Sharks and minnows: dribbling under pressure
The most famous grassroots game: minnows dribble across the grid while two sharks without a ball try to kick their ball out. Lose your ball and you become a shark; the last minnow wins.
Step 1¡A nadar!
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Las sardinas cruzan conduciendo; los tiburones salen a cazar.
Objective
Dribble under pressure without panicking, shield the ball with the body and choose the moment and the space to cross.
Organisation
20x25 yard grid marked with cones, adjusted to numbers and level. Two sharks in bibs and without a ball in the middle; everyone else is a minnow with a ball on one end line.
Development
- 1On the coach's call (“swim!”), all minnows try to dribble to the opposite end line.
- 2The sharks try to win the ball and kick it out of the grid (no tackles from behind or pushing).
- 3A minnow who loses the ball leaves it outside, puts on a bib and becomes a shark for the next crossing.
- 4Once every minnow has arrived, the coach signals the crossing back.
- 5Repeat until one minnow is left; they win and pick the two sharks for the next round. Each round lasts 2-3 minutes. Play 3-4 rounds.
Coaching points4
- Ball close to the foot when a shark is within two metres; bigger touch when the path is clear.
- Body between the shark and the ball: turn your back to the defender and shield.
- Look before you go: cross where there are no sharks, not everyone through the middle.
- Change of pace to beat the shark, not just a change of direction.
Common mistakes3
- Everyone leaving in a straight line at the same time through the middle.
- A big touch with a shark nearby, giving the ball away.
- Standing still with the ball under the foot waiting for the danger to pass.
Variations3
- Left foot only or outside of the foot only for the minnows.
- Sharks may only win the ball inside a marked central channel.
- Minnows who cross three times in a row earn an extra life.
Progressions2
- Shrink the grid every round so there is less space.
- Sharks also carry a ball and must dribble while hunting.
Regressions2
- One shark only and a wider grid.
- Sharks walk in the first round.
Tips
- Change sharks often so nobody goes long without a ball.
- Count the remaining minnows out loud to keep the excitement up.