Do a Throw-In
Practice proper soccer throw-ins with a partner using a ball, marking distance, and learning rules, aiming for straight, two-handed throws from behind the head.
Step-by-step guide to do a throw-in
Step 1
Find a flat safe space outside or in a big room and bring your partner there.
Step 2
Use chalk or tape to draw a short straight touchline on the ground.
Step 3
Measure 5 meters from the line with your tape or string and mark that spot with chalk or tape.
Step 4
Place a cone on the 5 meter mark and another cone on a farther mark if you want a longer target.
Step 5
Decide who will throw first and who will catch.
Step 6
Stand behind the line with both feet on the ground and hold the ball with both hands.
Step 7
Practice the throw motion without releasing the ball by bringing the ball behind your head and moving your arms forward over your head.
Step 8
Throw the ball to your partner using both hands and a straight over-the-head motion while keeping both feet on the ground.
Step 9
Have your partner stand at least two big steps away while catching to practice legal spacing.
Step 10
Now each of you takes five turns throwing, trying to hit the area between the cones with straight two-handed throws.
Step 11
Move the cones back by one meter to make it harder and repeat the five throws each to test your accuracy.
Step 12
Share your finished practice and what you learned on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of chalk, tape, a tape measure, or cones if we don't have them?
If you don't have chalk, tape, a tape measure, or cones, use masking tape or a row of shoes to make the short touchline, use a rope or string to measure the 5 meters, and use paper plates, small bags, or water bottles as cones.
My child keeps lifting a foot when throwing — how can we fix that?
If they keep lifting a foot when the instructions say 'Stand behind the line with both feet on the ground', have them repeat the 'practice the throw motion without releasing the ball' while a partner counts and gently reminds them to keep both feet down or place a small towel behind their heels as a reminder.
How can we adapt this activity for toddlers or older kids?
For toddlers, bring the cone closer to 2–3 meters, use a soft foam ball and fewer throws, while for older kids start at 5 meters then 'move the cones back by one meter' after each round and add a farther cone as a smaller target.
How can we make the practice more fun or challenging after the five throws?
To extend the activity, turn the five throws into a points game with different scores for hitting between the cones or the farther cone, 'move the cones back by one meter' after each round to increase difficulty, or record and 'share your finished practice and what you learned on DIY.org' as a team highlight.
Watch videos on how to do a throw-in
How To Throw-In | Youth Soccer Skills Tutorial
4 Videos
How To Throw-In | Youth Soccer Skills Tutorial
BEST Throw-In Routines! (Soccer Coach Guide)
Throw In Rules in Football/Soccer Tutorial
Learn the Rules of a Soccer Throw In | Football
Facts about soccer skills for kids
↔️ Opponents must stay at least 2 metres away from the point where a throw-in is taken.
⏱️ A quick throw-in can be taken without waiting for the referee and is a smart way to catch the other team off guard—if it's still legal.
⚽ A legal throw-in must be taken with both hands and delivered from behind and over the head.
👣 At the moment of the throw, the thrower must have part of each foot on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline.
🎯 Rory Delap turned super-long, powerful throw-ins into a real attacking weapon for Stoke City in the 2000s.
How do you practice proper soccer throw-ins with a partner?
What materials do I need to practice soccer throw-ins?
What ages is this throw-in activity suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for practicing soccer throw-ins?
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