Who Should Take Throw Ins?

In soccer, it is important to have some type of strategy regarding throw ins.

Typically, the fullbacks should throw it in because they are the last line that can get it to a midfielder or forward.

But, if your team wants to play quickly, whoever is closest might be your strategy!

What Should Be Your Strategy?

As a general rule, I would recommend the following:

• 11v11 Game: Have your right or left fullback take the throw in and always advance it up the field.
• 9v9 (or smaller) Game: Have whatever player is closest to the ball throw it in. Get it in quick with a lateral or forward throw in.

What Happens if Your Team Keeps Throwing It Away?

What do you do if your team keeps throwing the ball to the other team? You’ll want to teach your team to find open space and then proceed to get out if they don’t get the ball.

Many times, a bad throw in isn’t the player’s fault. Instead, it’s because the team is either standing still or moving behind their opponents.

As a team, you want to position in front of your opponent. It is important for receiving players to shield their opponents and go to the ball.

If they jump the pass then you can go over their head.

Final Thoughts

I hope that helps you coach your team on throw ins. Many youth soccer coaches completely overlook this part of the game.

You don’t have to spend hours on it but have some type of strategy in place so your team understands what they need to do!