Drill · U12
Throw to the Runner
Time a comfortable underarm throw ahead of a moving support player.
- Duration
- 10 min
- Players
- 2–4 (ideal 2)
- Goalkeeping
- Communication
- Movement
Setup
Step 1 of 2
One complete 2-player group is shown. Green GK holds one ball; blue 2 starts outside a clear receiving lane. The flat marker is a walking arrival point. Both agree that the ball will be a gentle underarm throw below chest height, with no jump or opposing player.
Coaching points
- Setup: Green GK holds one ball; blue 2 starts outside a clear receiving lane. The flat marker is a walking arrival point. Both agree that the ball will be a gentle underarm throw below chest height, with no jump or opposing player.
- Play: Blue calls ready and walks towards the marker. GK leads the safe space slightly with a comfortable underarm throw so blue can collect without reaching across another route. A controlled arrival and reception is one shared point; an unreachable throw is allowed to fall. Stop after this one delivery.
- Reset and rotation: Return by hand while stopped and swap server and runner after three deliveries. Rest after 30 seconds, then mirror the route. GK never throws before the runner’s readiness call or into an occupied arrival point.
- Numbers: The diagram shows 2 players. With up to 4, use a second complete group in a separate area. Odd spare players rest off the area and rotate into a playing role every 45 seconds; everyone has equal turns.
- Coach focus: Watch the runner’s pace and time the release to the reachable space, rather than aiming at the old position. The runner names the target and keeps the walking path clear.
- Safety: Adult supervision on level clear ground. Gentle service only; agree readiness before release. Stay on feet: no diving, jumps, contact, slide, contested catch or fast close shot. Stop a missed ball rather than chase. Retrieve and rotate only while play is stopped.
Equipment
- Ball · 2 per group, including a spare
- Flat Marker · 1 per group
- Flat Marker · 4 per group for field and zone corners, in addition to pictured markers
- Bib · 2 per group; colours match the pictured roles
Progressions
- Easier The receiver waits at the marker and calls for a short gentle throw.
- Harder The receiver chooses one of two nearby safe arrival points before walking; GK adjusts timing while retaining underarm gentle service.
