Defending Throw-ins

DEFENDING THROW-INS

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Once the ball goes out of play over the sideline, throw-ins are usually taken relatively quickly by the opposing team. This usually involves a man-to-man approach, getting goal-side of the nearest opponent, and then anticipating what throw-in option may be used. Remember, throw-ins are a pass from the thrower to a teammate who may be stationary, moving, or part of a play. Defenders must be prepared for any of these.

Law 15

Before working on specific throw-in defenses, coaches need to review the applicable portions of “Law 15 – The Throw-In” with their players:

No offside at the moment the throw is taken; A teammate of the thrower cannot be offside upon receiving the ball directly from a throw-in;
The goalkeeper can’t catch a throw-in directly;
The ball is “live” as soon as it enters the field of play;
The thrower can’t touch the ball again until it has touched someone else;
A defender must be at least 2-yards away from the thrower;
A throw-in is an “indirect” re-start of play. As such, a goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. If the ball goes directly into the opponents’ goal from a throw-in, without having been touched by any other player, a goal kick is awarded. If the ball goes directly into the thrower’s goal from a throw-in, without having been touched by any other player, a corner kick is awarded;
An opponent who unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower (including moving closer than 2 yards to the place where the throw-in is to be taken) is cautioned for unsporting behavior, and if the throw-in has been taken, an indirect free kick is awarded.

Throw-In Options to be Defended

Teammate as receiver – Because the teammate of the thrower is now to be perceived as the recipient of a pass, the receiver may receive and control the ball with any part of their body.

Leading a running receiver – One of the most important options for a throw-in is for a receiver to run upfield parallel to the touchline for the throw. This is otherwise known as “throwing down the line.”

Ball over a defender’s head – Another important option for a throw-in is for the thrower to throw the ball over the head of a defender to a teammate.

Throwing the ball “backward” – Another option for a throw-in is to throw the ball to a back defender, in the direction of their own end-line. A backward throw can be chipped to the striker who was creating the down-the-line option. (Note that in this example, however, the striker would then be subject to the provisions of offside at the moment the chip is taken.)

Throwing to the goalkeeper – The last basic option for a throw-in is to throw the ball to the goalkeeper. It is extremely important to note that the goalkeeper may not pick up a throw-in, but must play it with their body or feet.

Throw-in as part of a play – The initial receiver of the throw-in may pass the ball to a teammate who is making a run, involving such options as a flick-on, one-two, chip or cross. Defenders must be prepared for this second ball. A throw-in taken deep in the attacking third, roughly within 15-yards of the corner, can be set up like a corner-kick play. This usually involves the player who has the longest and strongest throw targeting a runner for a header at the near post. Defenders must mark all opponents accordingly. Stopping the opponent from gaining an advantage off a throw-in in the defensive third is critical. A long throw from near the end line sometimes worse than a corner kick because it’s easier to place the ball on a runner’s head (set piece).

Another option would be to pass the ball back to the thrower. This is why the thrower usually steps into the field of play right after throwing the ball.

Other Considerations

Throw-in based on location – For young players, a ball which is put into play in their own half of the field should almost always be thrown upfield and down the line, not into the middle or backward unless the receiver is so wide open that there is essentially no chance of the ball being intercepted. At midfield and up to the attacking third, the ball may be played into the center or down the line. Throwing the ball into the middle of the field may be introduced as using the concept of checking-in and checking-out runs become better understood. In the attacking third, the ball may be thrown into the middle of the field, backward, or to anyone who is otherwise open. Close to the attacking goalline (end-line or “bi-line”), it is important to recognize that there must be enough room available when throwing the ball down the line in order for the ball to not go out of bounds before the receiver can reach it. Similarly, when the ball is thrown backward, the thrower must ensure that there is enough space and time for his teammate to work with the ball before an opponent can challenge him.

Quick throws – Sometimes it is optimal for the player closest to the ball to take the throw-in as fast as possible. This is generally the case when the defense is disorganized and the opportunity exists for a fast strike. As such, the player closest to the ball takes the throw-in while the player next closest to the ball sprints in the direction of attack. This is one of the cases where it is extremely important for the coach to emphasize to the players that there is no offside at the time of a throw-in.

