How to Nail a Throw-In Without Looking Like You’ve Never Played Before

Practicing a unique throw-in tactic might be the key to victory. Here’s how to find your favorite.

Throw-ins. Not flashy. Not fancy. But mess it up, and you’ll either hand the ball back to the other team or—worse—be called for a foul throw and get roasted by both sidelines.

Done right, though? It’s a free reset, a sneaky way to attack, and a flex of your soccer IQ. Let’s break down how to pull off a proper throw-in without committing a felony against the rulebook.

Step One: Choose Your Throw-in Style (Yes, There Are Options)

There’s more than one way to get the ball back in play. Think of these as your throw-in personality types:

Option 1: The Quick Pass

This is your bread and butter. Ball goes out? Scoop it up and get it back in fast. Hit a teammate nearby and keep the flow going. Perfect for catching defenders napping and keeping possession.

Pro tip: always check your surroundings before launching a quick one—you don’t want to throw it straight to someone wearing the wrong jersey.

Option 2: The Long Launch

Got a cannon for an arm? This is your moment. A long throw-in can function like a corner kick, especially near the opponent’s box. However, don’t sacrifice form for power—you need to keep both feet down and throw it over your head.

Think of it as the soccer version of a quarterback bomb. Not every team has someone who can do it, so if you can? Congrats, you’re officially a cheat code.

Option 3: The Tactical Reset

Sometimes it’s better to play it safe and throw it back to your defense. It’s not sexy, but it keeps the ball. And possession > panic. This move’s all about control—especially if you’re stuck deep in your own half and don’t have clear options upfield.

Step Two: Don’t Commit a Foul Throw (Seriously, It’s Not Hard)

Let’s go over the basics of not embarrassing yourself on the sideline:

Both Feet Down

Doesn’t matter if you’re wearing Sambas or studs—both feet need to stay on the ground until the ball’s out of your hands. Toes can be on the line. Heels can be off. But no jumping, hopping, or Michael Jackson lean-backs.

Behind the Head, Over the Top

Hands on the ball, bring it behind your head, and throw it over in one smooth motion. No side-armed slingshots. No one-handed shenanigans. The ref will call you out.

No Twists or Spins

You’re not in a javelin competition. Keep it simple. The moment you start adding flair, you’re one shaky elbow away from turning the ball over.

Step Three: Add a Little Strategy

Once you’ve got the fundamentals down, here’s how to level up:

Move the Defense Around

Fake one direction, throw the other. Ask for movement from your teammates. A stagnant team equals a wasted throw-in. (Yes, this is a group project.)

Scan Before You Throw

Don’t just grab and chuck. Look up. Who’s open? Who’s being tightly marked? A second of composure can lead to way better results.

Use the Sideline to Your Advantage

Throw-ins are the only time the ball starts completely out of play. Use that to get creative—overlapping runs, quick one-twos, back passes to switch fields. You’ve got options. Use them.

Final Whistle: Respect the Throw-In

It may not be the sexiest part of soccer, but throw-ins are where smart players shine. Do it well, and you keep the tempo, flip the field, and frustrate defenders. Do it poorly, and you become a human turnover machine.

So the next time you pick up that ball on the sideline, don’t panic. Breathe. Scan. And throw with confidence.

Your team (and the ref) will thank you.

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Cleats & Eats: 3 Group Dining Spots for Your NYC Footy Squad

Signed up for a Pier 40 league? Port Sa’id is a room full of hits. Photo: Port Sa’id

Every team (especially those newly formed free agent squads) needs an off-field captain to guide the team on what to do once the game ends.

Since the spring dining season has just started, we're sharing three spots your team should seek out within walking distance of an NYC Footy pitch.

Brooklyn

For Cleats: Prospect Park Parade Grounds

For Eats: Jiku

Jiku’s casual Korean pub grub and cozy back patio are ideal for team meals. Photo: Jiku

Taking over the covered backyard patio at this casual Korean wing and pub grub spot is what a team rolling 11 deep must do. Eating Jiku's Corn dogs, rice cakes, and Korean-style wings aren't going to make you a healthier player, but they're easy to share and you're probably not going to care after a round of soju here anyway.

