By OkayGoal 
In the NWSL, it’s becoming increasingly common to see players concede the ball, usually under pressure or after a failed attack, by deliberately kicking the ball out of bounds to the wings of the opponent’s flag to win a throw-in. It seems counterintuitive, right? Why take the risk and concede possession? But it’s actually a calculated strategic move that could be the next big tactic to take off in women’s soccer, and is a tactic that’s been employed recently by Angel City FC and is common in the Premier League.
The Tactical Advantages
What are some of the advantages of this new kickoff tactic?
Superior Starting Position
Most of the time, you will see this being done for a field position. Players may make the decision to give up possession to get the ball out of a dangerous area, especially knowing they likely can’t make a cross, and allows them to potentially reset their attack with a set piece. It also forces the opposing team deep into their own territory, making it that much harder to push the ball forward yet again.
Creating Overloads
By restarting play through a throw-in on the wing, the attacking team knows exactly where the play will resume. It’s a moment for the team to re-assess, re-calculate, and re-position. This allows them to quickly shift their positioning and create an overload near the throw-in. Defenders are often focused on the thrower and immediate receivers, which can open space for a run inside the box or a quick switch of play. It’s an interesting tactic to possibly create a scoring opportunity.
Preventing Dangerous Attacks
When an attack breaks down in the final third, the ball is often in a central area, and the team’s defensive structure is stretched. Clearing the ball to the touchline, rather than trying a risky pass through the center, kills the momentum of the transition and allows for a critical pause, giving the defense crucial time to track back and regroup. Again, the reset is everything.
The Risks and Drawbacks
While this strategy can be incredibly helpful, it is not without risk, and it seriously depends on execution. It should also be used sparingly so the opponent doesn’t start to see it coming.
Conceding Possession
The most obvious con to this move is that the team is intentionally conceding the ball. While the location is favorable and it allows for a reset, there is a high likelihood that the throwing team will lose possession immediately after the throw-in.
High-Quality Defending
Opposing teams, especially those with strong defensive set-piece organization, can easily nullify the threat. If the defense wins the first header or clears the ball effectively, the attacking team has simply wasted a chance to build an attack from open play and has deliberately conceded the ball for no reason. This risk is amplified if the opponent is great at quick transitions.
Exposure to Counter-Attack
If the opponent wins the throw-in and immediately breaks the press set by the attacking team, the conceding team’s shape may still be compromised. Players crowded near the throw-in are out of position for a central counter-attack, leaving space in the midfield or on the far wing for the opponent to exploit.
Limited Attacking Variety
As mentioned earlier, over-relying on this tactic makes a team predictable and creates the risk that the opponent will see it coming. If the opponent knows every time an attack breaks down near the corner flag the ball will be kicked out, they can specifically train their wingers and fullbacks to manage the throw-in.
The tactic of deliberately kicking the ball to the opponent’s wing for a throw-in is a prime example of strategic concession in women’s soccer, and is a move that is sometimes worth the risk! Teams like Angel City are not giving up on the play, but rather exchanging a low-probability, high-risk open-play scenario for a higher-probability, medium(ish)-risk set-piece opportunity in a dangerous area. But if all teams start employing this tactic…well, that’s a risk in and of itself!
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