Law 15: The Throw-In Explained
Law 15 defines the procedure for taking a throw-in, including the correct technique, foot positioning, and what constitutes a foul throw. It also covers who takes the throw-in and when it is awarded.
Key Points
- 1A throw-in is awarded when the ball wholly crosses a touch line, either on the ground or in the air.
- 2The throw-in is taken by a player from the team that did not last touch the ball.
- 3The thrower must face the field of play with both feet on or behind the touch line.
- 4Both hands must be used and the ball delivered from behind and over the head.
- 5A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a foul throw in football?
A foul throw occurs when the thrower does not correctly follow the throwing procedure. Common violations include lifting one or both feet off the ground, not using both hands equally, releasing the ball from a position other than behind and over the head, or not facing the field of play. If a foul throw is awarded, the throw-in passes to the other team.
Can a goalkeeper pick up a throw-in from a team-mate?
Yes. The restriction on goalkeepers picking up deliberate back-passes applies only to kicks, not throw-ins. A goalkeeper may use their hands to pick up a ball thrown to them by a team-mate from a throw-in.
What happens if the ball is thrown directly into the opponent's goal from a throw-in?
A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in. If the ball enters the opponent's goal directly, a goal kick is awarded. If it enters the thrower's own goal, a corner kick is awarded.
Got a question about The Throw-In?
RefereeGPT is trained on the full IFAB Laws of the Game and can answer any question about Law 15. Ask your first question for free.