Rory John Delap Irish footballer, midfielder Date of Birth: 06.07.1976 Country: Ireland

1. Rory Delap: The Long Throw Specialist
2. Early Years and Athleticism
3. The Infamous Throw-in
4. The Technique and Its Impact
5. International Career

Rory Delap: The Long Throw Specialist

Rory Delap is an Irish footballer who played as a midfielder. Born in England, Delap earned 11 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Early Years and Athleticism

As a schoolboy, Delap was a regional champion in javelin throwing. This athleticism would later translate to his unique football skill.

The Infamous Throw-in

Delap became renowned for his exceptionally long throw-ins, which some consider the longest in football history. His throws, likened to "corners or free-kicks" by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill, typically spanned 30-40 meters (an average of 38 meters) and reached speeds of up to 60 km/h.

The Technique and Its Impact

Delap's throw-in technique has been praised by experts, including Stoke City manager Tony Pulis. The length and trajectory of his throws create confusion for opposing teams. According to Pulis, "It causes lots of problems for defenders. I think it's because he throws it too flat. It doesn't go high in the air, it goes along the floor, and it's very difficult for opposition defenders to judge where it's going to land."

International Career

Despite being born in England, Delap represented the Republic of Ireland at the international level, making 11 appearances. His throw-ins played a significant role in Ireland's qualifying campaigns for major tournaments.