The game started, and I could see from the get-go that Jamie was right. The Bolts zipped around the field like lightning and were great at stealing. However, fast didn’t always equal accurate. Many times the stolen balls went shooting out-of-bounds a few seconds later. When that happened, the Kicks were able to take possession and throw the ball back into the game. Remembering advice that Coach Flores had drilled into us gave me the confidence to handle the throw-ins like a pro.

“Now remember”—I flashed back to a practice with Coach Flores—“every throw-in is a game-changing opportunity, but you have to think it through. Remember, you can turn throw-ins into goals. If you get the ball into your hands, then panic and throw the ball blindly, it won’t be helpful. Stop and think: What do you need to do? A long throw can help attack and advance on the goal. A short throw can help you gain ground. You’ve got to think fast while you’ve got the ball in your hands. It takes practice to perfect it.”

And practice we had, with a ton of different throw-in drills. Throw-ins happen at every game, but those practices were especially coming in handy against the Bolts!

At one point, I had driven the ball down the field and was in scoring range of the Bolts goal, when one of their defenders came upon me suddenly with that lightning speed and kicked the ball out from under me. The kick had no aim, and the defender wasn’t passing it to anyone. All she was trying to do was get the ball away from me. It worked, but the ball went shooting out-of-bounds.

I raced over to throw the ball back into the game. Grace had carved out some space for herself within striking distance of the goal, and I knew a long throw-in to her could result in a scoring opportunity for the Kicks.

Just like we had practiced about a million times with Coach Flores, I grasped the ball firmly between both hands, my fingers making a W shape as I held the ball in front of me. I took a big step forward as I moved the ball up and behind my head, getting ready to throw it. Using the force of my entire body, I powered the ball toward Grace, who expertly caught it with her feet and drove it into the goal. We had scored!

“Yes! Perfect long throw-in, Devin!” Coach Flores cheered from the sidelines, and I raced over to Grace to slap her on the back.

“Great catch.” I grinned.

“Great throw.” She smiled back.