Throw-in Rules in Football: How to Take a Legal Throw
The throw-in is the most frequent restart in football, often happening dozens of times a match. It looks simple, but Law 15 has specific requirements, and some teams now treat long throws as a serious attacking weapon.
When is a throw-in awarded?
A throw-in is given when the whole ball crosses the touchline (the long side lines), on the ground or in the air. It goes to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball, and it is taken from the point where the ball left the field.
How to take a legal throw-in
At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must:
- stand facing the field of play;
- have part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline;
- throw the ball with both hands;
- deliver it from behind and over the head.
The ball is in play as soon as it enters the field. It must enter the field; if it does not, the same team retakes it.
Foul throw
If the thrower lifts a foot off the ground, steps fully onto the pitch, throws with one hand or does not bring the ball over the head, it is a foul throw and the throw-in goes to the other team. Referees tend to be stricter at higher levels of the game.
The two-metre rule
All opponents must stand at least 2 metres from the point on the touchline where the throw is taken. An opponent who unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower, for example by jumping and waving in front of them, is cautioned.
Touching the ball twice
The thrower cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it. Doing so gives the opponents an indirect free kick. If the second touch is a deliberate handball, it becomes a direct free kick (or a penalty inside the thrower's own penalty area).
Can you score from a throw-in?
No goal can be scored directly from a throw-in:
- If the ball goes straight into the opponents' goal, a goal kick is awarded.
- If it goes straight into the thrower's own goal, a corner kick is awarded.
If anyone touches the ball on the way, including the goalkeeper, a goal can count.
No offside from a throw-in
A player cannot be offside when receiving the ball directly from a throw-in. This is why attackers often stand deep behind the defence when a long throw is coming. See the full offside rule.
Goalkeepers and throw-ins
A goalkeeper cannot handle a ball thrown directly to them by a team-mate inside their penalty area. Doing so gives an indirect free kick to the opponents. They can, however, control it with their feet, body or head.
Long throws as a tactic
Some teams use players who can throw the ball deep into the penalty area, treating a throw near the corner flag almost like a corner kick. Because there is no offside, attackers can crowd the six-yard box. Clubs have even hired specialist throw-in coaches to improve speed, distance and decision-making.
Related reading: corner kick and goal kick rules and our football glossary.