Sharks and Minnows

• Dribble speed – change of speed (slow to quick) can confuse a defender!
• Dribble with purpose – use speed in space.
• Awareness – Defenders go for the nearest attacker! Attackers try and dribble away from minnows – keep their heads up and don’t bump into other players.
• Teamwork – Sharks can come up with a plan when the group gets large.

To introduce the game and concept to new & younger players, play one round without the ball.

• The attacking players (Minnows) attempt to dribble across the field to the opposite end line, keeping the ball away from the Sharks.
• Players go on the coach’s command (when all remaining minnows have crossed)
• The Sharks attempt to gain possession and knock Minnow’s ball out of the grid. Once this happens, the minnow becomes a Shark on the next turn.
• If the minnow dribbles outside the playing area, they become a shark.
• The last minnow standing wins the competition.

• 20X25 yard field size. This field should be adjusted based on the skill level and the number of players participating.
• Choose one or two Sharks to start in the middle of the grid without a ball. 
• The remaining players line up with a ball on one of the end lines.

Dribbling with speed and purpose is key to getting nearer to the goal. Also, understanding when to change speed and manipulate the ball under pressure.

Defenders can learn to communicate or understand spatial awareness in relation to their teammates.

• The coach starts as the shark and allows them to cross a couple of times, to build confidence – the coach as the shark can also pressure the more advanced players more.
• Minnows can only use their left foot to dribble.
• Start the game with more sharks.
• When minnows lose the ball, they can become sharks straight away to introduce transition from attacking to defending concepts.
• Move or take away the center line to allow defenders to start where they want. This makes the game potentially harder for the minnows.