Basketball · Defending · Footwork & pivots

Zig-zag defence

Defenders slide, drop-step and turn a dribbler in a zig-zag up the court, staying in front with their chest on the ball.

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Start / 5
Time
10 min
Players
2–12
Age
U10+
Area
Full court, split into two lanes
Equipment
6 basketballs (size 6)4 cones

Setup

  1. Split the court lengthways into two lanes, sideline to the middle.
  2. Pairs on the baseline in each lane: a dribbler with a ball and a defender facing them.

How it runs

  1. The dribbler zig-zags up the lane at half speed, changing direction every few dribbles.
  2. The defender slides in front; when the dribbler crosses over, the defender drop-steps and slides the new way.
  3. Go to the far baseline, then swap roles for the way back.
  4. Next pair starts when the first pair reaches the free-throw line.

Coaching points

  • Nose ahead of the ball: beat the dribbler to the spot, don't chase.
  • Slide with a wide base; never cross the feet or click the heels.
  • Turn by swinging the hip and drop-stepping, then push back into the slide.

Common mistakes

  • Standing upright and reaching for the ball instead of moving the feet.
  • Turning too late, so the dribbler gets past the hip.

Say it: “Beat them to the spot, swing the hip.”

Make it harder

  • The dribbler goes at full speed and can try to beat the defender.
  • Defenders keep their hands behind their back.

Make it easier

  • No ball: the attacker jogs a zig-zag and the defender mirrors.
  • Dribble changes direction only at cones.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.