Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Sharks and Minnows

Sharks and Minnows is a very fun and simple game, but incorporates a lot of cognitive, technical, and communication skills for both attacking (Minnows) and defending (Sharks) teams. To introduce the game and concept to new players you might want to play one round without the ball.

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

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

• 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

Defending

Decision Making - close down the nearest player - focus on good defending technique

As more players join the Sharks' team, teamwork plays a part in getting the remaining players, by using pressure and cover or creating formations or blocks to make it more difficult for the minnows to beat the sharks

Coaching Points

• Dribble into space with speed and purpose - take as much space as they can
• They must have awareness of where the sharks are and be able to change speed and direction with the ball to evade the defending sharks

Context to the game

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.