Sharks and Minnows

A beginner lacrosse game called “Sharks and Minnows”. In this game, one or two kids start as sharks in the middle, while the others try to cross from one side to the other without being tagged. If a minnow is tagged, they become a shark. The goal is to cross as many times as possible. The minnows have lacrosse sticks and must carry the ball to the other side. The sharks do not have sticks and only run to tag the minnows.

Benefits

The lacrosse game “Sharks and Minnows” offers several benefits, especially for young and beginner players:

• Improves Agility and Speed: Kids need to run quickly to avoid being tagged, which enhances their agility and speed.

• Develops Hand-Eye Coordination: The minnows must cradle the ball while running, which helps improve hand-eye coordination.

• Encourages Teamwork: Although it is a competitive game, kids learn to work together to avoid being tagged and to communicate effectively.

• Quick Decision-Making: Players must make quick decisions about when and where to run to avoid being tagged.

• Fun and Motivation: It is a dynamic and entertaining game that keeps kids engaged and motivated during practice.

• Develops Defensive and Offensive Skills: Sharks practice defensive skills by trying to tag the minnows, while minnows practice offensive skills by trying to cross the field.

This game is not only fun but also helps kids develop fundamental lacrosse skills in a playful and effective way.

Start of the game

• One or two kids are sharks

• The others try to cross without being tagged

• Everyone runs at the same time

Game rules

• Sharks tag the minnows

• Tagged minnows become sharks

• The goal is to cross multiple times

Use of equipment

• Minnows have lacrosse sticks

• Sharks do not have sticks

• Minnows must carry the ball to the other side

Variation:

The sharks also have sticks, and their objective now is to knock the ball out of the minnows’ sticks