Sophomore’s small size doesn’t stop him from rocketing long throw-ins

The throw-in is one of the simplest plays in soccer when it is performed to precision. IU’s Jamie Vollmer specializes in this area.

Vollmer, a sophomore in his first year with the Hoosiers after transferring from Butler University, wasn’t sure when it started, but the throw-in always came easy to him.

Vollmer could always throw it a long distance, said Freshman Eriq Zavaleta, who grew up with Vollmer in Westfield, Ind., and noticed this talent at an early age.

“He did it on our club team when we were 11 or 12 years old, and I was doing them with him, because I had grown before everybody else,” Zavaleta said. “He was throwing the ball where I was, and he was significantly smaller than I was, just like he is now.”

Vollmer packs a lot of power on his throw-ins despite his smaller-than-average build. Zavaleta explained the technique is the biggest driving factor that allows him to get so much power.

“He’s not the biggest or strongest kid, but his core is tight, and he knows how to throw it, which is what it boils down to,” Zavaleta said.

Vollmer said he thinks his lack of size, 5-foot-7-inches and 145 pounds, may allow him to sneak up on opposing teams who might
misjudge him.

“It wows a couple people because of how little I am in comparison to other people, just like Blake Wise, our teammate, another little guy with a big throw,” Vollmer said. “I guess maybe it’s good to be little.”

The Hoosiers do all they can to utilize Vollmer’s talent to their advantage in set
situations.

“We run some plays, so there are some spots that I am supposed to hit, but I guess that’s where I’m aiming,” Vollmer said. “I can’t really give away the plays.”

Prior to Vollmer coming to play in Bloomington, IU Coach Todd Yeagley was well aware of Vollmer’s throwing advantage. The Hoosiers have not yet been able to score on a throw-in from Vollmer this season.

“We have had some indirect goals scored from the throw, but not directly, and I think they’re going to come,” Yeagley said. “When they do, it’s going to soften up other things and allow us to continue to possess and do things that we really want to do.”

Vollmer’s talent may surprise opposing teams.

“If you don’t know him, you would be surprised, but it is pretty renowned throughout the country about who he is and what he can do and the throw that he has,”
Zavaleta said.

Yeagley said the potential of Vollmer’s attack is a psychological advantage the Hoosiers will start to capitalize on sooner or later.

“Teams know it. I think we have an edge, because the other team is certainly thinking about it,” Yeagley said. “It rattles them a bit. Whether we score off of it or not, it’s the threat of it that gives our guys an edge.”