Reviving the Long Throw-In Tactic in Modern Football
In the evolving landscape of football strategies, the long throw-in is making a remarkable return as a crucial element for success, particularly as teams gear up for major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup. Experts are highlighting how this overlooked set piece could tip the scales in high-stakes matches, drawing attention to both its potential and pitfalls in the Premier League.
The Comeback of Long Throw-Ins in Football Tactics
Thomas Tuchel, now leading the England squad after his stint at Chelsea, has emphasized the renewed importance of long throw-ins. He pointed out that while time is limited in training camps, these specialized moves will play a pivotal role in competitive play. Tuchel mentioned, “I told you: the long throw-in is back. But we do not have a lot of time… All these patterns are back and crosses are back as well,” underscoring a shift towards integrating such elements alongside long goalkeeper kicks for a more versatile approach.
Historical figures in management, like Sam Allardyce from Bolton Wanderers and Tony Pulis from Stoke City, championed this method years ago, proving that football strategies often recycle effective ideas. Allardyce reflected to BBC Sport that his innovative use of set pieces faced backlash initially, yet it positioned teams ahead of the curve. He stressed, “Corners and free-kicks are extremely important. Long throws must be used,” and noted Arsenal’s strong performance in this area, which has forced rivals to adapt their defenses.
Expert Insights on Current Throw-In Execution
Thomas Gronnemark, a renowned specialist who collaborated with Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp and recently assisted Brentford, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, having once set the world record for the longest throw at 51.33 meters. However, he expresses concern over the subpar application by top English clubs today. In his conversation with the Mirror, Gronnemark observed, “There are far too many teams taking low-quality long throw-ins… the level from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle is really low.”
He elaborated that these throw-ins often lead to disorganized scenarios with poor possession retention, hovering around 25 to 33 percent in pressured situations. Gronnemark attributes the decline to insufficient variety in training, suggesting that players need to develop better on-the-spot decision-making rather than relying on a couple of rehearsed plays.
Statistical Success and Fan Appeal
Data reveals that Brentford has effectively utilized long throw-ins this season, delivering 23 into the opposition’s penalty area, which resulted in one goal, 11 shooting opportunities, and an impressive Expected Goals figure of 1.29-the highest in the league. Despite this, Gronnemark acknowledges that not everyone appreciates the tactic’s frequency. He explained, “I don’t want to see every team take 10 long throw-ins in every game because then we have too much start and stop,” emphasizing the need for balance to maintain game flow and spectator enjoyment.
Gronnemark also highlighted the importance of thorough preparation, stating that creating open spaces near the opponent’s goal is essential for maximum impact. He compared it to other set pieces, saying, “If you’re a world-class throw-in taker, it’s much easier to put the ball where you want with a throw-in than with a corner kick.”
The Need for Smarter Training Approaches
In today’s game, with an increase in set-piece specialists, many coaches equate throw-ins to corners or free-kicks, limiting strategies to a few zones. Gronnemark warns that this predictability allows defenders to counter effectively, leaving players disoriented if the initial plan fails. He advised, “Even with the biggest teams in the Premier League, you can see that if they make one move and it doesn’t work then the players don’t know what to do,” calling for enhanced “throw-in intelligence” through more comprehensive practice.
Overview of Set Piece Tactics in Modern Football
Set piece tactics have become a game-changer in the Premier League, with teams like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United investing heavily in rejuvenated strategies to gain an edge. A throw-in expert’s scrutiny reveals how these clubs are turning what was once seen as a routine play into a source of “chaos in the ranks,” disrupting defenses and creating scoring opportunities. By focusing on precision, player positioning, and innovative routines, these teams are redefining throw-in tactics and set piece execution in football.
The Importance of Throw-Ins in Set Piece Strategies
Throw-ins might seem mundane, but they are pivotal in maintaining possession and launching attacks. For a throw-in expert, the key lies in how teams exploit these moments to unsettle opponents. In recent Premier League seasons, throw-ins have evolved from simple restarts to orchestrated moves that involve quick passes, decoy runs, and precise deliveries into the box.
