Throw-in
A restart in which the ball is thrown back into play from the sideline after it has gone out of bounds.
Definition
In football (soccer) a throw-in is awarded when the whole of the ball crosses the touchline, given to the team that did not last touch it. The thrower must face the field, keep both feet on or behind the line, and deliver the ball with both hands from behind and over the head; breaking these conditions is a 'foul throw' and gives the throw to the opponents.
A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in, and the thrower may not touch the ball again until another player has played it. Basketball uses 'throw-in' for its own inbounds restart from the sideline or baseline, which follows different mechanics but serves the same purpose of returning the ball to live play.
Meaning by sport
This term is used differently across sports:
- Football
- A two-handed, over-the-head throw from the touchline after the ball goes out of play.
- Basketball
- An inbound pass from the sideline or baseline used to restart play.
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Rules
- Throw-inThe method of restarting football when the ball fully crosses a side line, taken by throwing it back into play.
- Backcourt violationA basketball rule breach for returning the ball into a team's own defensive half after it has crossed into the attacking half.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
Officiating
- Out-of-Bounds CallAn official's ruling that the ball or a player in possession has left the legal playing area, stopping play and handing a restart or possession to the opponent.
- AdvantageIn many sports, officials let play continue after a foul when stopping would help the offender, so the fouled team keeps the advantage it has gained.
- Penalty SignalA standardized hand or flag signal an official uses to announce a foul, penalty, or restart so players, teammates, and spectators can read the call.
- Line JudgeA boundary-line official who calls whether the ball or player is in or out and flags foot faults, working under the head referee across many sports.
- Foul callA foul call is an official's ruling that a player broke a rule of contact or conduct, triggering a penalty such as a free kick, free throw or penalty.
Skills
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- ThrowingThe skill of propelling the ball accurately and with control using the arm.
- SpikingThe volleyball skill of jumping and striking the ball forcefully down into the opponent’s court.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
Positions
- HookerThe hooker is a front-row forward in rugby who wins the ball in the scrum and typically throws the ball into the line-out.
- Centre-backA centre-back is a central defender in football whose main job is to stop opposing attackers and clear the ball from dangerous areas.
- LiberoThe libero is a defensive volleyball specialist who wears a contrasting shirt, plays only in the back row, and cannot attack the ball above the height of the net.
- Wing attackThe wing attack is a netball playmaker who feeds the ball into the shooting circle, moving through the centre and attacking thirds but not entering the goal circle.