Brentford are Premier League's kings of the long throw, but what makes a good one?

"The long throw-in craze has swept the Premier League again ... just like it did almost 20 years ago. Nearly every team is trying it -- to varying degrees of success -- as fans have become used to the sight of the ball being hurled into the penalty box from afar. Opta counts a "long" throw-in as anything over 21.9 yards and, as of the 13th matchday, there have been 520 sent into the box this season, with 12 goals (and one own-goal) coming as a direct result. Last season's entire total was 14."

"While midfielder Rory Delap, a former javelin athlete in his youth, was a modern pioneer of the long throw -- utilizing its unique capabilities to drive success for Stoke City upon their promotion to the top tier in 2008 -- Brentford are the kings of the long throw now (70 attempts). The Bees scored six goals from these situations last season and have already netted three this term. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have also bagged three this campaign from 60 attempts."

Long throw-ins have re-emerged widely across the Premier League, producing a major volume of attempts and measurable goals. Opta defines a long throw as over 21.9 yards; by the 13th matchday 520 had been launched into the box, producing 12 goals and one own-goal, versus 14 goals for the whole of last season. Brentford lead usage with 70 attempts and multiple goals, while Crystal Palace have also converted several from long throws. Clubs are mining data and analysis to find new set-piece advantages, prompting broader tactical adoption of long throws.

Read at ESPN.com