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What Constitutes an Illegal Throw-In in Soccer?

An illegal throw-in, often called a “foul throw,” occurs when a player fails to execute the throw-in according to the Laws of the Game, resulting in possession being awarded to the opposing team. This can happen due to various violations during the throw-in process, including improper foot placement, incorrect throwing motion, or not adhering to the required position relative to the touchline. It’s crucial to understand that while a foul throw isn’t a “foul” that leads to a free kick under Law 12 (Fouls and Misconduct), it still results in a loss of possession and can disrupt the flow of the game.

Understanding the Legal Requirements for a Throw-In

To fully grasp what constitutes an illegal throw-in, it’s essential to first understand the legal requirements for a proper throw-in. According to the Laws of the Game, the thrower must:

Face the field of play: The player’s body must be oriented towards the field of play when taking the throw-in.
Use both hands: The ball must be delivered using both hands, starting from behind the head.
Deliver the ball from behind and over the head: The throwing motion must bring the ball from behind the head and release it over the head.
Have part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline: Both feet must maintain contact with the touchline (the line marking the boundary of the field) or the ground directly outside it throughout the throw-in process. Neither foot can be entirely on the field of play.
Take the throw-in from the point where the ball left the field: The player must take the throw-in from the exact spot where the ball crossed the touchline.

Failure to adhere to any of these conditions results in an illegal throw-in, and possession is awarded to the opposing team, who then gets to take a legal throw-in from the same spot.

Common Examples of Illegal Throw-Ins

Several common mistakes can lead to an illegal throw-in. These include:

Lifting a foot during the throw: If a player lifts either foot completely off the ground during the throw-in motion, it is considered an illegal throw-in.
Throwing the ball from in front of the head: The throwing motion must originate from behind the head. Releasing the ball from in front of the head is a violation.
Stepping onto the field of play: The player’s feet must remain on or outside the touchline; stepping onto the field is illegal.
Throwing the ball underhand or with one hand: The use of both hands and an over-the-head throwing motion is mandatory.
Taking the throw-in from the wrong spot: Failing to take the throw-in from the exact point where the ball went out of bounds is also a violation.
Throwing the ball directly into the goal (without touching another player): Although rare, this is an illegal play that results in a goal kick for the opposing team.

The Referee’s Discretion

While the Laws of the Game are clear, referees often exercise a degree of discretion, particularly in youth games or less competitive matches. Minor deviations from the perfect technique might be overlooked, especially if they don’t provide a significant advantage. However, blatant violations, particularly those that give the thrower an unfair advantage, will almost always be penalized. Referees prioritize maintaining fair play and upholding the integrity of the game. GamesLearningSociety.org explores the social dynamics and decision-making processes in team sports like soccer, further highlighting the importance of understanding rules and strategy.

The Importance of Practicing Proper Throw-In Technique

Mastering the proper throw-in technique is crucial for players of all levels. A legal and well-executed throw-in can be a valuable attacking weapon, allowing a team to quickly restart play and maintain possession. Conversely, an illegal throw-in can disrupt the flow of the game and give the opposition a scoring opportunity. Practicing the correct foot placement, throwing motion, and positioning is therefore an essential part of any soccer training program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Illegal Throw-Ins

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules surrounding throw-ins:

1. Can I move my feet during a throw-in?

No, you cannot lift either foot completely off the ground. Part of each foot must remain on the touchline or the ground outside the touchline throughout the throw-in process.

2. Can I drag my foot along the ground?

Yes, you can drag your foot along the ground, as long as part of your foot remains in contact with the touchline or the ground outside it.

3. Can I take a running start for a throw-in?

Yes, you can take a running start, but you must adhere to the rules regarding foot placement. You can’t step onto the field or lift your foot entirely off the ground.

4. What happens if I take an illegal throw-in?

Possession is awarded to the opposing team, who then gets to take a legal throw-in from the same spot.

5. Can a goalkeeper take a throw-in?

Yes, a goalkeeper can take a throw-in, just like any other player.

6. Can a goal be scored directly from a throw-in?

No, a goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in unless the ball is touched by another player before entering the goal. If the throw-in goes directly into the goal without touching another player, a goal kick is awarded to the opposing team.

7. Can I throw the ball to myself?

According to the Laws of the Game “The thrower must not touch the ball again until it has been touched by another player.” It is an infringement for the thrower to touch the ball a second time before it has been touched by another player; this is punishable by an indirect free kick to the opposing team from where the offence occurred, unless the second touch was also a more serious handling offence.

8. Is it offside from a throw-in?

No, a player cannot be in an offside position directly from a throw-in.

9. Can I throw the ball directly to my goalkeeper?

Yes, you can throw the ball directly to your goalkeeper. However, the goalkeeper cannot handle the ball if it is thrown directly to them from a teammate’s throw-in. This would result in an indirect free kick to the opposing team.

10. What if I accidentally make an illegal throw-in?

Even if the throw-in violation is accidental, the referee is still obligated to award possession to the opposing team.

11. Can I throw the ball over my shoulder?

No, the ball must be delivered from behind and over your head using both hands. Throwing the ball over the shoulder is an illegal throw-in.

12. Can my feet be completely on the touchline?

Yes, your feet can be completely on the touchline, as long as part of each foot is touching the line.

13. How close to the spot where the ball went out do I have to take the throw-in?

The throw-in should be taken from the point where the ball crossed the touchline. Referees typically allow for some leeway, but a significant deviation could result in a re-throw being awarded to the opposition.

14. If a defender deliberately kicks the ball out of play to take a throw-in closer to their goal, can they do that?

Yes, any player can deliberately kick the ball out of play, but must take the throw-in from the point where it left the field. There is no rule preventing a player from doing this, although it might not be the most strategic play.

15. Are there any differences in the rules for throw-ins in different leagues or competitions?

The basic rules for throw-ins are consistent across all leagues and competitions governed by FIFA’s Laws of the Game. However, referees’ interpretations and enforcement of these rules may vary slightly depending on the level of play and the specific competition.

What is an illegal throw-in?