PassingFundamentals

Zigzag Passing Drill

Passing in a zigzag line down the field builds passing accuracy on the move and gets players comfortable receiving from different angles.

Age RangeAges 9+
Duration8–10 minutes
Group Size5+ players
SportLacrosse

Equipment Needed

  • One ball per group
  • Cones

Mark the zigzag pattern

A set of cones is exactly what this passing pattern is built around — worth having a dedicated set.

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Setup

  • Players form two staggered lines facing each other, angled down the field.
  • One ball starts at the front of one line.
Zigzag Passing DrillAAABBBDiagonal pass across, sprint to the back of the other line

Instructions

  1. The player with the ball passes diagonally across to the first player in the opposite line.
  2. After passing, sprint to the back of the OTHER line to keep the zigzag moving.
  3. The receiving player catches, then passes diagonally to the next player across, continuing the pattern.
  4. Continue the zigzag pattern the length of the field, then reset and reverse direction.
Coaching Points
  • Passes should lead the receiver slightly so they can catch while still moving, not standing still.
  • Sprinting immediately after passing keeps the whole group moving and engaged rather than standing in line.
  • Catch with the stick, not the body, cushioning the pass into the pocket.
  • This drill builds conditioning as a side benefit — keep the pace brisk.

Variation

Add a defender jogging alongside the pattern to add light pressure, or require a specific number of passes before a shot at the end.