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Throw ins 

It's been a long time since I wrote a blog post and I have several things I want to share and get off my chest. I have decided to start by discussing the throw in. I coach a lot of small sided clinics and intramural programs with young players (3-8 year olds). Typically when working with kids this age there are no throw ins. The ball goes out of play so many times I just roll in a new ball to the player in the biggest space. The game flow and we spend more time playing soccer. U7 & U8 I typically have the kids use "kick in's" It seems to cause less problems when the ball is on the ground. I also want the kids to get every chance to practice using their feet to pass and receive.

I was recently coaching at an indoor tournament for U8 Boys. The tournament used a no bounce/weighted ball but was utilizing throw in's. This caused so many problems. Foul throws galore (jumping, stepping over line, throws from in front of the head, side of head and not from behind the head). Also the throws caused unnecessary hand balls and hits to the head due to the ball being in the air. It was also tough to watch a 7 year old try to throw a weighted ball. The use of kick ins would have been more beneficial to the kids and easier on the referees. It would also save a lot of time without the need for retakes/turnovers and coaches getting frustrated with missed foul throw because of the many infringements mentioned above.

Kids seem to be obsessed with how far they can throw the ball. This leads to numerous foul throws, mostly lifting the back leg. Don’t get me started on the “spin throw” from the side of the head. I encourage kids to keep both feet planted on the ground. There is no need for a run up. Technique will get the ball a lot further and less likely to be a foul throw.

The majority of times possession is lost on throw ins. I never argue a throw in. most of the time it comes straight back to you. When I am working with younger ages 12 and under I always ask that they throw the ball “down the line” The old cliché “You can’t be offside from a throw in” might drive us nuts but it’s true. Please don’t throw the ball square to the last defender. It always gets intercepted and results in a goal for the opposition. When my players become more skillful at receiving an aerial ball under pressure, go ahead and throw it to any team mate who is open. The throw down the line can be so effective in “gaining yards”. Without seeming to old school, if you get a chance to throw the ball in the penalty area, do it! It causes so many problems for defenders and goalkeepers. You also get the odd hand ball resulting in a penalty kick or a mistimed clearance/header resulting in an own goal. No matter how many times I coach this with demonstrations it always results in a least one player throwing the ball backwards or square when all his team mates are in the box anticipating a goal scoring opportunity.

The only time I work on throw ins with my teams is during small sided games at the end of practice. You don’t need to line kids up in a row and have them practice. It’s boring for the kids. They want to be moving and playing the game.

I feel like I could go into more detail on specific pet hates surrounding the throw in. As mentioned previously. As coaches we should spend more time concentrating on helping kids perform the proper technique and promoting a fun enjoyable atmosphere.

Paul Kelshaw 

@paulkelshaw

paulkelshaw@pksoccer.org