- Why throw-ins matter: They offer teams a chance to bypass high presses and create numerical advantages, especially in the final third. Statistics show that teams winning the most throw-ins in dangerous areas often see a 15-20% increase in set piece goals.
- Common tactics: Players like full-backs or wingers use long, accurate throws to feed strikers, while midfielders position themselves for second-ball wins. This has led to a surge in “rejuvenated set piece tactics” across top clubs.
- Expert insights: A throw-in specialist might analyze how varying throw speeds and angles can induce chaos, forcing defenders into errors and opening up space for clinical finishes.
Scrutinizing Arsenal’s Rejuvenated Set Piece Tactics
Arsenal has transformed their approach under Mikel Arteta, turning set pieces into a cornerstone of their attack. The throw-in expert highlights how Arsenal’s focus on athleticism and clever routines has rejuvenated their set piece tactics, making them one of the most dangerous teams from dead-ball situations.
- Key players driving change: Players like Bukayo Saka and Ben White are instrumental, with Saka’s accurate throws setting up quick combinations. The expert notes that Arsenal’s use of zonal marking blockers has increased their set piece conversion rate by nearly 25% in the last two seasons.
- Innovative strategies: Arsenal employs disguised runs and varied delivery points, such as short throws to midfielders for counter-attacks or long throws aimed at aerial threats like Gabriel Magalhaes.
- Recent examples: In matches against Tottenham, Arsenal’s throw-ins led to two goals, showcasing their ability to create chaos in the ranks through rapid transitions.
- Tactical drills: Training sessions emphasize throw-in accuracy under pressure, blending it with set piece patterns to confuse defenses.
Liverpool’s Approach to Set Pieces
Liverpool, known for their high-intensity style, has rejuvenated set piece tactics under Jürgen Klopp by integrating throw-ins into their pressing game. The throw-in expert praises how Liverpool uses these moments to maintain momentum, turning defensive throw-ins into offensive weapons.
- Innovations under the manager: Klopp’s system incorporates throw-ins as part of a fluid attack, with players like Trent Alexander-Arnold delivering pinpoint throws that exploit gaps in opposition lines. This has resulted in Liverpool scoring more goals from set pieces than from open play in some fixtures.
- Success stories from the pitch: The expert points to Liverpool’s recent Champions League ties, where throw-ins facilitated quick overloads, leading to goals against top European sides.
- Key metrics: Data from the 2024-2025 season shows Liverpool’s throw-in success rate at 85%, correlating with a 30% rise in set piece efficiency.
- Player roles: Forwards like Mohamed Salah act as decoys, while defenders rehearse variations to keep opponents guessing, adding an element of chaos in the ranks.
Manchester United’s Tactical Shifts in Set Pieces
Manchester United has undergone a tactical overhaul, with their rejuvenated set piece tactics addressing past weaknesses. The throw-in expert scrutinizes how the club, under Erik ten Hag, is rebuilding through better throw-in execution and coordinated routines.
- Challenges and improvements: Historically prone to set piece vulnerabilities, United has focused on strengthening their throw-in game by recruiting players with exceptional range, like Luke Shaw. The expert notes a shift towards hybrid tactics that combine long throws with short, intricate passes.
- Expert opinions on progress: Analysts highlight United’s use of data analytics to predict opposition setups, reducing errors and increasing threat levels. This has helped in matches where set pieces turned the tide, such as their comeback wins in the Premier League.
- Detailed breakdowns: In a game against Chelsea, United’s throw-ins led to a goal through a well-timed header, illustrating their improved coordination.
- Future developments: The expert suggests incorporating more variability, like feints during throws, to further enhance their set piece tactics and introduce more chaos in the ranks.
In comparing these teams, the throw-in expert emphasizes how Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all prioritizing “rejuvenated set piece tactics” to dominate matches. By mastering throw-ins, they’re not just scoring more but also controlling the game’s tempo, making this aspect of football more unpredictable and exciting for fans.
