
GK Circle Game
Objective:
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To produce a fun, challenging game.
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To develop goalkeeper throwing techniques.
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Target:
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The fastest time the team can knock down all the cones; or the first pair to score three (or four knockdowns or hits).

Organization
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Find a mark on the field (or use a quarter) to make sure you know where the center is going to be.
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Pace out from the center and put marker disks in for the four compass points of north, south, east and west, and then complete the circle.
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The distances will depend on the age of the players (4- to 5-yard radius for 6- to 7-year olds).
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Players partner up and go on opposite sides of the circle (coach may need to join in if there are uneven numbers).
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Target cones are is placed in the center.
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Initially everyone is trying to knock the cones over (with their throw) as a "team."
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Then it can become more competitive as one pair tries to get 4 (or 5, etc.) knock downs before the others. As they become better, reduce the number of cones (eventually to one).
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The reward for knocking over the single cone is that the successful thrower must put it back up on the center mark (kids will get a laugh out of that!).
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Start with a rolled throw.
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Later use the over arm throw.
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Don't use size-4 or size-5 balls for younger players.
Teaching
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Bowl the ball as you would in a bowling alley.
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Young players may need to support the ball with two hands until just before the ball is released.
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Same with the over arm throw, support the ball with both hands, but encourage them to make the final part of the throw with one hand for greater power.
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Do not let the practice go too long, as techniques can become sloppy through arm/shoulder fatigue.
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When they show arm fatigue change it to the conventional Circle Game using the foot pass.
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Progressions
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Not Applicable