Zigzag Dribbling with Changes of Direction
Dribbling circuit through a line of cones with changes of direction and a final sprint. Works ball control with both feet, head up and change of pace.
Step 1Zigzag y sprint
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El jugador 1 conduce en zigzag entre los conos y acelera hasta la puerta final.
Objective
Improve close dribbling with short touches and changes of direction using the outside and inside of both feet, finishing with a change of pace.
Organisation
30x20 m lane with a line of four cones 5 m apart and a two-cone gate at the end. One ball per player. With more than 6 players, set up two parallel circuits to reduce waiting time.
Development
- 1The first player sets off with the ball and dribbles in a zigzag, passing alternately to the right and left of each cone.
- 2At every change of direction the player uses the outside of the foot nearest the cone and takes a short touch to keep the ball close.
- 3After the last cone, the player accelerates with two or three long touches and crosses the cone gate at full speed.
- 4The player jogs back with the ball around the outside of the circuit and joins the back of the line.
- 5The next player starts when the previous one passes the second cone. Each player completes 6-8 runs, alternating the starting foot.
Coaching points4
- Head up between touches to see the next cone and the teammates.
- Short, frequent touches near the cones; long touches only in the final sprint.
- Lower the centre of gravity on every change of direction to protect the ball.
- Use both feet: outside to change direction, inside to correct the line.
Common mistakes3
- Staring at the ball the whole time and running into cones or a teammate.
- Touches that are too long, pushing the ball away and forcing the player to slow down.
- Slowing down in the final sprint for fear of losing control.
Variations3
- Dribble only with the weaker foot for a full set.
- Race in pairs on parallel circuits: the first to cross the gate with the ball under control wins.
- Replace cones with poles to demand a wider change of direction.
Progressions2
- Add a defender waiting at the final gate to contest a 1v1 after the last cone.
- Reduce the distance between cones to 3 m to increase the frequency of touches.
Regressions2
- Increase the spacing to 7 m and allow dribbling with the inside of the foot only.
- Walk through the course in the first set to memorise the pattern.
Tips
- With young children, name each action ('outside', 'inside') so they associate the word with the movement.
- Filming one run from the side helps correct head position.