Soccer Throw-In Rules: Technique, Foul Throws & the 2026/27 Update
A throw-in restarts play when the whole ball crosses a touchline, on the ground or in the air, after last touching a player from one team. The opponents receive the throw.
The basic technique is simple but specific: face the field, keep part of each foot on or outside the touchline, use both hands, and deliver the ball from behind and over the head.
When is a throw-in awarded?
A throw-in is awarded when the whole ball crosses the touchline.
If any part of the ball is still above the plane of the line, the ball has not completely left the field.
Who takes the throw-in?
The team that did not touch the ball last before it crossed the touchline takes the throw.
Where is the throw taken?
The throw is taken from the point where the ball left the field.
A player should not gain a large tactical advantage by walking many yards up the touchline.
Correct throw-in technique
At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must:
- stand facing the field;
- have part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside it;
- use both hands;
- throw from behind and over the head;
- deliver the ball from the point where it left the field.
Foot position
Both feet matter.
A legal throw does not require both feet to be completely flat on the ground, but the thrower must satisfy the Law’s foot-position requirement at the moment of delivery.
Jumping with both feet completely off the ground at release is not a correct throw.
Both hands
The ball is delivered with both hands. A one-handed overhead throw is not the soccer throw-in procedure.
Behind and over the head
The motion starts behind the head and carries the ball over it. A side-arm or chest pass from out of bounds is not a legal throw-in.
When is the ball in play?
The ball is in play when it enters the field of play.
If the ball touches the ground before entering the field, Law 15 provides for the throw to be retaken by the same team from the same position.
How far away must opponents stand?
Opponents must stand at least 2 meters / 2 yards from the point on the touchline where the throw is taken.
They cannot unfairly distract or impede the thrower.
Can you score directly from a throw-in?
No.
If a throw-in goes directly into the opponents’ goal without touching another player, the restart is a goal kick.
If it goes directly into the thrower’s own goal, the restart is a corner kick.
The second-touch rule
The thrower cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it.
If the thrower plays it a second time with the foot before anyone else touches it, an indirect free kick is normally awarded from the place of the second touch, subject to the Law’s location provisions.
What is a foul throw?
“Foul throw” is common language for an incorrectly taken throw-in.
Examples include one-handed delivery, improper foot position, not throwing from behind and over the head, or taking the throw from the wrong place in a way that violates the procedure.
Under Law 15, an incorrectly taken throw results in a throw-in for the opposing team.
New 2026/27 delay countdown
The 2026/27 Laws introduced a procedure to discourage deliberate time-wasting at throw-ins.
If a player is unfairly delaying the taking of a throw-in for their team, the referee can whistle and signal the start of a five-second visual countdown.
If the throw is not taken before the countdown ends, the throw-in is awarded to the opposing team from the same position.
This is a specific anti-delay procedure. It does not mean every normal throw-in automatically starts with a visible five-second count.
Can a player be cautioned for delaying a throw?
The updated law distinguishes the countdown/turnover procedure from excessive delay after the restart has already been awarded to the opponents.
Referees apply the disciplinary provisions in Law 15 and Law 12 according to the incident.
Tactical throw-ins
Throw-ins are valuable possession moments.
A good team creates a short option, a supporting option behind, a run down the line, a movement inside and space for the thrower to receive the return pass.
The thrower should not wait for everyone to stand still.
Throw-in pattern: short and return
- Teammate checks toward the thrower.
- Thrower plays to feet or chest.
- Teammate protects the ball.
- Thrower immediately enters the field.
- Return pass creates a new angle.
This is one of the simplest ways to keep possession.
Throw-in pattern: run down the line
A teammate starts short, then accelerates down the touchline as the defender steps toward the ball.
The throw should lead the runner without forcing the player out of bounds.
Coaching tips
For younger players:
- teach technique without turning every practice into throw-in repetition;
- use a ball size appropriate for the age group;
- reward quick support movement;
- practice receiving the throw, not only taking it;
- create 3v3 or 4v4 touchline games with repeated throw-in restarts.
Common mistakes
- standing square and giving the thrower no options;
- hiding behind defenders;
- throwing long without a target;
- failing to move after taking the throw;
- forcing a throw down the line every time;
- using an illegal one-handed motion.
Frequently asked questions
Can your foot be on the line?
Yes. Law 15 allows part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside it.
Can you throw the ball to your goalkeeper?
Yes, but goalkeeper handling restrictions can apply after a throw-in from a teammate. The goalkeeper cannot simply handle a teammate’s throw-in directly.
Is there offside from a throw-in?
A player cannot be penalized for being in an offside position directly from a throw-in under Law 11. Once another teammate plays the ball, normal offside considerations resume.
Can you take a quick throw-in?
Yes if the restart procedure is satisfied and the referee has not prevented the restart for another reason.
Is the five-second countdown used on every throw?
No. The 2026/27 change targets unfair delay.
Primary sources: IFAB Law 15 — The Throw-in and IFAB 2026/27 Law Changes.