Set pieces in soccer (i.e., free kicks and corners) have been examined in detail and are a common focus for coaches during training and performance preparation. However, limited evidence is available on the impact of throw-ins on soccer performance and if coaches should dedicate time in training towards this specific set piece. Therefore, this research aimed to firstly examine if throw-in performance is linked with soccer performance, and secondly the effect throw-in direction and length has on first contact success rate, possession retention, mean time in possession and shot creation. 16,154 throw-ins from 380 English Premier League matches during the 2018–2019 season were analysed. Higher final league position was correlated to increased throw-in first contact success and possession retention. 83% of throw-in’s resulted in a successful first contact, 54% resulted in possession being retained and 8.8% of throw-ins led to a shot at goal from the possession achieved after a successful first contact. Throw-in’s which went backwards or laterally in direction resulted in increased first contact success, retaining of possession, and shot creation. The least efficient throw-in was forwards and long, which resulted in both reduced first contact success and possession retention. Findings highlight, that throwing the ball laterally or backwards should be a focus for coaches and players during attacking training. In contrast, a team’s defensive strategy should reduce the opportunities to throw backwards or laterally with a higher press and look to force a long forward throw-in, therefore, increasing the likelihood of winning possession and counter attacking.

足球中的固定件（即任意球和角球）已经过详细检查，这是教练在训练和准备比赛中的共同重点。但是，关于掷界外球对足球表现的影响以及教练是否应将时间用于此特定布景的培训的证据很少。因此，本研究的目的是首先检查掷界外球的表现是否与足球表现有关，其次，掷界外球的方向和长度对第一次接触成功率，控球率，平均传球时间和射门次数的影响。分析了2018-2019赛季380场英超联赛的16,154场界外球。更高的最终联赛排名与增加前场接球成功率和控球率有关。83％的掷界外球成功达成了第一次接触，54％的球权被保留，而8.8％的掷界外球导致了成功的首次接触后的控球。向后或向侧面横向掷界外球的做法，增加了初次接触的成功率，保留了控球权并创造了投篮机会。罚球效率最低的是前锋和长传球，这既降低了首次联系成功率，又降低了保有率。调查结果突出表明，在进攻训练期间，向教练和运动员侧向或向后扔球应该是重点。相比之下，一支球队的防守策略应减少较高的压力向后或向侧面掷球的机会，并希望强迫长距离向前掷球，因此，