Soccer 101: How to Do a Throw-In

Learn how to set up a play and help your team advance the ball. “The throw-in is a very basic and essential part of the game of soccer. It can help you retain possession or turn defense into attack,” DICK’S Sporting Goods Soccer Pro Haris Merzihic says. There are two main ways a player can perform a throw-in. No matter which method you choose, you must face the field of play at the spot where the ball went out of bounds. RUNNING THROW-IN This type of throw-in can be performed from a stand-still position or as a run-up for added momentum. You can throw from behind or directly on the sideline. If you’re performing a running throw-in, start by standing a few feet behind the sideline. Run up to the line and firmly plant both feet on the ground before letting the ball fly. You’ll hold the ball behind your head with your arms at about a 90-degree angle and your hands behind your ears. The ball must come from behind and over your head. “For maximum distance, you want to release the ball right as it is over the top of your head,” DICK’S Sporting Goods Soccer Pro Haris Merzihic says. “Make sure that both of your feet stay on the ground as you perform this throw-in.” DRAGGING FOOT THROW-IN The second way to do the throw-in is with a dragging foot. This starts the same as the first running throw-in, a few steps behind the sideline. “This time you are going to drag a foot as you throw the ball, which is going to help you with some distance,” Merzihic says. By mastering the throw-in, you can help your team stay in possession of the ball and turn up the pressure on your opponent’s goalkeeper. Discover more soccer tips today: http://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/soccer Shop Soccer Balls: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/products/all-soccer-balls.jsp Shop Soccer Cleats: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/products/soccer-cleats-and-shoes.jsp Shop Soccer Apparel: https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/products/soccer-apparel.jsp