Why Long Throws Are Making a Comeback in the Premier League
- Billy Coulston
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
For years, the long throw was treated as an unfashionable weapon associated with Rory Delap and Stoke City. Coaches preferred safer, possession-based restarts, and the tactic largely faded from top-flight football.
But Premier League data from this season reveals a shift: long throws are being used far more often than in recent campaigns.
Even England head coach Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged the trend:
“The long throw-in is back. But we do not have a lot of time. Once we arrive at the World Cup, all these things matter, so we will talk about long throw-ins, about long kicks from the goalkeeper and not only playing short.”
If the national coach is talking about it, then the long throw is no longer a quirky option, it’s a tactic that teams, including England, will deploy at the World Cup next year.
Set Pieces Are More Valuable Than Ever
Modern football is obsessed with marginal gains, and set-piece situations are one of the clearest areas to extract them. With specialist coaches dedicated to corners and free-kicks, clubs are now realising that throw-ins can offer similar opportunities. A long, flat delivery into the box can create as much chaos as a corner.
The “Second-Ball” Mentality
Even if the initial throw isn’t won cleanly, the aerial scramble creates dangerous second-ball situations. Data shows that regaining possession near the opponent’s penalty area significantly increases scoring probability. Throw-ins, when delivered long, are a way of manufacturing these high-value moments.
The Rise of Tall, Physical Centre-Forwards
Recruitment trends are playing a part in the resurgence of long throws. Many top clubs are now investing in tall strikers with a physical presence, target players suited to winning aerial duels from throw-ins.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City, 1.95m)
Benjamin Šeško (Manchester United, 1.95m)
Niclas Woltemade (Newcastle United, 1.98m)
Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool, 1.90m)
Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal, 1.89m)
With forwards of this stature, long throws become far more dangerous. They not only compete for the first contact but also draw multiple defenders, freeing up teammates for second balls and rebounds. Essentially, clubs are building squads where the long throw isn’t just an option, it’s a part of their game model.
Long throws force defences into uncomfortable situations. Goalkeepers can’t come and claim them as easily as crosses, and zonal defensive systems struggle to adjust to the flat, fast trajectory of the ball. This disruption is one of the reasons long throws are making coaches rethink their value.
Long Throws Beyond the Final Third
Thomas Grønnemark, widely regarded as the world’s leading throw-in coach, stresses that long throws are not just for the attacking third. They can be effective from the middle third as well, particularly when combined with smart player movements and space-creation tactics. In other words, the long throw isn’t only about lumping the ball into the box, it can be a starting point for well-rehearsed attacking patterns across the pitch.
The Risk of Misuse
Grønnemark also warns against teams overusing using long throws without the required skill level. Overuse or poor execution can quickly turn into ineffective, predictable, and frankly boring football. He argues for balance: some teams should specialise in long throws, some in fast, clever short ones, and others should use throw-ins primarily to keep possession. This diversity preserves the richness of playing styles.
🎥 You can watch our exclusive interview with Thomas Grønnemark below
Data-Driven Validation
The greatest change has been in perception. The long throw is no longer dismissed as outdated—analytics have reframed it as a valuable weapon. When expected goals (xG) data shows it can generate returns, failing to use it appears wasteful. What was once mocked has now been legitimised by the numbers. That said, challenges remain in measuring its true impact, particularly when attributing xG to a throw-in—at what point does the throw cease to influence the phase of possession?
Conclusion
The rise of long throws is an evolution and looks here to stay, certainly for the short to medium term. Teams are blending athleticism, data, and specialist coaching to unlock new possibilities. The recruitment of towering centre-forwards has only amplified the tactic’s value.
Thomas Tuchel’s words underline how important this is becoming at the very top level. And as Thomas Grønnemark points out, true effectiveness comes from variety, multiple skilled throwers, and quality execution. Used well, the long throw is not just a chaotic aerial launch, but a sophisticated set-piece weapon that can tilt matches in the top competitions defined by fine margins.
Comments