Five Ideas That Are 100% Guaranteed to Stop Rory Delap’s Long Throws

By: Daryl | November 4th, 2008

Rory Delap’s long throw-ins have been called “undefendable”. OK, so it was the Stoke man himself who said it, but I’m pretty sure the Arsenal defence would agree. As would the Villa defence. And all the other defences that Delap has wreaked havoc on so far this season.

They come in low and fast and hard (great diagram here) and are unlike any other set piece a defence has to face. Lee Dixon has an article on the BBC website, arguing that the best way to defend Delap is to forget man-marking and have your big players just concentrate on heading the ball clear. But Dixon’s idea isn’t fool-proof. Here are five ideas that are 100% guaranteed to stop Rory Delap’s long throws:




1. Break his fingers. Obviously it has to look like an accident. So “accidentally” slamming a door on Delap’s fingers is probably the way to go. Preferably a car door, but a regular door will do the trick if timed properly.

2. Vaseline on the ball. Make that thing so slippy Delap can’t get a proper grip. Other petroleum jelly products are also acceptable.

3. Vertical defensive wall. Just like for free kicks, you put men in front of the ball to block Delap’s arrows. But instead of standing side by side like a regular wall, stack your defenders on top of each other. And the uglier the better, cus someone’s taking a ball to the face.

4. Bribe the linesmen. For enough money, all throw-in decisions will mysteriously go in your favour. Then we’ll see how Delap likes defending throws-ins instead of taking them.

5. Sign Dave Challinor. Delap throws the ball around 38 meters, but Challinor holds the world record throw-in distance of 44.6 meters. Seeing Challinor in action should knock Delap off his game. If not, you can use the threat of Challinor to negotiate a throw-in amnesty with the opposition.



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Comments  

  • Taylor Rockwell |  November 4th, 2008 at 8:42 am

    cornercorner

    Your first idea has already been utilized. From Robbie Earl: “The boot was on the other foot when we played Tranmere in an FA Cup tie and had to face Dave Challinor – then reckoned to have the longest throw in the game. I’d like to say our answer was ingenious and scientific.
    But, instead, Vinnie Jones tripped him up no more than 10 minutes into the game and then trampled all over his arms.”

    Posted from United States

    cornercorner
  • Rob |  November 4th, 2008 at 9:37 am

    cornercorner

    As you don’t have to be X yards from a throw, could someone just stand directly in front of Delap and make faces at him?

    Posted from United States

    cornercorner
  • Daryl |  November 4th, 2008 at 9:48 am

    cornercorner

    Just checked the FIFA Laws of the Game. Here are the highlights re: defenders.

    “All opponents must stand no less than 2 m (2 yds) from the point at which the throw is taken” (page 46)

    “If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower:
    • he is cautioned for unsporting behaviour” (page 47)

    Posted from United States

    cornercorner
  • Rob |  November 4th, 2008 at 10:10 am

    cornercorner

    Awww, there goes my idea. Well found!

    Posted from United States

    cornercorner

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