Multiple options of receivers – The most basic throw-in “play” sets up the three choices of throwing the ball down the line, into the middle of the field, or backward. The thrower needs to be able to determine which choice is best under any given set of circumstances. The thrower may even initiate the play with a signal, such as smacking the ball with one hand, indicating that he is ready to throw and causing the teammate for the down-the-line option to head upfield, the teammate for the middle-of-the-field option to check-out and check-in, and the teammate for the backward option to backpedal to create more space.

Feints – A standing throw can also involve a feint, for example, the thrower may face directly toward the center of the field and then twist at the waist right to throw down the line or left to throw backward.

Re-Sets – Whereas the thrower does have to take the throw in an expeditious manner, the thrower does not have to throw the ball immediately if he perceives something is initially wrong, such as a covered receiver. The thrower may even stop his motion, re-set, and then throw.

Defensive Approaches

Teams can easily take more than 20 throw-ins in a game. Defenders must react quickly and be fully prepared to respond to any of the options the throwing team may take.

In general, most coaches defend using man-to-man marking, with the defenders orienting themselves one-on-one, goalside, from the closest opponent. Zone marking is an option, usually when the throw is at midfield and often involves committing four players in arc from the sideline toward the center-line, with the interior defender being farthest from the goal. A combination of these two is also available.

Many coaches choose not to commit forward players to defend the backpass option when the opponent is deep in their defensive third, opting instead to establish any of their high-, mid-, or low-block postures of overall defense. A high striker may be used to try to intercept a throw to the goalkeeper.

Under any condition, the full team must be in a proper, defensive posture. Players must face the ball side of the field and not turn their backs to the ball or to opponents.

The Defenders

A solid defense limits the thrower’s options, denies easy turns, and forces turnovers. Winning the ball then provides the opportunity to promptly transition into attack, including the possibility of a fast break. Defending throw-ins effectively requires that the defenders provide immediate marking, anticipate the opponent’s options, and respond quickly to whatever occurs. This includes tight marks, limiting passing options, trying to trap opponents, forcing mistakes and actively trying to win the ball back.

Anticipating the Opponent’s Options

Prior to a match, if time allows, teams should include throw-ins as part of their scouting and analysis of opponents. This should include:

Tendencies
Set pieces

Before a throw is taken, teams should observe and anticipate the circumstances surrounding both the player and the current state of play. This should include:

Watching the thrower’s body language
Observing the actions of the thrower’s teammates to predict the direction and speed of play

Immediate Marking

When the opponent gets a throw-in, defenders must immediately shift into a compact shape and mark up. The onfield defensive organizer ensures that opponents and their options are covered and that proper communication among defenders is taking place.

Closest defenders need to be touch tight and goal side, matching up quickly with attackers from the nearest to farthest from the spot of the throw. Defenders farther from the thrower need to allow enough distance from an opponent to provide reaction time for runs.
Defenders position themselves to block easy passes while staying close to their mark.
As potential receivers make runs, midfielders and other defenders must shift as a unit to prevent gaps and to cut off the second ball.
The most dangerous throw is a quick pass to an unmarked player directly down the sideline. A defender can influence the runner closer toward the sideline.
Midfielders cover the center options, especially any opponent moving to easily receive a ball at their feet.
If a free defender is available, they can mark the thrower, being sure to position themselves at least two yards away. This has the effect of both disrupting options and preventing a pass back to the thrower.
Defenders angle their body position to force the opponent into an area with limited escape routes.
For short and intermediate throw-ins, nothing over the head.
For long, interior, throw-ins from the corner to approximately 15-yards out from the goal, cover all runners as one would for a corner kick.
Create a numerical advantage by leaving a central midfielder or central back in space. Close the space quickly if the ball is not intercepted.

Note that not every throw-in needs to be strongly contested. Allowing an uncontested throw to a teammate deep in their back third, permitting the build-up of a solid defense, is not unreasonable.

