Throw-in

A throw-in is a method of restarting play in a game of association football (soccer).

Award

A throw-in is awarded to the opponents of the team that last touched the ball, when the ball leaves the field of play by wholly crossing a touch line (either on the ground or in the air).

Procedure

The throw-in is taken from the point where it crossed the touch line. Opposing players must remain at least 2m from the thrower until the ball is in play.

At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower must face the field of play, have part of each foot on the ground on or outside the touch line, and use both hands to deliver the ball from behind and over his head.

A more advanced and technically challenging execution has a player perform a somersault with ball in-hand to gain momentum resulting in the ball being thrown further down the field.

The ball becomes in play as soon as it enters the field of play.

A goal may not be scored directly from a throw-in. A player may not be penalised for being in an offside position direct from a throw-in.

Infringements

If an opposing player fails to respect the required distance before the ball is in play or otherwise unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower they may receive a caution (yellow card).

If the thrower fails to deliver the ball as per the required procedure, or delivers it from a point other than where the ball left the field of play, the throw-in is awarded to the opposing team.

It is an offence for the thrower to touch the ball a second time until it has been touched by another player; this is punishable by an indirect free kick to the defending team from where the offence occurred, unless the second touch was also a more serious handling offence, in which case it is punishable by a direct free kick or penalty kick, as appropriate.