How To Turn Throw-ins Into Goals - Coaching Tactics & Tips

What I look out for at throw-ins is plenty of movement, space and options created by my other players. It is important they know how to exploit this space so that it pays off on match days, says David Clarke.

Make your throw-ins tactical

1. The throw-in taker throws the ball infield to a team-mate who plays it back to the thrower with one touch.

2. The thrower controls and plays the ball back to another of his players who has come across from midfield. The defending full-back is drawn over to the thrower and attempts to close him down. Meanwhile, an attacking fullback starts his run behind his throw-in taker and behind the defense.

3. The attacking midfielder plays the ball into space behind the opposition for his fullback to run onto.

Teach the basics then the tactics

Here at Better Soccer Coaching we are keen for you to get your players throwing in correctly, and there are players who find it hard to throw in without lifting their feet or going across the line. However once you have them throwing down the line with confidence and accuracy you can teach them some tactics that can create space behind a defense.

Use half your team for this session

Take between seven and ten of your players and use half the soccer pitch. You can try out some variations on this practice plan. Tell the thrower to try a give and go when he throws to his team-mate and then makes a run behind the opposition fullback to receive the return pass.

Key coaching tips: The thrower should focus on the quality of his throwing action.