Simpler, Faster, More Fun: Replacing Throw-ins with Kick-ins in 5v5 Games
We launched the Steel City Premier League (SCPL) in the fall of 2025 to maximize opportunities for players to play. As we reflected, assessed, and pulled apart what was and wasn’t working, we landed on a clear challenge. The ball is out of play a lot in 5v5 games. And the time spent trying to get it back into play is costing players valuable minutes.
So, for the 2026/27 season, we’re going to fix that.
Photo Cred: Randy Warner
What’s Changing and Why?
For our age groups playing in 5v5 matches (U9 & U10), all out-of-bounds restarts will transition from throw-ins to kick-ins or dribble-ins.
Players at this stage of development want and learn best with the ball at their feet. Throw-ins, while obviously a part of the adult game, are not a foundational skill for early development. They often slow the game down, create chaos, and limit involvement – especially for players who may be less physically developed or are unable to generate a proper throw-in.
The Football Association (FA), the official governing body of the sport in England, began implementing this rule in 2024. Their goal is the same as ours: to develop young players’ foundational skills further, create a better flow to games, and foster creativity.
Kick-ins and dribble-ins offer a more developmental alternative. They give players more touches, more decisions, quicker restarts, and more opportunities to develop essential skills like dribbling, passing, and receiving. Restarts become quicker and smoother, keeping the game flowing and players engaged, while players continue learning the importance of movement off the ball and how to create space for their teammate.
By placing the ball at their feet, we remove the complexity of throw-in rules, bouncing balls, and aerial duels. This allows concentration to be directed to what we believe are the most important actions to promote creativity, confidence, and consistent skill growth. Especially while these players do not head the ball, we should see more control leading to greater success within our gameday KPI’s.
What This Will Look Like
Photo Cred: Randy Warner
Once the ball goes out, the closest player will be encouraged to quickly secure the game ball. The player must then place it on the sideline at a full stop (hand-on), and decide to pass the ball in or bring it in on a dribble.
Hand-on serves as a visual cue for both teams. Offensively, it will signal teammates to find or create space. Defensively, it will trigger players to switch on and find the player or space to defend. And for the player about to get the ball into play, it forces their eyes up to start to scan and make the next decision.
These habits of learning to play quickly on both ends are foundational skills that transfer across all levels on the field.
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How This Benefits The Players
The move to kick-ins is ultimately about giving the players a better soccer experience. This simple change will create moments where players are more involved, confident, and engaged in the game, which is ultimately why we built the SCPL.
- More Meaningful Touches – With the ball at their feet, kids get more chances to dribble, pass, receive, and make decisions. These are the most important skills to develop at a young age, and will carry into all stages of play. Kick-ins make the restart simple and effective.
- More Decision Making – A kick-in becomes a much more tactical restart, as players can either choose to dribble, pass, or combine with a teammate. These choices help develop game awareness and creativity.
- Better Game Flow – Throw-ins make the game chaotic and slow at younger ages. Players often struggle to complete throw-ins successfully, resulting in numerous re-throw attempts. They are not permitted to use their head, so they duck fearfully out of the way, while others seek out battle and chaotically aim to regain possession. So, let’s get the ball back on the ground, where they’re being challenged to test the skills they’re working on.
- More Involvement for all – Instead of favoring taller or more physically gifted players, kick-ins allow more players to contribute and participate.
- Fostering Creativity – Steel City is all about encouraging players to be creative; kick-ins allow the younger kids to begin developing this crucial skill. With the freedom to dribble or pass on restarts, players can experiment further, try new ideas, and test their skills.
This change isn’t just about adjusting a rule — it’s about creating a game environment where every player gets more chances to grow, succeed, and enjoy the sport.
Photo Cred: Randy Warner
Addressing Some Common Questions
Won’t this confuse players as we play in various formats and rules?
No. Young players will adapt quickly, and kick-ins are simpler than throw-ins. Coaches are there to support, teach, and ensure the restart rule is covered in training and carried out in games. Additionally, the youth are often more resilient and adaptable than we adults are!
Does this make the game less realistic?
We do not believe so. At the older ages, set pieces become a bigger part of the game. At the youngest ages, ball-at-feet is far more important for development. We build for the player’s long-term development.
Will older age groups switch too?
No. In the SCPL season, this rule is for 5v5 formats only. This change targets younger players, where developing foundational skills is the priority. In the winter season, 5v5 – the same format is used at all ages for restarts.
Looking Ahead
Our goal remains to create environments that blend the game’s freedoms with our players’ development. We want players to learn and experiment with the ball at their feet and fall in love with the game. We’re confident that the ball in play at their feet is another step toward that goal.
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