Beginning players often get caught up defending or trying to score in a small area but forget about the big picture and what’s happening elsewhere on the field. Zig & Zag is a beginning passing and shooting drill that develops the mindset of moving a ball up the field. At the same time, players practice passing, trapping, and shooting.
1. Six players per drill group participate. Players position themselves on the field in a zigzag pattern. 2. A and B represent fullbacks, C is a halfback, D is a wing, and E is a forward.
3. On your whistle, the goalkeeper starts the drill by rolling the ball to player A. 4. Player A then passes to B. B passes to C. C passes to D. 5. Player D crosses the ball over the field to E.
Points of Emphasis Zig & Zag is a drill that helps players work on several skill sets. Players develop a feel for knowing that a ball needs to be passed up the field. During a Zig & Zag drill, instruct players to… give sharp, accurate passes on the ground to your teammate. move quickly, but trap the ball first and have complete possession before passing it along. don’t stand still if you’re not involved in the immediate play – run in place and simulate a moving target for the passer. Progression As players gain an understanding of the game, further variations include: 1. Using defenders whose job it is to add pressure on the passers without trying to actually take the ball away. 2. Adding more offensive players so more passes can be made. 3. Running the drill from both sides of the field at the same time.
Tip #1 – Reward successful passes up the field which end with a good shot on goal. Tip #2 – Encourage beginners to develop an “entire-field” mindset and that play goes on everywhere, not just with the players who have the ball. Tip #3 – Tell players to communicate and let each other know they’re open to receiving the ball.
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