Drill: Zig zag passing and turning drill
Purpose
Game to improve checking, receiving the ball on the half turn and passing
Drill area
30 v 40 layout
Set Up
  • Use cones to mark out area
  • Width of grid 30 - 40 meters.
  • Turning players located in the middle of the grid.
  • Distance of target gates at the side of grid 3 - 5 meters.
  • Supply of balls
Structure
Ball is passed from server on the side of grid to turning player in the middle. Server follows pass to become middle player. Middle turning player turns, passes and follows pass to player at the other side of the grid. Player controls the ball to the side, passes and follows ball to the next middle player. Middle player turns, passes and follows to end of grid player. Repeat from side to middle to side to middle in a zig zag pattern. Players always follow their passes.
Coaching Tips
  • Check away then back to receive the ball
  • Receive the ball on the half turn, with open shoulders
  • Control towards the next pass
  • Head up before passing, to "picture" passing target
  • Accurate pass
  • Quickly follow the ball
Progressions
  • For younger players, shorten the distance.
  • To increase the tempo and pressure on the players introduce a second and third ball
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