Sharks & Minnows Pro

Obj: Shielding and ball protection under chase pressure; courage when hunted. Field: 25×20yd. Equip: Ball per minnow, bibs for sharks. Org: 2–3 sharks (no balls) hunt; minnows dribble end to end on coach's call. Ball kicked out = that minnow does 5 toe-taps and re-enters (never elimination — the weakest players need the most reps). Sharks rotate every 2 crossings. CP: (1) Body between shark and ball; (2) arm bar legally, feel the pressure; (3) change speed to escape — burst when the shark commits. Prog: Sharks may shadow before the crossing call; end-zone entries timed. Reg: One shark; safe islands (hoops) allowed 3s. Mist: P: turning blind into the shark; C: allowing elimination formats — standing kids learn nothing. Time: 12 min. Out: Every player crosses 8+ times; shielding posture emerges. Var: Pairs version (one shields, partner orbits for a pass). Diag: Rectangle with two end zones, minnows with balls crossing, two bibbed sharks mid-grid, curved escape arrows.