Throw-In Routines
A typical 9v9 match has 30+ throw-ins.
◆Why this drill works
A typical 9v9 match has 30+ throw-ins. Most grassroots teams give the ball away on at least half — the receiver is closely marked, the thrower has no plan, panic ensues. Drilling two simple routines (down-the-line and check-and-go) cuts losses by half within a single session. The principle: thrower has a target by default, all other players move to create space. By U11 every player understands their role on a throw without a word said. The down-the-line routine works because it exploits the one advantage a throw-in has over a corner or free kick — the thrower is unmarked and has time to pick a target, so the routine simply gives that time a purpose. The check-and-go routine teaches a related but distinct lesson: disguise. A2 checking towards the thrower and then peeling away is the same principle used in far more advanced patterns later in a player's development, so introducing it at U11 through a throw-in is a low-pressure way to plant that seed. Coaches should rehearse both routines from a standing start before ever adding a defender — players who cannot execute the pattern unopposed will not suddenly find it under pressure.
◇Variations and progressions
- Third routine — overlap — thrower throws short to A1, then sprints past both A1 and A2 to receive a return pass in space, rehearsing the overlapping full-back pattern.
- Defended reps — add one real defender who can intercept, forcing the thrower to read whether the routine is actually on before committing.
- Quick restart — reward the fastest legal throw-in taken within five seconds of the ball going out, since a quick throw against an unset defence is often more valuable than any rehearsed pattern.
- Both-side reps — run every routine from both the left and right touchline so the thrower is equally comfortable regardless of which foot delivers the throw.
▦The drill in three phases
▶How to run it
- ROUTINE 1 — Down-the-line: thrower throws to the nearest attacker (A1) running down the touchline.
- A1 takes one touch forward, plays into A2 (centre).
- A2 plays through to A3 attacking the target gate.
- Reset. Walk through it once with no defenders.
- Add defenders, run live for 3 reps.
- ROUTINE 2 — Check-and-go: A2 (centre) checks back towards the thrower.
- Defender follows; A2 dummies, A3 sprints behind into the space.
- Thrower lobs past A2 to A3.
- 3 reps each routine. Switch sides of pitch (other foot for the thrower).
✦Coaching points
Praise when you see
- Quality of delivery into a dangerous area
- Timed movement to attack the ball, not standing still
- Quick execution before the defence organises
- Thrower naming the routine clearly so every player knows their role
Correct when you see
- Taking too long and letting the defence set
- No clear routine — call and rehearse before the set piece
- Poor delivery wasting the chance
- Receiver checking too early, arriving in space before the throw is ready
★Kit for this drill — top picks compared
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