The article discusses the rise of the long throw in football, a technique used by players to kick the ball as far as possible. The author notes that this tactic has become increasingly popular among teams, particularly those with specialist long throw-in specialists.
One example cited is Sunderland AFC's Mukiele, who has been tasked with taking long throws during matches. The article suggests that the team's manager made a conscious decision to move the advertising boards closer to the sidelines to reduce the run-in space for their opponents' long-throw specialists. This allowed Sunderland to weaken their opponents' ability to throw effectively.
The author questions whether this was a genuine attempt to improve their own team's performance or simply a tactic to intimidate their opponents. They also wonder if it would affect Mukiele, who is presumably the specialist in this area for his team.
In response, the article quotes Gronnemark from Midtjylland FC, stating that moving the advertising boards and reducing the run-in space can weaken an opponent's long throw-in. However, he also notes that players with good technique and power can still generate a lot of distance even with a shorter run-in.
The article concludes by suggesting that while this tactic might be effective in shortening opponents' throws, it is unlikely to greatly impact Sunderland's own team's ability to produce long throws effectively.
Overall, the article explores the use of long throw-ins as a tactical element in football and how teams can try to gain an advantage over their opponents through clever positioning and player specialization.
One example cited is Sunderland AFC's Mukiele, who has been tasked with taking long throws during matches. The article suggests that the team's manager made a conscious decision to move the advertising boards closer to the sidelines to reduce the run-in space for their opponents' long-throw specialists. This allowed Sunderland to weaken their opponents' ability to throw effectively.
The author questions whether this was a genuine attempt to improve their own team's performance or simply a tactic to intimidate their opponents. They also wonder if it would affect Mukiele, who is presumably the specialist in this area for his team.
In response, the article quotes Gronnemark from Midtjylland FC, stating that moving the advertising boards and reducing the run-in space can weaken an opponent's long throw-in. However, he also notes that players with good technique and power can still generate a lot of distance even with a shorter run-in.
The article concludes by suggesting that while this tactic might be effective in shortening opponents' throws, it is unlikely to greatly impact Sunderland's own team's ability to produce long throws effectively.
Overall, the article explores the use of long throw-ins as a tactical element in football and how teams can try to gain an advantage over their opponents through clever positioning and player specialization.
But seriously, it's interesting to see teams getting creative with the pitch layout to gain an edge. Reminds me of the old days when we'd try to outmaneuver each other on the pitch... those were the days! 
. Teams are getting so sneaky with this long throw-in thing! Like, I get it, it's all about adapting to the game, but is it really fair? 
My fave team, Manchester City, just got done in by a super long throw-in from West Ham... like, what even is that?! 
They have these specialist players now and teams are just copying them left and right. It's all about exploiting the opponent's weakness, but at what cost? Is it really just about winning or does it change the game itself? I don't know... I guess that's why I love watching football - there's always something new to think about 
I think this tactic is pretty cool, but also kinda weird... like if you're trying to be sneaky about it lol. So yeah, moving the boards might help, but at what cost? Your own players gotta deal with the pressure too, right? 
And what about if the other team has a better specialist? It's all about balance, I guess. But hey, if it works for Sunderland, more power to 'em! 
Just don't expect it to be a game-changer or anything... 
but seriously, I can see how moving them in could affect someone's aim. I mean Mukiele sounds like a super specialist but if the run-in is shorter he might struggle to get that long throw going 
. I mean, if Sunderland really wanted to improve their game, they could've done that by getting Mukiele more involved in open play or finding a way to get him more comfortable with the pressure 
... and Gronnemark is right, technique matters 
. I dunno, maybe teams should just focus on developing their own specialists instead of playing dirty 
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Sunderland's Mukiele is like a machine when it comes to long throws, he just kicks that ball so far! 
the thing is, does Sunderland actually believe this will help them more than their opponents do? 