SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-goalkeeper-throw-in-back-pass
A teammate throws the ball straight to their own goalkeeper from a throw-in. Can the keeper catch it?
No. Handling a teammate's throw-in gives away an indirect free kick.
- Yes, a throw is not a kick
- Only outside the penalty area
- No, not with their hands ✔
Why: The back-pass rule also covers throw-ins. A goalkeeper may not handle the ball received straight from a teammate's throw-in, so the other team gets an indirect free kick.
Huh, didn't know that: If the keeper has clearly kicked or tried to kick the ball to release it, they may then pick it up.
Why did the keeper refuse the throw-in? It was a little too handy.
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References
Answer: No, not with their hands. The back-pass rule also covers throw-ins. A goalkeeper may not handle the ball received straight from a teammate's throw-in, so the other team gets an indirect free kick.
- IFAB Laws of the Game (current edition), Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct www.theifab.com/laws/latest/fouls-and-misconduct
receiving it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate
Checked 2026-10-12. - IFAB Laws of the Game (current edition), Law 12 Fouls and Misconduct www.theifab.com/laws/latest/fouls-and-misconduct
unless the goalkeeper has clearly kicked or attempted to kick the ball to release it into play
Checked 2026-10-12.
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