Manhattan

For Cleats: Pier 40 Rooftop & Pier 40 Courtyard

The spread at Port Sa’id is ideal for passing around the table. Photo: Port Sa’id

For Eats: Port Sa'id

Want a spot that curates its starters the same way you put together your pre-game spotify playlist? A vinyl lovers dream that has no shame about declaring its sound system one of a kind for an NYC restaurant, pulling up in this port means you'll be sharing several seasonally driven favorites inspired by Israeli cuisine. Bread salad and lamb shishlik are considered must shares for the table.
 

Queens
For Cleats: Grover Cleveland Playground

For Eats: ECB

ECB’s extensive menu means every team member should be able to find a tasty bite. Photo: ECB

Pizzas, pastas, salads, pork chops, and ribs should give you the sense that ECB is a restaurant where every team member can find something to nosh on. Sure the restaurant's menu reads like a playbook that's a little much to remember it all, but we're confident after a match full of tough decision making a place that makes it easy to unwind is all you need.

Have a place you believe should be featured in our next Cleats & Eats? Email Billy@nycfooty.com

Fuchs Fest Field Guide: What To Know About Warwick, NY

Our first Fuchs Fest tournament in Warwick, NY, is less than a month away, so it's time to outline why one of the latest additions to the NYC Footy tournament lineup is soooo worth the scenic drive from NYC!

Taking place at Hudson Sports Complex, Fuchs Fest is the newest tournament NYC Footy has the pleasure of organizing alongside former English Premier League star and Hudson Sports Complex owner Christian Fuchs, for whom our tournament is named.

We did a quick scout on the road to Warwick to give every player a little taste of what adventures await outside NYC’s gates.

Fuchs Fest is the perfect fit for NYC Footy's tournament lineup, but before you enter this former prison on April 12th and start locking down the opposition with stellar D, here’s five things you should know about the village of Warwick, New York

1. The Warwick Valley features some of NY state’s best breweries, wineries, and distilleries

The scene at Drowned Lands Brewery, just down the road from Fuchs Fest. Photo: Drowned Lands

The Drowned Lands Brewery is just down the road from where you’ll be working up a thirst, which means we’ve alerted them to ensure their lines (tap lines that is) are in order.

We also suggest stopping at Tin Barn Brewing in the town of Chester and Destination Unknown Beer Co. in Warwick too if you plan on turning your post-tournament cool-down routine into a brewery trail. Tin Barn features freshly made pizzas right out of the oven while Destination Unknown Beer Co. has a full kitchen.

If wine or spirits are your preference while listening to some live music, Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery offers tastings along with food you’ll want to pair alongside (especially if you’re going for a wine/cider/spirit of choice hat trick.

Tin Barn Brewing’s pizza & brews make it a must visit pitstop before going home. Photo: Tin Barn

2. Warwick’s location lends itself to historical preservation

Baird’s Tavern dates back to 1776 (it’s still open for business btw) Photo: Warwick Historical Society

Warwick’s off-the-beaten-path location means it’s found a way to retain its historical charm. Make it a point to walk around town if you’re planning on turning your Fuchs Fest trip into a weekend getaway. The Warwick Historical Preservation Society has all the information you need to get started on a self-guided tour.

3. Hudson Sports Complex has had many past lives

Formerly the Mid-Orange Correctional Facility, a medium security (or what we’d classify as a P3) prison, the site of Fuchs Fest was once a vocational training school and reformatory for boys. Though the days of locking in inmates have been traded in for locking down strikers with stellar D, Hudson Sports Complex still channels its old self around Halloween, when it becomes The Prison of Horrors haunted house!

Now that you’ve got a lay of the land, it’s time to add April 12th to your calendar and start planning a day trip or weekend getaway. Here’s everything else you’ll want to know:

Fuchs Fest Essentials

Date: April 12, 2025

Time: 11 am - 5 pm; an after-party nearby will follow.

Location: Hudson Sports Complex (Warwick, NY)

The Tournament

Format: 7v7 (including keeper); 2 females minimum per team.

Roster: 11 players per team.

Levels: P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5. All teams and players will be assigned to the division that best matches your skill level.

Duration: Each team will play five 20-minute games. The top two teams from each division advance to divisional playoffs (Semi-final & Final)

The Setting

The Field: New turf field.

The Vibe: Former prison turned soccer pitch tucked away from a small town with mountains in its background. Think Season 3 of The Walking Dead, if they had a state-of-the-art soccer facility inside.

