Game version
Reef game: a minnow whose ball is poked away does five toe-taps in the “cave” and swims right back in, so everyone keeps playing. Sharks and minnows swap every round.
Sharks and Minnows
A team game where dribblers try to cross the grid while sharks try to poke the ball away.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth soccer coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Core: Jog. Each team beats its own number of crossings.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- 4 or more players
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Soccer balls, 4 cones, 4 or more players
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Dribbling
The steps
How it works
- Mark a 20 by 15 yard grid.
- Minnows dribble from one end to the other.
- Sharks in the middle poke balls out with their feet; a minnow who loses a ball becomes a shark helper.
- Play several rounds so everyone gets turns as a shark.
Coaching point
Keep the ball close and look for space.
Safety: Stay on your feet and play the ball, not the player. No slide tackles; any live challenge is only with a coach watching.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Levels: Less (sharks walk), Core (jog), More (a smaller grid). Each team beats its own number of crossings.
Story
You are minnows crossing the ocean while friendly sharks patrol.
My best
Beat your own count
Each team beats its own number of crossings. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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