Sharks and Minnows Soccer Drill
This soccer drill is designed for U6 and U8 players, emphasizing their ability to dribble effectively under pressure. It also teaches young players how to shield the ball by positioning their body between the ball and the defender, building essential dribbling and ball-protection skills.
Sharks and Minnows FUN Youth Soccer Drill
The Sharks and Minnows dribbling drill focuses on using the body to protect the ball by placing their body in between the ball and the defender.
Drill Setup
- Build a grid approximately 20X25 yards. This field should be adjusted based on the skill level and number of players participating.
- Two players are designated the SHARK start in the middle of the grid without a ball.
- The remaining player starts with a ball on one of the end lines.
Drill Instructions
- The minnows, the players with the ball, attempt to swim from one end line to the other while keeping their ball away from the sharks.
- The sharks attempt to gain possession and knock the minnows ball out of the grid. Once this happens, the minnow becomes a shark.
- The last minnow standing wins the competition.
Drill Variations
- Players only use left foot to dribble.
- Players use outside of feet to dribble.
- Players use sole of feet to dribble.
Drill Coaching Points
- Keep the dribblers under control and not paniced once the sharks get near them.
- Inform players to keep the ball close within playing distance.
Equipment
- Disc Cones/Markers - Mini or Full-Size Disc Cones are a critical piece of equipment that every soccer coach must have in your equipment bag.
- Scrimmage Vests - Scrimmage vests, also called bibs or pinnies, are also another must-have in your soccer coaching equipment bag.
- Soccer Balls - Every player should have a soccer balls at practice to have a successful training session.
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