Wheeling and Dealing

Objectives

To develop throwing and kicking techniques; and accuracy of throwing and kicking.

Organization

If more than 5 goalkeepers are involved use a circle. If 2, 3 or 4 keepers, use a square.
A target (cone) is placed in the center of the area.
The distances will depend on skills being developed.
10-yard radius for short throws and rolls.
15-yard radius for medium throws and accurate short goal kicks.
20 yards or more for longer throws and accurate kicks.
Two can compete one against the other; pairs can compete against each other; or threes - one out, winner stays in.
Ensure the center is marked to reset the target when hit and knocked off center.

Coaching Points

Encourage the kick or throw to reach the target as quickly as possible.
Use "disguise" in dispatching the kick or throw to prevent anticipation by the opposition in game play.
Over longer distances, encourage low trajectory throws to save time in the air, and to help receiver's control in game situations.
Do not let the practice go too long, as techniques can become sloppy through arm/shoulder/leg fatigue.

ABILITIES DEVELOPED	KC's EMPHASIZED
Accurate and well weighted throws and kicks.	Non-specific to KC's.

Additional Information

In the team practice, field players and goalkeepers can work on this practice together. Certain conditions should be put on the goalkeepers or field players to bring about parity. For instance, using a regular center circle as the area, the field players merely have to knock over the cone by using a side foot pass, while the goalkeepers must make a direct hit on the cone before the ball touches the ground. Or, if the radius of the circle was extended to 15-20 yards for low-drive practice for the field players, the goalkeepers could be moved a further 3-5 yards out for longer throwing practice (which is relatively easier than the accuracy required for low driving).

A pairs practice for goal kicking as a development of "Wheeling and Dealing" could be based on the practice below. Two zones are marked out with the goalkeepers kicking (from hands or on the ground) from one zone to the other. The ball must land within the zone to score a point.

Age Suitability

Age	Suitable	Comments
6-11	YES	Great for kicking and rolling the ball. Use a smaller radius for this age (e.g., 6-7 yards).
12-15	YES	Very applicable. Try to involve all the players together: field and goalkeeper.
16+	YES	Goalkeepers can work on own when field players are practicing specific skill (e.g., passing and support).