throwin

Throwin, usually written as throw-in, is a method of restarting play in association football (soccer). It is awarded when the ball wholly crosses the touchline. The restart goes to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball. The throw-in is taken from the point where the ball crossed the line, with the thrower standing with both feet on the ground behind the touchline and facing the field.

The ball must be thrown from behind and over the head using both hands. The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player. If the thrower commits a foul or the ball is thrown in incorrectly, the throw-in is retaken or possession is awarded to the opposing team according to the Laws of the Game.

The ball is in play as soon as it enters the field. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throwin; if the ball crosses directly into the goal, play is restarted according to the Laws, typically resulting in a goal kick for the defending team. If the ball is thrown in and crosses into the opposing goal area under the wrong circumstances, the restart is handled by the referees following the same general rule that a direct goal from a throw-in is not permitted.

In practice, throwins are used to maintain possession, create crossing opportunities, and exploit space on the flanks. Teams may employ quick throw-ins to disrupt defenses or longer overhead throws to target teammates in the penalty area. Throw-ins are a regular feature of both professional and amateur play, with variations in technique and length depending on player skill and tactical needs.