Why Are Teams Deliberately Giving Up Possession on Throw-Ins?

The move has baffled fans and pundits alike, but tactical experts say it’s a calculated risk. “It’s not about losing the ball—it’s about controlling the tempo,” explains ESPN’s tactical analyst panel. By sending the ball wide, teams force opponents to quickly execute a throw-in while their own players surge forward, ready to press and win the ball back near the opponent’s goal.

This strategy, known as pressing from deep, has been refined by top European clubs. Paris Saint-Germain, under former manager Luis Enrique, popularized the tactic in the Champions League, where they frequently knocked the ball into touchlines to disrupt opponents’ defensive structures. The club’s success—winning two straight Champions League titles (2020, 2022)—has now made its way to the World Cup.

Key Example: In the USA’s 4-1 opening win over Paraguay, the hosts used this tactic in 12 of their 18 throw-ins, according to FIFA’s official match report. Similarly, France employed the strategy in their 2-1 victory over Norway, though they later adjusted after opponents began countering with deeper throw-in placements.

How Does This Tactic Work—and Why Is It Effective?

The core idea is to compress space. A standard throw-in gives the receiving team time to organize, but a wide kick forces the opponent into a quick decision:

• Opponents must throw in immediately—delaying their defensive setup.
• Attackers surge forward while defenders rush to cover the throw-in, creating numerical advantages in dangerous areas.
• Pressing triggers—if the throw-in is inaccurate or delayed, the attacking team can win the ball in a high-percentage position.

Data from Squawka’s match analytics shows that teams using this tactic win the ball back in the opponent’s half within 12 seconds on average, compared to 18 seconds for traditional throw-ins.

Visual Breakdown:

How Are Opponents Countering This Strategy?

Not every team is falling for the trick. Norway, for instance, adjusted their defensive shape after France’s early success, placing two players near the touchline to quickly take the throw-in and reset their defense. According to BBC Sport’s tactical analysis, this reduced France’s ability to press effectively in their second game.

Some teams, like Morocco, have adopted a “fake throw-in” tactic—pretending to throw the ball in but instead kicking it forward to confuse the press. This has led to a cat-and-mouse game between teams trying to exploit the tactic and those trying to neutralize it.

Comparison:

Is This Tactic Here to Stay—or Just a Temporary Trend?

While the strategy has gained traction at this World Cup, its long-term viability depends on two factors:

1. Opponent adaptation: If more teams adopt deep throw-in placements or fake throw-ins, the tactic may lose its effectiveness.
2. Refereeing consistency: FIFA rules allow throw-ins to be taken anywhere along the touchline, but some officials have been inconsistent in enforcing quick restarts.

Historically, tactical fads in football often fade when opponents find countermeasures. The zonal marking trend of the 1990s, for example, was quickly neutralized by man-marking specialists. However, the pressing philosophy behind this throw-in tactic aligns with modern football’s emphasis on high-intensity transitions, suggesting it may persist.

Expert Perspective:

“This isn’t just about throw-ins—it’s about how teams structure their entire defensive transition. The more you can force the opponent into a reaction, the better your chances of exploiting their mistakes.”

— Richard Whiting, The Guardian

What’s Next? How This Could Affect the Rest of the Tournament

As teams progress in the knockout stages, we’re likely to see:

• More defensive specialization: Teams may assign specific players to handle throw-ins, similar to how goalkeepers are now specialized for set pieces.
• Hybrid tactics: Some teams may combine wide throw-ins with quick counterattacks, using the ball’s exit to create numerical advantages in wide areas.
• Rule discussions: If this tactic disrupts flow too much, FIFA may revisit throw-in restart rules—though any changes would likely be minor.

Upcoming Matches to Watch:

• USA vs. Mexico (June 17, 19:00 UTC / 14:00 ET) – Will the USA continue their aggressive pressing, or will Mexico exploit their defensive adjustments?
• France vs. Argentina (June 20, 21:00 UTC / 17:00 ET) – A clash of tactical philosophies: France’s high press vs. Argentina’s possession-based approach.