⚽ Set Pieces

Attacking Throw-Ins — Tower and Loop

Most grassroots throw-ins in the attacking third are either aimless long throws or immediate back-passes to the goalkeeper — both waste a possession opportunity.

Total18 min Age– Players10 Setup3 min Run15 min Level

Share to WhatsApp

Attacking Throw-Ins — Tower and Loop — full pitch view

🎯

The one cue that matters

Quick execution before the defence organises

◆Why this drill works

Most grassroots throw-ins in the attacking third are either aimless long throws or immediate back-passes to the goalkeeper — both waste a possession opportunity. The throw-in should be treated as a free pass in a specific area of the pitch, and like any free pass it's worth using deliberately. Tower and Loop are the two routines that cover the full tactical range: Tower for tight spaces when time is limited, Loop for when the receiver can create separation from their marker.

▦The drill in three phases

1Setup

Starting positions — players, zones and equipment in place.

2Action

Movement begins — players run, dribble and create the pattern.

3Finish

The end action — pass, shot or outcome the drill builds toward.

Ball carrierAttackersDefendersPass / dribbleShot

▶How to run it

TOWER: Thrower calls 'Tower!' Receiver 1 checks toward the thrower, shields with their body between ball and defender. Receives ball, shields, lays off into space for a third player. 6 reps.
LOOP: Thrower calls 'Loop!' Receiver 1 checks toward the thrower (decoy — draws defender). Receiver 2 loops in behind the defender into the space created. Thrower ignores R1 and throws to R2's run. 6 reps.
Competition: defenders now active. Tower: defender marks R1. Loop: defender marks R2. Can the routines still work? 8 reps each with active defenders.
Match rule: run a 5v5 SSG where every throw-in in the attacking half must use a named routine (Tower or Loop), called aloud by the thrower. Unnamed throw-ins give possession to the opposition.

✓Equipment checklist

✦Coaching points

Praise when you see

Quick execution before the defence organises
A rehearsed, clearly-called routine everyone understands
Quality of delivery into a dangerous area

Correct when you see

Static players — set pieces need timed, deliberate movement
Taking too long and letting the defence set

★Kit for this drill — top picks compared

Pick	Product	Best for
Top pick	Free Kick Mannequins	Realistic wall practice.	Check price →
Value	Training Footballs (6-pack)	Dead-ball reps.	Check price →
Upgrade	Pop-Up Goals (pair)	Target practice.	Check price →

As an Amazon Associate, SimpleDrills earns from qualifying purchases. Prices shown on Amazon at time of click.

?Frequently asked questions

What age group is Attacking Throw-Ins — Tower and Loop suitable for?

This drill suits youth. Keep routines simple for younger players; older players can rehearse more sophisticated, disguised routines.

How many players do I need for Attacking Throw-Ins — Tower and Loop?

This drill works well with around 10 players. With fewer, reduce the groups or rotate players through; with more, set up multiple stations so everyone stays active rather than queuing.

How long does Attacking Throw-Ins — Tower and Loop take?

Allow around 3 minutes to set up and 15 minutes to run it — about 18 minutes in total. It fits well as the technical or main block of a session, leaving time for a warm-up and a game.

Coaching guideExplaining offside clearlyRead →