Throw In Meaning in Football

A throw‑in is a method of restarting play in football awarded when the whole of the ball crosses over the touchline (sideline), either on the ground or in the air, after last being touched by an opponent.

The throw‑in is taken by a player of the team that did not touch the ball last, from the point where the ball went out of play. To execute a legal throw‑in, the player must face the field of play with both feet touching the ground either on or behind the touchline and must use both hands to throw the ball from behind and over their head.

Opposing players must remain at least two meters away from the point where the throw‑in is taken until the ball enters the field of play. The ball becomes in play once it enters the playing area, and a team cannot score directly from a throw‑in; if the ball enters the opponent’s goal without touching another player, a goal kick is awarded to the defending team.