Skills & science · 1863
The throw-in
The facts
- When the whole ball goes over the touchline, the team that did not touch it last takes a throw-in.
- The thrower faces the pitch, keeps part of each foot on the line or on the ground behind it, and throws with both hands from behind and over the head.
- You cannot score straight from a throw-in, and opponents must stand at least 2 metres away.
- In the first Laws, in 1863, the first player to touch the ball after it went out threw it in, straight out at right angles to the touchline. Two hands became the rule in 1883.
The story
- 1863: In the first FA Laws, the first player to touch the ball after it went out threw it in, from where it left the pitch, at right angles to the touchline.
- 1877: The throw-in could now go in any direction, not only straight out at right angles.
- 1883: The Laws said the ball must be thrown with both hands. Scotland had made the change a year before.
- Today: Law 15: face the pitch, part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground behind it, both hands, from behind and over the head. Opponents stand at least 2 m away.
Take it to your game
Take it quickly: throw to a free teammate’s feet or down the line into space, then step onto the pitch for the return.
Sources
- IFAB Laws of the Game · Law 15 The Throw-in
- Wikipedia · Throw-in