Set Pieces

Throw-In Routines

Keep the ball from a throw-in

Set Pieces

Possession

Attacking

Premium

Throw-In Routines is a 15-minute set pieces drill for 6-16 players, suitable for Under 9 to Adults at intermediate, advanced level. You need balls, cones, bibs. Below you will find the objective, the set-up, how to run it, coaching points, common mistakes, progressions, regressions and variations.

Back to drill library

Set Pieces

Possession

Attacking

Skill Practice

Intermediate

Advanced

Full Squad

Minimal Equipment

Youth Friendly

Adult Suitable

Duration

15 min

Players

6-16

Pitch size

Wide channel, 30 x 20 yards

Ability levels

Intermediate / Advanced

Pitch diagram

Throw-In Routines — Marked area · Wide channel, 30 x 20 yards

Step 1 of 3Practise three options: down the line, into feet with a set, and a switch inside.

1. Practise three options: down the line, into feet with a set, and a switch inside.
2. Attackers score by reaching the target zone.
3. Ten throws then swap.

Cones mark the area
Dashed lines = zones / thirds
Ball
Solid arrow = pass, thick = shot, dashed = run / dribble

Objectives

-Keep the ball from a throw-in
-Create movement to receive
-Progress up the pitch from the restart

Setup

1Mark a wide channel with a throw-in line.
2Attacking group of four with two defenders.
3Balls at the throw-in position.

Coaching instructions

1Practise three options: down the line, into feet with a set, and a switch inside.
2Attackers score by reaching the target zone.
3Ten throws then swap.

Coaching points

-Create the space with a short movement before showing
-Thrower follows the throw to support
-Receive with the body open where possible

Common mistakes

-Everyone standing still on the throw
-Throwing straight to a marked player
-No support behind the receiver

Equipment needed

Balls

Cones

Bibs

Age groups

Under 9

Under 10

Under 11

Under 12

Under 13

Under 14

Under 15

Under 16

Adults

Progressions

+Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
+Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
+Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
+Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

-Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
-Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
-Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
-Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

-Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
-Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
-Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
-Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
-Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
-Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
-Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
-Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch