Soccer Drills - Sharks and Minnows

Improve dribbling, ball control, and evasive maneuvers while fostering fun competition among players.

1. Set Up the Field:
   • Choose a field or a large open area and mark a starting line and an end line.
   • Depending on the group size, you can adjust the distance between the lines, but typically, 10-20 yards works well.
2. Assign Roles:
   • Select one or two players to be the "sharks".
   • The remaining players are "minnows" and each will need a ball.
3. The Goal:
   • The minnows must dribble their ball from one side of the field to the other (from the starting line to the end line) without losing possession or getting tagged by a shark.
   • The sharks try to steal the minnows' balls and "tag" them by either touching the ball or the player.
   • If a minnow's ball is stolen or they're tagged by a shark, they are out of the game or must sit on the sidelines (this can be modified based on group size and preference).
4. Winning:
   • The last remaining minnow, who successfully gets across the field without being tagged or losing their ball, wins.
   • Rotate players, and let everyone have a turn as a shark and as a minnow.

1. Speed Round:
   • Set a time limit for the minnows to cross, and if they don't make it in time, they are out.
2. Tag and Run:
   • Instead of just tagging, sharks can steal the ball and take it back to their side of the field.
3. Extra Challenges:
   • For added difficulty, you can make it a rule that the minnows must dribble with their weaker foot or only use one foot to dribble.
4. Shark with a Ball:
   • Instead of just tagging, the shark can also dribble the ball to stop minnows from reaching the other side.

• Ball Control: Helps players work on dribbling in tight spaces and avoiding defenders.
• Agility: Players will improve their ability to change direction quickly and perform quick bursts of speed.
• Fun and Engaging: This game fosters teamwork and encourages players to practice their skills in a lively, non-competitive setting.