Sharks and Minnows
The classic first dribbling game for young soccer players. Minnows dribble across the grid while sharks try to kick their balls out. Kids beg to play it, and every second of it builds close control with heads up.
Ages
U6 to U10
Players
8 to 20
Time
10 minutes
Focus
Dribbling with the head up
Equipment
- Cones for a large grid
- 1 ball per minnow
Setup
Make a 25x25 yard grid. Every minnow has a ball; 2 or 3 sharks start without one.
How it works
- On the coach's call, minnows dribble from one side of the grid to the other.
- Sharks try to kick minnows' balls out of the grid.
- A minnow whose ball is kicked out becomes a shark for the next round.
- Last minnow surviving with a ball wins and picks the first sharks of the next game.
Coaching points
- Little touches: the ball should stay within one step at all times.
- Eyes up between touches to see the sharks coming.
- Use both feet and change direction the moment a shark commits.
Progression
Shrink the grid every round so survivors face more traffic in less space.
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