Sharks and Minnows The playing area consists of a main playing area, with two 'safe' zones on opposing sides. The safe zones are the width of the playing area and are usually marked by a line or markers. Minnows run from one safe zone to the other after the signal 'Go' or, if they are younger, following the response to the rhyme "Fishy, Fishy, may we cross your golden water?". Sharks (1-3 chosen prior to start of game depending on the size of group) have to try and 'eat' the minnows by tapping sticks with theirs (basic tackle). If they are young players, sharks should play without a stick and tap the minnows on the shoulder with their hand. Minnows that are caught become 'Seaweed' and are rooted to the spot. They are also allowed to catch minnows, turning them to seaweed. As the sessions focus is to get the players interested in long term participation the warm-up should be fun and light-hearted. Sharks and Minnows is a great ice-breaker and many players will probably have already played a version of it elsewhere. It is also an opportunity to start them off with a basic skill. At this point the focus is just to always have 2 hands on their sticks. Fine-tuning how to hold the stick can come later. Start with different numbers of sharks (e.g. 1 shark if there are 10 in the group or 3 if there are 20) and having an adaptable playing area size to suit the number of players keep the game interesting.
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
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