GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE SOCCER

The Art of the Flip Throw

It is commonly referred to as a flip throw-in, somersault throw, flip throw, 360 flip and by other names as well.  The physics of the technique prove its effectiveness. A normal throw-in would have a player throw the ball starting from behind their neck and release either directly over their head or slightly beyond their forehead. This gives them about 90 degrees of applied force. With a flip throw, when a player is vertical and upside down, the applied force begins to take effect. This gives the player 180 degrees of applied force, which is twice as much as a normal throw-in. The longer a force is applied over a distance, the more effect it will have. The flip throw is finished in a crouch stance which gives the ball more momentum when released.

What is the draw of the flip throw?  Simply put it is sometimes better than a corner kick when thrown accurately.  The softness of the landing make it especially favorable for a header.  The flip throw is more often found in the women's game and is a favorite with spectators.  With the men's game it is rarely used since quite often players can hurl a ball 35 yards which is more than enough to get the job done.   Some men can toss the ball 45 yards with a soft arc; therefore the flip throw does not seem like much of an advantage in those cases. 

Is the flip throw legal?  Yes, if done properly in accordance with FIFA rules.  Flip thrown-in's can be seen in matches of the highest level including FIFA, Premiership, MLS, WPS, NCAA, NFHS and FHSAA (Florida) matches.  

These are some of the players doing competitive flip throws...

Current Team	Player	Class	HS Class
Brazil U-20 (FIFA)	Leah Lynn Gabriela Fortune		2009
University of Texas	Lerrin Biggers	2004
Notre Dame	Michele Weissenhofer	2010
University of Arkansas	Bethany Campbell
Utah State University	Dana Peart	2008
BYU	Brooke Thulin	2005
Brown	Jill Mansfield
Louisiana Tech University	Savanna Russo
U South Alabama	Jennifer Beckwith
FC Dallas	Steve Jolley
San Diego Spirit	Kim Pickup
Siena College	Joe Tavernese
USC Trojans	Megan Ohai	2011	2008
Cardinal Gibbons High School Fort Lauderdale, Florida	Brittany D'Annunzio		2009
Kent State	Daniel Doherty	2010