Football tactics

[Arizona11]

On many occasions a player will let the ball go out for a throw in when they could have stopped the ball going out with their foot. Surely it is easier to continue playing using your boot than throwing the ball in, when the opposition could mark everyone. DAK why they let the ball go out rather than carry on using their boot.

[gryffron]

Takes the ball out of reach of a defender.
Gives the thrower the chance to size up all options before playing. In open play, it’s hard to know where all your colleagues are.
Can’t be offside from a throw in.
Gives attackers the chance to get forward, get into position.

Generally, players will only prefer to keep the ball in play if there is clear and obvious immediate advantage. A big gap to run into, or they can see an obvious colleague to pass to.

Gryff

[dealtn]

On many occasions a player will let the ball go out for a throw in when they could have stopped the ball going out with their foot. Surely it is easier to continue playing using your boot than throwing the ball in, when the opposition could mark everyone. DAK why they let the ball go out rather than carry on using their boot.

Generally, unless there is a clear advantage, set pieces, of which throw ons are one, give an advantage at both ends of the field. Either defensively securing possession and finding a team mate further up the pitch, or offensively in creating goal chances.

[Lootman]

Takes the ball out of reach of a defender.
Gives the thrower the chance to size up all options before playing. In open play, it’s hard to know where all your colleagues are.
Can’t be offside from a throw in.
Gives attackers the chance to get forward, get into position.

Generally, players will only prefer to keep the ball in play if there is clear and obvious immediate advantage. A big gap to run into, or they can see an obvious colleague to pass to.

Gryff

It also gives the player a wee rest, which might be welcome if he has just had to run 60 yards.

And your team may have a specialist thrower who upfield can launch a ball into the opponent's penalty box in a similar manner to a corner.

[Bminusrob]

I think dealtn has answered this question pretty well. To add my twopenn'th, I used to coach volleyball, and we would often tell players that the one time they are in complete control of the ball is when it is in their hands, prior to serving the ball. The same applies to football. If you are holding the ball prior to throwing it in, nobody can tackle you or take the ball from you, and you have a few seconds to look for the best option before putting the ball into play,

[Gerry557]

in my case I was rubbish at football but I was better at throw ins.