How to throw a football?

Some people may ask themselves: How do I throw a football?" Well, although the game is predominantly played using the feet, throw-ins can prove to be pivotal in football games. In this article I will explain when players need to execute throw-ins, and how they can be done legitimately and effectively.

Origins and when they are taken

Throw-ins’ origins Throw-ins originated in football as an amalgam of the various different methods of returning the football (‘ball’) into the game employed by players of nineteenth century English public school football games. When do throw-ins occur? Now universally (within recognised football bodies at least), a throw-in occurs in a game of football when the ball goes off the side of the pitch - the designated rectangular area of the play (if the ball goes out at either end it results in a goal kick or a corner depending on who touched the ball last). The throw-in is given to the opposite team - the one who touched the ball last (or at least, was deemed to have touched the ball last. This aims at encouraging teams to play within the parameters of the pitch.

Rules and influence

What one must do When taking a throw-in (or 'football throws'), the player must take the ball in both hands, place it behind their head and then move the upper part of their arms in the desired direction (i.e in the direction of a teammate or his/her run) and release the ball, making sure to do so ‘behind the head’ (i.e. before the ball has travelled in one’s hand in front of the head). Within reason, throw-ins can be taken anywhere behind the line, but will nearly always be taken as close to the line as possible without illegally encroaching it. Also, the thrower is not allowed to throw the ball to themselves. Throw-in specialists All players should be able to perform throw-ins, but a specialist can really help a team’s chance of winning. Description
For example, Stoke City’s Rory Delap can throw the ball almost approximately double the distance of most professionals and with an incredibly fast, arrow-like trajectory. He is thus feared by many defenses, particularly for this ability to effectively make nearly all throw-ins in the opposition half as dangerous as a corner-kick, if not more! Other displays Very occasionally players will indulge in some showmanship and do a throw-in whereby they complete a handspring (somersault) with the ball still in their hands, before throwing the ball. One of the players who can do this is Brazilian Leah Lynn Gabriella Fortune.