Throw, Catch, Kick Circus
Pairs work through circus acts of throwing, catching and passing, choosing their own distance and counting together.
Each pair lays three discs at 2, 4 and 6 m and picks its distance for every circus act; the two hoops are the target rings.
Set up
- Spread pairs around the area.
- Each pair lays its own three discs in a line for its distances.
- Put two hoops on the ground as target rings for the overarm act.
8 to 12 children in pairs, an area about 25 m by 20 m.
How to play
- The coach names the circus act. Pairs choose their own distance disc.
- Acts: Juggler (underarm throw and catch), Bouncer (bounce pass and catch), Clapper (throw, clap, catch), Strongman (overarm throw to land in a hoop, partner fetches and throws back), Kicker (pass the football along the ground, partner stops it with the sole and passes back with the other foot).
- Pairs count successful acts together in 60 seconds.
- If they beat their last count, they may move to a further disc.
- Change act every 60 to 90 seconds.
Keeping everyone moving
Every pair has its own ball and space. Both partners are always throwing, catching or fetching.
Make it easier
- Use the closest disc, or a bigger or softer ball.
- Rolls instead of throws.
Make it harder
- Catch with one hand, or throw with the other hand.
- Add a quarter turn before catching.
Three things to say
- Step with the opposite foot when throwing overarm.
- Hands ready early, fingers spread.
- Ground passes firm and accurate to the partner's feet.
Words that work: "Brave to try the far disc!", "Great teamwork, you counted every catch together.", "Hard work fetching, that lifts your partner."
Colts habit
Lift each other, the pair scores as one.
Both feet
In the Kicker act, pass back with the other foot.
Heads up
Call your partner's name before each throw.
For your birth year
Pick a birth year to show the tweak for that group.
- 2017
- Strongman at 6 m, and Kicker uses one touch with the practice foot.
- 2020
- Juggler and Bouncer only, soft balls, 2 m.
- 2018 to 2019
- All acts.
A young leader can run this one, with an adult coach beside them.
Safety: Soft balls for all air throws. Throw to chest height, never at faces or heads. No heading. Keep pairs lined up in parallel lanes so stray throws do not cross.
Keeping score: Each pair's best count per act at their chosen disc, kept on a simple coach sheet by pair. Partners change weekly, so it tracks catches with anyone.