Exclusive Interview With Ex-Liverpool Throw-In Coach Thomas Grønnemark On Throw-In Tactics & Technique

In our previous throw-in analysis, we started a throw-in series by discussing their unique nature compared with other set pieces.

We also discussed the different purposes and measurements of throw-in success, ending with the various strategies and kinds of defending throw-ins.

Since we do not wish to rush delving into superficial analyses, we are keen first to understand what lies (behind the scenes) in order to discern the nature of throw-ins and what fundamentally distinguishes them.

Consequently, we can direct our tactical analysis towards them in an informed manner.

Therefore, we turned to one of the pioneers in the field of throw-in tactics.

Someone who has achieved numerous accomplishments with various clubs and national teams, Coach Thomas Grønnemark.

With over 20 years of experience coaching throw-ins,  Thomas Gronnemark has trained numerous well-known clubs, including FC Midtjylland, Borussia Dortmund, Brentford, AFC Ajax, and, of course, Liverpool, where he spent five years during Jürgen Klopps successful era.

Now aiming to disseminate his knowledge on a broader scale, he currently works as a freelancer with various teams and offers many courses and consultations through his website (Throw In Academy).

He aspires to transform football and help many gain a deeper understanding of throw-ins in the world of football.

This comprehensive tactical analysis will be an interview with him divided into two parts, filled with valuable details and information.

In this part, we will discuss the importance of technique in throw-ins and its impact on tactics, examining his theory of long, fast, and clever throw-ins.

After that, we will explore the differences between set-piece routines and his strategy for throw-ins, discussing his throw-in time-complexity model.

In the upcoming part, we will discuss his defensive strategies, inquiring about his preferred defensive system and how he responds to various attacking scenarios from opponents, such as targeting the area behind the defensive line quickly exploiting the absence of offside when a throw-in occurs in his defensive third, whether he marks the thrower and similar aspects.

We will also discuss the coaching aspect, some situations and whether he sometimes conflicts with the head coach.

Additionally, we will explore how he addresses different coaches preferences, such as what he does if he is not allowed to use the sixer in rotations to create space for increased security during an attacking throw-in.

Finally, we will discuss his tenure at Liverpool, the extent of development seen in some players and the different roles of standout players like Mohamed Salah.

Technique Before Tactics

TFA: Starting with your long, fast and clever theory, do teams need long throw-ins only in the final third to threaten the goal, as many think?

Grønnemark:

No, you can use long throw-ins for three purposes:

1- Of course, threatening the opponents goal when you are close.

2- Counterattacks behind the defence exploiting that there is no offside in throw-ins

3-  The longer you throw, the bigger the throw-in area you have, so you can throw to more teammates to keep possession and make pressing you difficult.

TFA: Moving on to the term fast, do you teach them how to play fast to a near and free player or behind the defensive line? Is playing fast always beneficial?

Grønnemark:

It is not always beneficial.

In my philosophy, once we get the throw-in, the nearest player goes fast and scans to see if a food option exists.

If not, dont throw fast.

One of the worst things you can d