Sharks and Fish
Fish dribble across the grid while two sharks on the middle line try to tag them.
At a glance
- 20 by 20 grid. Two sharks in bibs on the middle line, and everyone else a fish with a ball each at one end.
- On Go, fish dribble to the far end. Sharks stay on the middle line, shuffle sideways and tag fish by touching them.
- A tagged fish does five toe taps, then carries on. At the far end, wait for the coach's call and dribble back.
- Pick two new sharks by lucky dip every few runs.
- Progress 1: Sharks can leave the middle line and chase the fish.
- Progress 2: Sharks kick the fish's ball out of the grid instead of tagging. Fetch it, five toe taps, back in.
If it's not working: Start with one shark.
- fish
- sharks
- run
- dribble
- 1in this order
The fish (blue) start at one end with a ball each. The two sharks (yellow) stand on the middle line (dashed) and shuffle along it. On Go every fish dribbles to the far end through the gaps. A tagged fish does five toe taps, then carries on.
Full details: set up, how to play, tips and age tweaks
Set up
- Mark a 20 by 20 grid with a cone at each end of the middle line.
- The fish all have a ball and start at one end. Two sharks in bibs stand on the middle line.
20 by 20 grid with a cone at each end of the middle line. Sharks wear bibs. Everyone else is a fish with a ball.
How to play
- On Go, the fish dribble to the opposite end of the grid. The sharks stay on the middle line, move sideways along it and tag fish by touching them.
- A tagged fish does five toe taps, then carries on to the far end.
- At the far end the fish wait for the coach's call, then dribble back. Pick two new sharks by lucky dip every few runs.
Keeping everyone moving
The booklet turns caught fish into sharks until one is left. At Colts, caught means five toe taps and carry on, the sharks start on the middle line, and they change by lucky dip.
Make it easier
- Start with one shark.
- Fish walk the ball through the gaps for the first run.
Make it harder, step by step
- Sharks can leave the middle line and chase the fish.
- Sharks kick the fish's ball out of the grid instead of tagging. Fetch it, five toe taps, back in.
Three things to say
- Keep the ball close and under control.
- Head up to see where the sharks are.
- Decide when to dribble and when to run with the ball.
Colts habit
Be brave: go past a shark, not round the outside.
Both feet
Cross with the practice foot.
Heads up
Look at the sharks, not the ball.
A young leader can run this one, with an adult coach beside them.
Safety: Keep the area clear of bags and bottles. Stay on your feet, no slide tackles. No heading.