Registration

Period: Regular Registration

Team: $549.99 per team

Small Group: $59.99 per player

Individual: $59.99

To reserve your spot, visit our dedicated Fuchs Fest tournament page.

5 Spring Soccer Leagues You Can Join To Manage Your Love/Hate Relationship With NYC

Living in New York isn't always easy, but the good news is that no matter your mood, NYC Footy has leagues to help ease the burden. So, where should you play when you're feeling a certain kind of way?

Here are the leagues that will put a spark back into your heart when that love letter to NYC you've been writing is lost for words.

1. When the “You’re not from NYC” crowd invade your neighborhood

Prospect Park’s Parade Grounds is the place to head when you need an escape

Join: Sundays P2/P3 11v11 at Prospect Park’s Parade Grounds

It’s not just Santacon and St. Patrick’s Day that attracts unruly visitors to NYC. That’s why if you live in a neighborhood that feels prone to tourist invasions every weekend, finding that spot in NYC where you can breathe easy is key to sticking around the city for the long term. If you really resonate with what we just said, our 11v11 late Sunday afternoon league in Prospect Park is the relief you need. Not only will you be able to make new friends who understand your pain, but you have all of Prospect Park to wander for a pre-game decompression session that other leagues just can’t match.

2. When You Hear Your Favorite Bodega/Restaurant/Bar is Closing

Brooklyn Bridge Park is the home of NYC’s first singles only league.

Join: Brooklyn Bridge Park's 7v7 Singles League (If You're Single)
When you know a place you love is leaving you, it hurts. Ease the pain by signing up for our first Singles League at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The skyline view of Manhattan will help you realize that change doesn't have to impact your big picture, and you'll be joining a league whose primary purpose is to help people discover new places together.

3. When You See "Weekend Service Changes" listed at your station.

Roosevelt Island’s Jack McManus Field: a place our players jump for joy.

Join: Sundays P3/P4 on Roosevelt Island

When the MTA puts a wrinkle in your weekend plans, hop on a bike and head right to Roosevelt Island. Our late afternoon into early evening start time on Sundays means you’ll have plenty of time to take in the sights beforehand and afterward for a post-game drink too.

4. When You Want to Scope Out Life in the Scenic Suburbs

Warwick’s Hudson Sports Complex is hosting NYC Footy’s Fuchs Fest on April 12.

Join: Sundays 7v7 P3 & P4 leagues in Warwick, NY

If you haven't thought about it, you know someone who has. Moving to the suburbs is either the best or worst thing you can do after living in the city, so if you're going to entertain this idea, make sure the town you're considering respects itself enough to have a decent soccer pitch. Hudson Sports Complex in Warwick, NY is owned by former Premier League player Christian Fuchs and will host the Fuchs Fest tournament on April 12th in addition to our Sunday leagues.

5. That Moment You Realize It's New York or Nowhere

East River Park’s 6th Street Field is our pick for the place to take it all in.

Join: East River Park's 9v9 on Saturdays

Picking a field to close out your "I love NY" love story doesn't have to be tricky. To be honest, plenty of parks in the NYC Footy portfolio provide the perfect end scene before that cut to the credits

However, if you want the best spot to take it all in, head straight to East 6th Street Field at East River Park. Our Saturday league from 6 pm to 7:30  pm is the perfect time to take in the shift change from day to night, and with NYC's best bridges, along with Brooklyn and Queens in sight, it's the unsung hero of local landing spots that remind you there's no place else you'd rather be living.

The 5 Best Spring Soccer Pitch Value Picks

Want to know what soccer leagues provide the best value if you’re looking to save on registration? The following fields are NYC Footy’s top steals for the spring 2025 season.

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1. Randall's Island (Upper East Side, Manhattan) (11v11)

Randall’s Island hosts our P3 league on Wednesday this spring. Photo: Randall’s Island Park

Regular Team Price: $2000

Play with Friends Price: $200

Regular Individual Price: $200

Why Choose Randall's Island? Sometimes, you need an open field far removed from your typical stomping grounds. If that feels like a move you need to make this spring to get your game on track, Randall's Island is the getaway you're seeking. A good time gathering spot for Dave Matthews fans and Cique du Soleil attendees alike, their dedication to providing playing fields for NYC athletes means your passion for playing the game is welcomed here.

