The quick answer
A legal throw: face the field, keep part of each foot on the ground on or behind the sideline, and throw with both hands from behind and over the head. Get it wrong and the other team takes the throw-in instead.
See what changes
Choose a play. Use Play or Freeze decision, then read the example.
The thrower faces the field with both feet down behind the line and brings the ball from behind the head.
- Blue team
- Green team
- Goalkeeper
- Referee or assistant
A legal throw
The thrower faces the field with both feet down behind the line and brings the ball from behind the head.
Paused
A legal throw
The thrower faces the field with both feet down behind the line and brings the ball from behind the head.
Legal throw: play continues
Both hands, from behind and over the head, with part of each foot on the ground on or behind the line.
Foot lifted
The back foot comes off the ground as the ball is released.
Foul throw: the other team throws
Part of each foot has to be on the ground at the moment the ball leaves the hands.
Not from behind the head
The thrower pushes the ball out from in front of the face.
Foul throw: the other team throws
The ball has to start behind the head and travel over it.
Feet over the line
At release, both feet are wholly on the field, with no part of either foot touching the line or the ground outside it.
Foul throw: the other team throws
Part of each foot must be on the ground on or outside the touchline. These feet are wholly inside the field without touching the line; partly on the line is allowed.
Common misunderstandings
- “Both feet must be behind the line.” No. On the line counts.
- “Spin on the ball makes it a foul throw.” No. The Laws say nothing about spin.
- “It has to be thrown straight ahead.” No. The ball can go in any direction.
What happens next?
An incorrect throw is awarded to the opponents. A direct throw into the opponents’ goal gives a goal kick; into your own gives a corner. There is no offside directly from a throw-in.
What signal might you see?
The assistant indicates the direction. Opponents stay at least 2 m from the point on the touchline where the throw is taken.
Check your competition
Check your competition’s written rules and edition. Adapted youth formats may differ. The selected website city does not change the match rules.
Make the call
One question. No score or account needed.
Part of both feet touches the line at release; the legal two-handed motion is used. Is this allowed?
Sources and review
Rules edition: 2026/27 · Sources checked:
Prepared with AI assistance; checked against the linked rules. Simplified illustrations are teaching examples. AI transparency
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