Activities and Skills: Shark Attack!

On this edition of Activities & Skills, we’re featuring a favorite game from our 3 and 4-Year-Old classes. Shark Attack allows Tiny Troopers to work on their listening, dribbling, and avoiding obstacles skills at the same time. Don’t forget to check out the adaptations at the end!

What You’ll Need

For this activity, all you’ll need is a ball and at least 1 other person to play. Make sure you have a big open space outside to run around! First, remind your little one of how to dribble the ball correctly. Remind them that they only use their feet to dribble the ball. Dribbling only uses the inside of the foot, the outside of the foot, and the tops of the foot (where the velcro or laces are). The big toe should never be used to kick the ball because it makes big kicks. Spend a moment or two practicing dribbling together. If you need a refresher, this video is wonderful!

Directions

For this activity, one person will be the shark, and the other will be the person with the ball. The Shark is going to do what all Soccer Island Sharks do best – try to eat soccer balls! The person dribbling should work to keep the ball close to their feet as they dribble. When the game begins, the player with the ball will dribble around the open area. The Shark will watch and pretend to swim around. After some time has passed, the Shark will yell, “Shark Attack!” and begin chasing after the other player and their soccer ball. Whoever has the soccer ball should dribble away from the shark. This is also a good time to practice dribbling around the shark as well. The game ends when the shark successfully gets the ball away from the other player.

Adaptations and Modifications

• Younger: The shark is only able to move in slow motion toward the player, so the player has more time to escape
• Older: The shark begins the game sleeping somewhere in the green space. When they wake up, they shout “Shark Attack!”. They chase the player for 5-10 seconds before falling back asleep.
• Switch roles: At the end of each round, switch roles so that all players can experience both sides of the game.
• Safe zones: Add toys or other objects to mark safe zones. If the player with the ball dribbles to one, they are safe and the shark cannot get them.

Ready for more fun games on Soccer Island? Find your location and enroll today!