Sharks and Minnows: the game that gets little kids pulling flags

2026-10-08 · Marcus Bell

If your young players won't pull flags, don't explain harder. Play Sharks and Minnows.

Set it up

Two lines of cones about twenty yards apart. All the minnows stand on one line. One or two sharks stand in the middle.

Play it

• On "Go!", the minnows run to the other line.
• The sharks try to pull flags as they pass.
• Get your flag pulled? Hand it back, put it on, and you're a shark now.
• Keep going until one minnow is left. They start as the shark next round.

The one cue

"Eyes on the hips." Runners fake with their heads and arms, but their hips go where they're going. Say it before every round.

Keep it safe

No diving, no grabbing shirts, no hands on your own flags. Water breaks in the shade on hot days, and any bump to the head means that child sits out and you tell their parent.

Marcus's free First Flag Football Practice Card puts Sharks and Minnows into a whole first hour, with the parent email to send before it.