Throw-in
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A throw-in is a method of restarting play in a game of Association football.
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[edit] 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 side touch line (either on the ground or in the air).
[edit] Procedure
The throw-in is taken from the point where it crossed the touch line. Opposing players must remain at least 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) 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 both feet on the ground on or outside the touch line, and use both hands to deliver the ball from behind and over his head.
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.
[edit] Handspring throw-in
The handspring throw-in, flip throw-in, or somersault throw-in is a type of throw-in, rarely used in competitive games, where the player completes a front handspring (somersault) while holding the ball. Instead of landing on the hands during the handspring, the player's weight is momentarily supported entirely by the ball. The handspring throw-in can provide greater ball speed and thus may be used for long throw-ins, somewhat similar to a corner kick. This type of throw-in follows all of the rules that require the player to have both feet on the ground when he/she is releasing the ball, the ball is thrown from behind the head, and the ball is thrown with equal force by both hands. Strong abdominal muscles are required for this throw-in.[1]
[edit] 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 she 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.
[edit] Strategy
The optimal release angle for attaining maximum distance is about 30 degrees, according to researchers at Brunel University.[2] This angle balances the objectives of maximizing height, which allows the ball more time to travel horizontally, while minimizing air resistance, which slows the ball thus reducing its horizontal distance.
Delivering the ball into the penalty area from a long distance with a throw-in can be a great attacking skill, similar to a corner kick or a direct free kick. This is a difficult distance to reach with a throw-in, and the ability to do so is a valuable skill.
