"Zig-Zag
'ometrics" The
"Zig-Zags" are a pattern of cones that you set up to work on speed and the all
important "first three steps". It doesn't matter how great a move or fake
is if it isn't followed by a burst of speed to gain space and the advantage! It
really all boils down to the first few "explosive" steps. Dutch powerhouse AJAX
has scores of little exercises like this one to improve a players acceleration.
I like the "Zig-Zag" cones because it is quick and easy to set up. Most
importantly, you can "tack" the "Zig-Zags" onto almost any shooting or running
drill to add to the conditioning. (see below) Practice time is always
limited and this allows lots of drills to become conditioning exercises, as
well. Instead of having the players run straight to the goal for a shot or wall
pass drill, have them do the "Zig-Zags" first and then go for the shot. The
pattern doesn't have to be exactly like shown in the diagrams. Move the cones
around, make some of them further apart. Have the players touch different body
parts to the cones to make it a little more interesting and difficult.
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This is the basic pattern.
Set up abut 8 cones in the pattern.
The player must dart from cone to cone
touching each one before exiting the pattern.
Add the "Zig-Zags" onto the beginning of any
shooting or passing drill. |
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Here the pattern is added onto a "wall-pass"
shooting drill. |
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Here the pattern is added onto a shooting drill that
emphasizes making a move before the shot.
This variation has the player receiving a
pass, then making a feint, and finally shooting. |
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We have all run some variation on this "circle"
running relay race. Try this one where they have to run the "Zig-Zag" pattern
as well.
Have the players touch the cones with elbows
or noses, just for fun and to add to the difficulty. |
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Instead of using the "Zig-Zag" cones try other
"obstacles". For instance, lay out a 10 ft clothesline or a line of orange
disks and have the players make a dozen 2 footed hops over and back before
resuming in the race or drill. Have them do it backwards sometimes. Try
arranging 8 "hula-hoops" just far enough away from each other to make it a
difficult leap and have the players bound from hoop to hoop before continuing
onwards. Be creative, have fun!
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This document maintained by James King
Material Copyright © 2002 |
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