FIFA soccer laws and rules: The throw-in

The only time that a soccer player can start a legitimate phase of play using the hands is when the game needs to be restarted by a throw-in. Indeed, the throw-in is the reason for the word "touchline." In addition, it is one of three ways of restarting play when the ball goes out of bounds.

FIFA's law stipulates that when the ball fully crosses the touchline—in the air or on the ground— play must be restarted by a throw-in to the opponents of the team that last touched or played the ball.

The idea of a throw-in is to avoid teams getting virtual free kicks from the touchline, although Irish international Rory Delap demonstrates how potent an effective throw-in can be. Although Rory Delap's "special" is hard to replicate, FIFA regulates the throw-in via Law 15 to ensure fairness and reinforce the integrity of the game.

A player should take the throw-in from the point where the ball left the field of play along the touchline. More importantly, players need to ensure that they take the throw from the point that the referee indicates or permits. Failure to do this can result in the referee awarding the throw to the opponent or cautioning the thrower for unsporting behaviour (particularly if it is deemed time-wasting).

The thrower must face the field of play and have both feet either on the touchline or on the ground outside the touchline. Some players (and even match officials) believe that it is improper to have any part of the foot on the field of play when taking a throw-in. This is not entirely correct. Proper procedure dictates that the player's feet must be behind the line, on the line, or touching part of the touchline (even if the part - or a significant part - of the feet are on the field of play).

To gain momentum, top-flight players normally drag the tip of their trailing foot along the surface, which is acceptable. The player must also use both hands and deliver the ball from behind and over his head. Acrobatic throws are only permissible if they conform to the proper throwing technique—something that very few can accomplish.

Ball in play

The ball is in play when the ball, having been correctly executed by the thrower, crosses the touchline on the ground or in the air (in the air usually). Note that the ball can enter the field of play in the air. If the ball swerves sharply in the air after a throw-in and went out of bounds before touching the ground, the other team should restart play from a throw-in.

The foul-throw is a common type of throw-in infringement at lower levels of soccer. This throw does not conform to the throw-in procedure. Conditions and examples of a foul-throw include:

i) The player not facing the field of play when he takes the throw (especially for acrobats)

ii) One or both feet are completely off the ground when the thrower executes the throw

iii) Throwing to the side of your head (as opposed to directly over your head)

iv) Delaying the release of the ball until the hands are below the forehead.

To make a long story significantly shorter, a foul throw is any throw that contravenes the proper throwing method or correct procedure.