Throw-ins are a norm in soccer, and an often unexciting facet of the game. However, throw-ins are certain to be more exciting than usual when Illinois junior midfielder Nicole Breece takes them.

Enter the “flip-throw.”

Breece has been utilizing the flip-throw as an effective weapon to turn half-chances into goals this season, and it’s something that has paid off so far for the Illini with Janelle Flaws and Emily Osoba scoring off Breece’s throw-ins.

For the Illini, Breece’s trick creates set piece opportunities from angles and distances that are completely alien to most opponents. It’s a maneuver that requires Breece to lay her weight forward on to the ball, perform a front handspring and launch the ball more than 30 yards, a technique that the veteran regularly uses.

The St. Louis native frequently launches the ball into the box and has credited her seven years of gymnastics experience for giving her the ability to technically execute her throws.

“I was just at practice one day, and I was like, ‘Hey, I’m just going to try this.’ I did a flip and it kind of worked out, then I continued to do it and then got it,” Breece said.

It was a technique that Breece had been using since her arrival at Illinois in 2012, and one that’s beginning to bring in goals. Breece has been in impressive form so far this season, claiming five assists so far, two of them from throw-ins.

Though effective when used, the flip-throw is a gimmick that is rarely seen in soccer’s higher levels, as perfecting the art is tricky because of the consistency asked of the thrower. Breece is unique in that she has it down to a science.

Set piece opportunities aren’t the only time Breece utilizes these throw-ins. In the second half against Purdue, Illinois won a throw-in, and without a set-up in the box, Breece launched the ball ahead to freshman right back Abby Elinsky with one of these signature throws. The attack died after Purdue keeper Erika Yohn pounced on the ball before Elinsky could reach it, but it only speaks of Breece’s confidence in herself to execute such a throw.

“I was really happy with (my teammates) finally finishing off of my throw-ins,” Breece said. “People are finally getting used to where they’re going to go and how to react and how to adjust to them and finish them, so I was happy that we finished off that.”

Eliseo can be reached at [email protected].