Throw-in soccer drill and game
The throw-in game is a pairs drill followed by a small game in which every restart is a throw-in. It trains a legal throw with both hands from behind the head, and a first touch that controls a ball arriving from the air.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Throw-in game: setup diagram
At a glance
| Detail | For this drill |
|---|---|
| Ages | U8 to U12 (ages 7 to 12) |
| Players | Pairs, then 3v3 or 4v4 |
| Space | 20 x 25 yd (18 x 23 m) |
| Equipment | One ball per pair; cones |
| Time | 10 minutes |
| Skill | Warm-ups and fun games |
Change the size of the area to fit your group: bigger makes it easier for the player with the ball, smaller makes it harder. Everyone who goes out comes straight back in, and nobody runs laps.
How to run it
- In pairs, 6 yards apart. Throw to your partner’s feet: both hands on the ball, the ball goes behind the head and over it, both feet stay on the ground.
- The partner controls the ball with the foot or thigh and passes it back along the ground. Ten throws each.
- Move to a 20 by 25 yard area and play 3v3. Every time the ball goes out, on any line, the restart is a throw-in.
- The receiving team must give the thrower two choices: one player coming short, one going long.
- A throw that breaks the rule is retaken once, with a quick reminder, then given to the other team as in a real game.
Coaching points to say out loud
- “Both feet down.”
- “Behind your head, then over.”
- “Throw to feet.”
- “One short, one long.”
Make it easier or harder
Easier
Stay in pairs longer and let the receiver catch the first few throws, to learn the throwing action.
Harder
The thrower must join in at once: throw, then step onto the field to get the ball back. Or allow a goal only after a throw-in has been completed to a teammate.
Common mistakes
- Lifting the back foot as the ball is released. Some part of each foot must stay on the ground.
- Throwing from the forehead instead of from behind the head.
- Everyone standing still and marked. A throw-in needs movement toward and away from the thrower.
Why it matters in a game
A team takes many throw-ins in a game, and at young ages most are given straight back to the other team. Our lessons on restarts teach the next step: prepare two options before the throw, and get back into shape after it.
The lesson that teaches it: After the Restart: Rebuild the Back Three.
Do it at home
A parent and child can do the pairs part anywhere outdoors. The parent watches the feet; the child aims for the parent’s feet.
Questions about Throw-in game
What makes a throw-in legal?
The thrower faces the field, has part of each foot on or behind the touchline, and throws with both hands from behind and over the head. Our throw-in rule page has the diagram.
At what age do kids take throw-ins?
It depends on the league. Many US leagues use throw-ins from the youngest ages, while England’s FA uses a pass-in or dribble-in for young players. Ask your league.
Can you score straight from a throw-in?
No. A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. Another player has to touch the ball first.
Lessons that teach this idea
- After the Restart: Rebuild the Back Three (9v9 lesson)After our right back takes a throw-in, they hurry back so we have three defenders again before joining the attack.
- Kick-In: Have a Backup (Futsal lesson)Prepare two options before the restart, then use the one the defender leaves.
- Start with Your Feet (7v7 lesson)Some leagues (like England's FA for younger players) restart from the sideline with your feet. Dribble it in or pass it in: pick the open route.
Related drills and guides
- Thigh and chest control (drill)It trains bringing a bouncing or dropping ball under control without using the head.
- 3v3 small-sided game (drill)It trains everything at once, dribbling, passing, shooting and defending, and gives each child far more time on the ball than a big game.
- Rondo 3v1 (drill)It trains quick passing, support on both sides of the ball and a first touch away from pressure.
- Wall passing (drill)It trains a firm, accurate pass and a clean first touch with both feet, because the wall always gives the ball back.
- The throw-in ruleBoth feet down, both hands, from behind and over the head
- Fullback in soccerThe defender on the side of the field
- First touch (soccer term)The touch you take as the ball arrives
- U8 soccer drills for 7 and 8 year oldsTen drills for 7 and 8 year olds: dribbling, 1v1, first passing and 3v3
- U10 soccer drills for 9 and 10 year oldsTen drills for 9 and 10 year olds: rondos, first touch, 2v1 and first goalkeeping
- U12 soccer drills for 11 and 12 year oldsTen drills for 11 and 12 year olds: 4v2 rondos, possession, defending in pairs and finishing
- All warm-ups and fun games drillsGames that start practice with a ball and a smile.
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.