How do pass-ins and dribble-ins work?
Rule- England
- England Football
- Mini-soccer
- Under 8
- Under 9
- Under 10
- Under 11
- 5v5 and 7v7
- 2026/27
- Coaches
Throw-ins are not used for Under 7 to Under 11. When the whole of the ball crosses the touchline (on the ground or in the air), the other team restarts with a pass-in or dribble-in:
- The ball must be stationary on the touchline where it went out. Only the kicker may be off the pitch.
- All opponents must be at least 5 yards from the restart point in 5v5 and 7v7 (3 m in 3v3).
- The ball is in play when it is kicked and clearly moves.
- The player taking a pass-in may touch the ball again before anyone else does, so they can dribble straight in.
- A goal can't be scored directly from a pass-in.
The FA's coaching guidance is to let players choose between passing and dribbling based on the situation, rather than instructing them from the sideline.
Added 21 Oct 2026