Zig zag drill diagram
Zig zag drill step by step
- 1
O1 starts on the baseline in the right corner, and X1 is in a stance a step in front. O1 dribbles on a diagonal toward the middle, and X1 slides to stay in front.
- 2
O1 changes direction back toward the sideline. X1 drop steps, opening the hips toward the new direction, and slides again without crossing the feet.
- 3
Another change of direction and another drop step. X1 keeps the head over the dribbler's chest and stays low.
- 4
The pair keeps zig-zagging to the far baseline. O2 and X2 start when the first pair reaches half court.
- 5
At the far baseline, the partners switch roles and zig-zag back down the other half of the court.
How to set up the zig zag drill
Split the court in half the long way. Pairs line up on the baseline in each corner: one dribbler and one defender. Each pair stays in its half of the court, working between the sideline and the middle of the floor.
Start the next pair when the pair in front reaches half court, so there is always space between them.
How to run the zig zag drill
The dribbler goes on a diagonal toward the middle, changes direction, and goes back toward the sideline, zig-zagging all the way to the far baseline. The defender stays in front the whole way. At each change of direction, the defender drop steps: the foot on the side the dribbler is heading swings back, the hips open, and the defender pushes off into a new slide.
Run it in stages. First, the offensive player jogs without trying to beat the defender, and the defender works on footwork. Then the dribbler goes at half speed and changes direction when they want. Last, make it live: the dribbler tries to get by, and the defender tries to turn them as many times as possible before half court.
Zig zag drill coaching points
Stance
Feet wider than the shoulders, knees bent, back fairly straight, and hands out. The head should stay level during slides and not bob up and down.
Slide without crossing
Push off the trail foot and step with the lead foot. The feet should never come together or cross during a slide.
Drop step
When the dribbler changes direction, swing the foot on that side back and open the hips. It is the quickest way to turn without losing position.
Head on the ball
Keep your head in front of the dribbler's chest. If your head gets even with their shoulder, you have to run to recover.
Defensive slide drill variations
No-ball zig zag
The defender slides between cones or the lane line and the sideline with no offense. Hands behind the back makes them use their feet.
Zig zag with a retreat step
Add a sprint when the dribbler gets a step ahead. The defender turns, runs to get back in front, and then goes back to sliding.
Zig zag to 1-on-1
Zig-zag to half court, then play 1-on-1 live at the far basket.
Zig zag dribbling
The same pattern as a dribbling drill. The dribbler works on a crossover or a between-the-legs change of direction at each turn.
Zig zag drill for younger players
With 8U and 9U players, run the no-ball version first and walk through the drop step. A half-court zig zag is enough at this age. Keep the reps short, since tired legs lead to standing up and crossing feet.
Common zig zag drill mistakes
- Standing up tall during slides, which slows the defender down.
- Crossing the feet or bringing them together during the slide.
- Reaching for the ball when the dribbler changes direction.
- Turning and running too early, before the dribbler has beaten them.
- Offensive players going at full speed before the defender has learned the footwork.
Practice it at home
A one-player drill for the same skill, with a video clip, steps and a rep count.
Zig zag drill FAQ
What is the zig zag drill in basketball?
A full-court drill where a dribbler goes on diagonals from side to side while a defender slides to stay in front, using a drop step each time the dribbler changes direction.
What is a drop step on defense?
When the ball handler changes direction, the defender swings the foot on that side back and opens the hips so they can slide the new way. It keeps the defender in front of the ball.
How do you do defensive slides in basketball?
Get in a low stance with feet wide. Push off the trail foot and step with the lead foot, keeping the feet apart and the head level. Do not cross or click the feet together.
Is the zig zag drill a dribbling drill or a defensive drill?
Both. It is usually run as a defensive slide drill, but the dribbler gets change-of-direction work at the same time. Many coaches run it both ways.