Soccer Warm-up Game
Sharks and Minnows
Minnows dribble across the grid while the sharks try to kick their balls out. A fun, busy game for dribbling with your head up.
Step 1 of 8
Every minnow has a ball. Watch 1. The two sharks (S) wait in the middle with no ball.
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- 6–10
- Ages
- 5–10U6–U11
- Pace
- Intense
Works on
- Ball control
- Wins the ball
- Stamina
Set up
- Mark a grid about 20 yards wide and 25 yards long with 4 cones.
- The minnows stand on one end line, each with a ball.
- Pick one or two sharks. They wear pinnies, have no ball and wait in the middle.
- Space
- Grid 20 x 25 yards
- You need
- 4 cones · 1 ball per player · Pinnies for the sharks
How to play
- When the coach calls 'Sharks!', the minnows dribble across to the far end line.
- The sharks try to kick the minnows' balls out of the grid. Feet on the ball only, no pushing and no sliding.
- A minnow who gets to the far line with the ball is safe and waits for the next call.
- A minnow whose ball goes out becomes a shark next round. For younger kids: get the ball, do 10 toe taps and jump back in.
- Keep calling 'Sharks!' back and forth until one minnow is left. That player starts as a shark next game.
Coaching points
- Small touches to keep the ball close when a shark is near.
- Head up: look for the gaps between the sharks.
- Cut away from the shark, then speed up into the open space.
- Sharks: stay on your feet and poke the ball, never kick at legs.
Easier
Make the grid wider, use only one shark, or have the sharks walk.
Harder
Make the grid smaller, add a third shark, or have the minnows use only their weaker foot.
Run it at your next practice
With a free account, put Sharks and Minnows in a practice plan with its minutes and water breaks. At the field the clock moves on to the next drill by itself.