The Evolution of Long Throws in Football: Insights from Rory Delap

Rory Delap, at 49, became renowned for his exceptional long throw-ins during his tenure at Stoke City, instilling fear in opposing defenses with his javelin-like throws into the penalty area. While Delap’s skill in executing powerful set pieces earned him a cult status in the 2000s, his son’s experience with long throws had a contrasting outcome. Rory shared a poignant memory of standing in as a coach for his son Liam’s primary school game, which left a lasting impact on both of them.

In an interview on the Derbyshire FA/DerbyUniFootyJournos podcast, On The Grass, Delap recounted the day he substituted for Liam’s coach. “The coach wasn’t able to attend, and without someone to lead, the game risked postponement, so he asked me to step in. Unfortunately, the team was losing when, with just 30 seconds left, Liam executed two long throws that resulted in a goal. The opposing parents were furious, exclaiming, ‘You’re ruining the game!’ Despite winning, Liam was in tears. That moment marked the last time he took a throw-in, and it also ended my brief coaching career in grassroots football.”

Now at 22, Liam Delap has made significant strides in his football career, progressing from Manchester City’s academy to their first team, securing a move to Ipswich Town, showcasing his talents in the Premier League, and most recently, transferring to Chelsea for £30 million ($39.5 million). Rory expressed immense pride in Liam’s achievements and those of his other children.

“I’m incredibly proud of Liam, as well as all my children,” Rory stated. “Some believe Liam’s path has been easy, but it has been anything but. He has faced challenges yet remained determined to succeed. At 16, he made the significant decision to leave home for Manchester, uncertain of what lay ahead, but he has always had faith in himself. I’ve always advised him, ‘Work hard so there are no excuses; treat people with respect, and see where it leads you.’ Although he has made a substantial move to Chelsea, Liam has faced setbacks, including a hamstring injury. He started well in America and at the season’s beginning, but he has much work ahead to secure his position in the team.”

This season has reignited discussions around the strategic use of long throw-ins, with teams like Arsenal, Brentford, and Sunderland effectively implementing this tactic to breach defenses. Delap attributes this resurgence to the influence of Pep Guardiola’s tactical approaches over the last decade.

“Over the past ten years, Pep has significantly impacted how teams play, not only in the Premier League but across various levels,” he noted. “While Pep has consistently worked with top players, this influence extends down to non-league football, where teams strive to build from the back. Most academies now prioritize the development of technical players. However, the downside is that this leaves defenders less prepared to effectively handle aerial threats, leading to an increase in long balls, throw-ins, and set plays.

The rise of set-piece coaches reflects this trend, yet it is somewhat misleading to label this as a new phenomenon. Previously, it was the responsibility of coaches and managers within their overall strategies. The significance of set plays remains unchanged today; teams utilize them because of the success they yield.”

Having recently returned from a hamstring injury, Delap is not currently assigned to handle long throw-ins for Chelsea. However, he aims to make a significant impact for Enzo Maresca’s squad as they prepare to face Premier League’s bottom team, Wolves, this Saturday.