The Circle Game
In it’s simplest form the Circle game is shown below. It is a fun center circle practice that develops accurate kicking. However, a conventional center circle would be too big for players Under 10. With the 6-year olds below, mark in a circle with marker disks with a 5-yard radius.

Game Rules

• Eight players on the outside of the center circle – or whatever number you have. If you have odd numbers the coach joins in.
• Each player on one side of the circle has a partner directly opposite.
• Each pair has one ball between them.
• One player passes the ball towards his or her partner, but tries to knock over a cone in the center circle.
• The partner retrieves the ball and returns the pass through the center circle, again trying to kick over a cone.
• The ball must be passed from outside the circle.
• The game is stopped to pick up the cones.
• The coach keeps the time with a stopwatch to see how long it takes to get a “Team” record.
• Insist that at least one, preferably two, of the Kickouts are done with the “other” foot.
• The example above is for 6- and 7-year olds.

• Now each pair competes against the other pairs.
• First pair to score 5 knock-downs wins.
• Player who knocks down the cones is “rewarded” by having to put it up again!
• Don’t forget to have a round or two of the weak foot (normally the left) only.

• For 12 – 18 year olds a 10-yard center circle would be fine.
• If they are really successful use a 6” cone, rather than a 12”.

• 15 yard radius.
• Balls must be driven.
• Knockdown doesn’t count unless the ball exits the center circle after knocking down the cone.
• Stops side of the foot passes as they will lack the power to exit.
• Compels the players to “kick the ball with the laces” to generate the power.