Tactics / Set pieces

Throw-ins that keep the ball

A short routine: one player moves away and comes back short, takes the throw at their feet and plays it straight back to the thrower.

Set piecesFrom 9v9Match moment: Take a quick throw-inMatch moment: Defend a throw-in

2789
  • Us
  • Them
  • Pass
  • Run
  • Dribble

Why it works

Throw-ins are the most common restart in a match, and many teams give the ball away from them. A simple, practised move keeps it.

What players do

  • Move away first, then come back towards the thrower: it loses the marker.
  • Throw to feet or thigh, not the head.
  • The thrower steps onto the pitch straight away for the return pass.
  • A second player runs down the line, so there is a longer option.

Common mistakes

  • Everyone standing still, so the thrower has nobody to throw to.
  • Throwing high and bouncing, so it is hard to control.
  • Foul throws: both feet must be on the ground, the ball from behind the head with both hands.

With young players

Under-11s and younger use a pass-in or dribble-in instead of a throw-in. From 9v9, practise throws as part of every session.

Drawn on a 105 × 68 m pitch, showing the part where it happens. Orange attacks left to right and the other team is in blue; numbers are the usual shirt numbers for each position.

Put it into your own team's plan in the team builder, and see what it asks of each player.

Next: Pass-ins and dribble-ins

What it asks of each player

The same idea, from every line of the team. Set it up for your own team in the team builder.

  • GK
    Goalkeeper
    • Nothing new.
    • Be ready for a quick counter if the throw is lost.

    Position guide: Goalkeeper

  • DEF
    Defenders
    • Full-back: usually the thrower. Step back on to the pitch at once.
    • Throw to feet, not to a head.

    Position guide: Centre-back · Full-back

  • MID
    Midfielders
    • Come short for the throw; lay it back.
    • Move away, then come short for the throw.
    • Lay it back to the thrower first time.

    Position guide: Holding midfielder · Central midfielder · Attacking midfielder

  • ATT
    Forwards
    • Spin down the line for the longer throw.
    • Keep your marker busy so the short one is free.

    Position guide: Winger · Striker

Practices that train it

Start with the first, and build up to the game.