Sharks and Minnows

Objective

• Protect the ball and change direction away from someone trying to take it

Set-up and how it runs

• All players except two start on one end line with a ball. The two sharks start in the middle with no ball.
• On 'go', the minnows dribble to the far line. Sharks try to kick the balls out of the area.
• If your ball is knocked out, collect it and rejoin the next round — nobody sits and watches.
• After each round add one more shark, so the crossing gets progressively harder.
• Play until there are as many sharks as minnows, then reset.

Equipment

• 6 cones
• A ball for each minnow
• Bibs for the sharks

Coaching points

• Head up before you set off — go where the sharks aren't
• Body between the shark and the ball
• Change speed: slow, then explode into the gap
• If you're trapped, turn back and come again

Progressions

• Sharks must win the ball and dribble it out rather than just kicking it
• Add a safe zone in the middle where you cannot be tackled
• Minnows who are out become sharks

What it develops

Technical

Shielding the ball

Psychosocial

Competitiveness

Physical

Agility