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2. Red Hook Field 8 (Red Hook, Brooklyn) (7v7)

Red Hook’s Field 8 is one of Brooklyn’s top value picks for Spring 2025.

Regular Team Price: $1250

Play with Friends Price: $125

Regular Individual Price: $125

Why Choose Field 8? A new turf pitch in a park that's been getting a significant upgrade as of late? Before Red Hook gets a full Williamsburg-inspired makeover, make it a point to play and stay in this quirky Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood, which tends to rise in popularity as the temperature gets warmer.

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3. Gaelic Park (Kingsbridge, The Bronx) (7v7)

Want to play in a stadium setting with amazing turf? Then swipe right on Gaelic Park.

Regular Team Price: $1550

Play with Friends Price: $155

Regular Individual Price: $155

Why Choose Gaelic Park? Do you care about field quality and playing in an actual stadium? The home of the Manhattan Jaspers, Gaelic Park is a precious pitch that's located a few steps from the north end of the 1 line. There's also several parking lots nearby, so if you need a pitch with quick access in and out of the city (and avoids congestion pricing too), this new turf-filled castle in Kingsbridge awaits.

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4. Riverbank State Park (West Harlem/Hamilton Heights, Manhattan) (7v7)

The top quality turf and bright lights at Riverbank State Park are back for Spring 2025!

Regular Team Price: $1650.00

Play With Friends Price: $165

Individual Early Bird Price: $165

Why Choose Riverbank State Park? We've covered How to Have the Best Time at Riverbank State Park, and if you need a new reason to pick this uptown pitch, we haven't really talked about how fantastic their parking lot and proximity to the 1 train is. So there's that (and also Sugar Hill Creamery's spring menu will be coming out soon).

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5. Reinaldo Salgado Playground (Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn) (7v7; 7v7 50/50)

Looking for a neighborhood pitch? Reinaldo Salgado Playground has two 7v7 leagues this spring.

Regular Team Price: $1650.00

Play With Friends Price: $165

Regular Individual Price: $165

Why Choose Reinaldo Salgado Playground? Playing in a neighborhood park surrounded by charming homes is the heart of NYC's soccer scene. We love the central Brooklyn location Reinaldo Salgado Playground provides our players, plus being steps away from cool spots like Marian's and Turtles All the Way Down doesn't hurt either.

Turtles All the Way Down is a bar that really lives up to its name.

NYC Footy Singles League Are Here

We know NYC Footy has a reputation for being full of players that play games, but our community has plenty of keepers and only some of them can be found hanging around the goal.

That's why if you're tired of the traditional NYC Dating scene and ready for a right winger to put a ring on your finger, our new singles-only leagues are the long-term commitment you've been looking for this spring.

Available to single members of the Footy community, our first-ever singles-only leagues this spring will take place at Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 5 on Saturday nights from 7 pm to 9 pm, as well as the Lower East Side's Baruch Playground on Sundays from 9 am to 11 am.

Featuring a 7v7 format (including the goalkeeper) along with a three-male maximum on the pitch at all times as all single leagues honor our 50/50 league rules on representation, players will have the chance to score meaningful conversations with one another over an eight-game season, with the top teams moving on to the playoffs. Players across all skill levels (both relationships and soccer) are invited to apply.

 Singles-Only Leagues (Open Now)

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5 hosts one of our first ever singles-only leagues this spring

Brooklyn Bridge Park: The best place to find your better half this spring.

Legend:

Blue = Indoor                                            🤝 = Partner League
Green =  Outdoor                                     ⏰ = Anticipated League
                                                                 🦸‍♀️= Flip Female Majority Leagues
👩‍🎤 = Female Player Spots Only                ⚖️= 50/50 League Format
👫 = Free Agents Spots Only                    💼 = Company Leagues
👩‍✈️ = Team Captains Only                         ❤️ = Singles League
⌛️ = Limited Spots                                    🧛 = Vampire Leagues

BROOKLYN
❤️Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn Bridge Park)
Saturdays | 7v7 | All Skills (50/50 Singles League)

MANHATTAN
❤️Lower East Side (Baruch Playground)
Sundays I 7v7 I All Skills (50/50 Singles League)

Our new singles-only leagues are here to help you score in your relationship goals.

And since no one wants to flub their first touch, we're spreading the love with a sneak peek at what a weekly single league practice session might look like if you line your shot up right.