
Circle Game
Objective:
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A fun center circle practice.
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Developing accurate kicking.
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Target:
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The coach uses a stopwatch to set the "team" record of knocking all cones down. Later, winners are the pair to first knock over the cones 5 (6, 8,10) times.

Organization
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Mark a circle having a center mark (line intersection; a coin; a scratched "X").
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A center circle works well, but may be too big for young players.
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5-yard radius for 6-year olds; 6-yard for 7-year olds, etc.
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Use marker disks to make a circle.
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From center spot pace out the radius by going North, South, East and West. Then fill in the rest of the circle.
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Each player on one side of the circle has a partner directly opposite.
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If there is an odd number the coach joins in.
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Each pair has one ball between them.
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One player passes the ball towards his or her partner, but tries to knock over a cone in the center circle.
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The partner retrieves the ball and returns the pass through the center circle, again trying to kick over a cone.
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The ball must be passed from outside the circle.
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The game is stopped when all cones are knocked down.
Teaching
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Encourage the players to use pace as well as accuracy of pass.
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Suggest they continue to kick towards the ball even after they have actually kicked (follow through).
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Encourage them to approach the ball at a slight angle to the direction they are kicking (45 degrees).
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Progressions
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As the children progress slightly increase the difficulty of the game, i.e., smaller target, bigger circle, etc.