Thus, throw-ins need to be practised in the defending, midfield and attacking thirds of the pitch. In defensive areas, maintaining team shape is important as if the ball is lost, players need to be in positions to defend. The team will also need to choose between playing it safe - pass back to the keeper or along the back four to maintain possession or perhaps playing it immediately upfield where there is a greater risk of losing the ball.

In midfield areas, teams should aim to take the throw quickly and to try to exploit any defensive weakness/space or a play it short to slowly build up play. Likewise, in a deep attacking position, a quick throw may take advantage of a defence which is still getting into position and allow for example,a cross to be made or a winger to attack a fullback in a one-on-one situation. In this position, a long throw into the penalty area may also prove beneficial.

It is important to respect several rules when taking a long throw. Of course, every team should have at least one player capable of this type of action. Push many attacking players into the penalty area to put pressure on opponents and into positions where they will be most dangerous (regardless of playing position). It is useful to throw the ball into a player with good heading ability who can flick the ball into central and far post areas. Players should be positioned in and around the 6-yard box. When the player flicking on the makes contact, the other attackers should accelerate towards goal to attack the ball. Positioning a player in front of the goalkeeper to block his view and path to the ball is also useful. The throw itself should be hard and at a height where it can be headed on into the near post area.

Generally, when taking throws, the coach should encourage one or two players to get free at the same time. Players may try to switch positions and open up space by dragging defenders with them. The player receiving the ball should take up a position not too close to the thrower as this will hinder both the throw and controlling the ball. The throw must also be played in such a way to allow easy control and prevent the defender from intercepting or dispossessing the attacker. The player taking the throw should enter back into the game as quickly as possible to offer the option of a return pass if the other players are tightly marked. Figure 6 below shows a variation to practice on a long throw-in. The player at the near-post switches position and the other players make choreographed runs to get on the end of the flick-on. One player stands in front of the goalkeeper to block him.

When practising throws, the coach may want to start of with small-sided games and with no defenders. Once the attackers are comfortable with the various tactics, these can be implemented in full-size 11-a-side games. Throws should be taken in all the different areas and from both sides of the pitch. The coach must also observe various points:

- Does the nearest player to the ball take the throw, play it forward (or as positively as possible) and as quickly as possible ? Does he get back in the game quickly and offer himself as another option ?
- Is there plenty of movement, space and options created by the other players ? How is this space exploited ?
- Is the throwers technique good and allows the receiver an easy control and pass ?
- For long throws, does the speed and trajectory of the ball allow the near-post player to flick it on ?
- Again for long throws, observe the player flicking the ball on - starting position, movement to meet the ball and the quality of the flicked pass. Finally, analyse the support play - creation of space, timing of movements in relation to the throw/flick-on and do the players attack the of the goal zone areas to get on the end of the throw to shoot.