you can make up for it by running out to try to steal the ball back.