Are Long Throws Making a Comeback with Brentford Leading the Charge?

The long throw-in, once a niche tactic in football, has made a significant resurgence in the Premier League, with teams like Brentford harnessing its potential as a strategic weapon. This article explores the mechanics of long throws, their historical context, and their growing effectiveness in modern football, as well as insights from key figures in the sport.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

Understanding the Long Throw-in

The long throw-in is a technique where a player throws the ball into the penalty area with considerable force and distance, often catching defenders off guard. This tactic, popularised by players like Rory Delap at Stoke City, can create chaotic situations in the box, leading to scoring opportunities. Brentford has emerged as a leader in this tactic, scoring seven goals from long throws since the start of the last season, significantly more than any other Premier League team.

Key Takeaways

• Brentford has scored the most goals from long throws in the Premier League.
• Long throws are often underestimated in tactical planning.
• Teams are increasingly incorporating long throws into their game strategies.
• Coaches like Thomas Gronnemark are helping teams improve their throw-in effectiveness.
• Defending against long throws requires specific training that many teams overlook.

The Tactical Resurgence of Long Throws

Historically, long throw-ins were viewed as a less sophisticated method of attacking, often overshadowed by more traditional set pieces like corners and free-kicks. However, the recent resurgence can be attributed to a combination of tactical evolution and a shift in how teams approach defence. The effectiveness of long throws lies in their unpredictability and the element of chaos they introduce into the defensive structure of opposing teams.

Brentford's Mastery of Long Throws

Brentford has become synonymous with the long throw tactic, especially since Keith Andrews took over as head coach. Under his guidance, the Bees have utilised this method to great effect, scoring several crucial goals. In a recent match against Chelsea, a long throw from Kevin Schade led to a late equaliser from Fabio Carvalho, demonstrating the tactic's potential to change the course of a game.

Andrews, previously Brentford's set-piece coach, has a unique perspective on the effectiveness of long throws, having faced them as a player. He stated, "I felt there's a little bit of snobbery in the game around scenarios like that," highlighting a cultural bias against such tactics. His insights suggest that embracing long throws can provide teams with a competitive edge.

Defensive Challenges Posed by Long Throws

Defending against long throws presents unique challenges. Chelsea's coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged this, stating, "First of all, try not to concede the throw-in." This highlights the importance of preventing the situation from arising in the first place. Once a long throw is conceded, defenders must be prepared for the unexpected, as the delivery comes from a different angle than typical set pieces.

Pundits like Ashley Williams and Shay Given have expressed the difficulties defenders face when dealing with long throws. Williams noted that teams often practise corners and free-kicks but neglect long throws, leaving them unprepared for the chaos they can create. This lack of preparation can lead to significant defensive mistakes, resulting in goals.

The Statistical Impact of Long Throws

Statistically, the impact of long throws on Premier League matches is becoming increasingly clear. The average number of long throws into the penalty area has doubled over the past two seasons, with teams recognising their potential for creating goal-scoring opportunities. In the current season, teams have averaged three long throws per game, underscoring their resurgence in tactical play.

Moreover, the rate of long throws converting into goals has seen a notable increase. From 0.03% in the 2020-21 season, this figure has risen to 0.38% in the 2024-25 season, indicating a growing acceptance and effectiveness of this tactic across the league.

Coaching the Long Throw-in

As clubs look to enhance their throw-in effectiveness, hiring specialists has become a trend. Liverpool, for example, brought in Thomas Gronnemark, who has dramatically improved the team's possession stats from throw-ins. Under his tutelage, Liverpool moved from 18th to 1st in the league for possession following throw-ins, demonstrating the tangible benefits of focusing on this often-overlooked aspect of the game.

Gronnemark's assertion that "throw-ins are underestimated" resonates with many coaches and players who frequently overlook this phase of play. By recognising the potential of long throws, teams can transform an otherwise mundane aspect of the game into a tactical advantage.

Historical Context and Evolution

Long throws have a storied history in football, with notable practitioners like Dave Challinor and Steve Watson making headlines for their exceptional throw-in techniques. The tactic gained prominence in the Premier League with the arrival of Stoke City in 2008, where Delap's long throws became a significant part of their attacking strategy.

Over the years, teams have evolved their approach to throw-ins, moving from simple tosses to strategic plays that can catch defences off guard. The renewed focus on long throws in today's game reflects a broader trend of teams looking to maximise every opportunity to score.

What Happens Next?

As more teams embrace the long throw as a legitimate tactical weapon, it is likely that we will see further evolution in how clubs prepare for and defend against this strategy. Coaches will need to incorporate long throw scenarios into their training regimens, ensuring that players are equipped to handle the chaos they can create. This could lead to a more dynamic and unpredictable style of play across the Premier League, keeping fans engaged and defenders on their toes.

Conclusion

The resurgence of the long throw-in illustrates the evolving nature of football tactics. Teams like Brentford have shown that this seemingly simple technique can yield significant rewards when executed effectively. As the Premier League continues to adapt, it will be fascinating to see how the long throw remains integrated into the strategic fabric of the game. Will other teams follow Brentford's lead and harness the power of this tactical tool? Only time will tell.

#LongThrow #FootballTactics #BrentfordFC

FAQs

What is a long throw-in in football?

A long throw-in is a technique where a player throws the ball into play with a significant distance and speed, usually aimed at creating scoring opportunities in the penalty area.

How does a long throw benefit a team?

A long throw can create chaos in the opponent's defence, making it difficult for players to mark their opponents effectively, often resulting in goal-scoring opportunities.

Who popularised the long throw-in in the Premier League?

Rory Delap is credited with popularising the long throw-in in the Premier League during his time at Stoke City, where he used it as a key attacking strategy.

How many goals have Brentford scored from long throws?

Brentford has scored seven goals from long throws since the start of the last season, significantly more than any other team in the Premier League.

Are long throws commonly practised in training?

Long throws are often overlooked in training, with many teams focusing primarily on corners and free-kicks, which can lead to defensive vulnerabilities when facing long throws.

What recent trends have emerged in the use of long throws?

Recent trends indicate a rise in the number of long throws used in Premier League matches, with teams recognising their effectiveness and incorporating them into their attacking strategies.