Responding

Defending a throw-in can literally require responding in a matter of seconds. To effectively defend a throw-in as it is taken, players should immediately apply pressure, deny the opponent space to turn, and force attackers to play backward or out of bounds. Other actions are a matter of the circumstances of play. Responses may involve any of the following options:

Press the Thrower – The player marking the thrower applies immediate pressure to deny the pass back to the thrower or, if the thrower receives a backpass, to disrupt any possible play, such as a chip.
Press the Potential Receivers – Stay on tight marks. As the ball travels, the defender marking the closest option should apply immediate pressure. Do not let the receiver turn; force them to shield the ball or to play the ball backward. Force all opponents to play under pressure.
Shift Sides – Close the defensive lines and shift over as a team to build numbers on the ball side.
Deny Passes – Tight, aggressive marking is essential. Stay “goal-side.” Possibly double team the obvious first receiver, with one defender in front and one behind.
Track Runners – Stay with designated marks.
Prevent Switching Fields – Keep the opponent on the same side as the throw by cutting off passing lanes and preventing a long cross.
Maintain Defensive Shape – The back line should drop slightly to guard against the ball going over their heads into open space.
Implement Choice of Block – Depending on location and game circumstances, implement high-, mid-, or low-block on defense, as appropriate.

Winning the Ball

Since the ball is immediately in play upon the throw-in, winning the ball becomes part standard defensive practice, gaining control or possession of the ball through a legal action like a tackle, interception, or aerial challenge. As usual, defenders must be aware of their options in advance of winning the ball, including such things as dribbling, passing – especially one touch – or finding a fast break for a quick counter attack. Options include:

Sneak in and Intercept – Defenders who have appropriate support may fake tightly marking their opponent and then jump the throw. This is particularly true for a thrower who may drop the ball “short” or “softly,” allowing it to be more easily intercepted.
Attack Loose Balls – Pounce on any deflections or misplayed receptions.
Press the Immediate Receiver – Deny the turn, force a backpass or pass to the thrower.
Strong Tackle – Defenders marking targeted opponents must attack the path of the ball aggressively. (Most often, a defender is coming up to the initial receiver from behind – no foul – giving up a free kick is worse.)
Win the Header – Jump to head an airborne ball clear or step in front to intercept.
Attack the Second Ball – Once the throw is released, surrounding players should collapse the space to attack loose balls and force a turnover before the attacking team can settle. First, anticipate rebounds or loose touches.
Challenge the Goalkeeper – Remember that goalkeepers may not pick up the ball from a throw-in and often become lax with the ball at their feet. An oblique challenge may catch them by surprise. Otherwise, if they put the ball too far out in front, a sprinted rush may be successful.

Transition

If the ball is won quickly in the defensive third, this presents an opportunity for a quick counter attack. Since play, and the players from both teams, are generally concentrated near one side of the field, a fast break option may be formulated to the opposite side. Otherwise, resume normal possession.

Practice

To maximize defending against throw-ins, coaches should practice using all combinations of:

Locations along the sideline
Offensive throw-in options
Defensive options
Transition upon winning the ball

Optimizing this approach would ideally involve using two full teams, 11 v. 11, and should be done working both sidelines (minimum of five locations each: 10, 30, midfield, 30, 10). This has the added benefit of practicing offensive throw-ins at the same time. Since having 24 players available is not always feasible for many coaches, two teams may be created by “splitting” them “horizontally” along the length of the field. Goalkeepers must be included and at least one player designated to break off for an outlet if play dictates. Another option is to practice throw-ins with another team as part of a controlled scrimmage.

Soccer Coaching Tips:

Players must not try to forcibly take a ball away from an opponent who is incorrectly trying to take a throw-in that is not theirs. It is the job of the referee and assistant referee to get this straight.
Players must never assume that a ball has gone out of play and keep playing until the throw-in is called.
Players must not get caught “ball watching.” Although they must always be aware of the thrower and the position of the ball, it can not be at the expense of failing to mark a runner.
Players must maintain proper communication with their teammates. They should never make assumptions that all possibilities are covered properly or that a goalkeeper is aware of someone is bearing down on them.
Players must not rush into tackles and risk being beaten by committing too early.

Video Clip (future)