The Effect of Zig-Zag Run Training on Dribbling Agility in Futsal Games

Abstract

Futsal is a high-intensity team sport that requires players to perform rapid acceleration, deceleration, directional changes, body balance, coordination, and close ball control in a limited playing area. One of the fundamental technical skills in futsal is dribbling, which allows players to maintain possession, pass opponents, create attacking opportunities, and support team performance. However, dribbling effectiveness is strongly influenced by agility, especially the ability to change direction quickly without losing control of the ball. This study aimed to determine the effect of zig-zag run training on futsal dribbling agility among students of the Sports Coaching Education Program, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar. This research used an experimental method with a one-group pretest–posttest design. The sample consisted of 20 male students selected based on research criteria. The instrument used was a futsal dribbling agility test, supported by cones, stopwatch, whistle, and scoring sheets. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, normality testing, and paired sample t-test. The results showed that the mean pretest score was 9.095 seconds, while the mean posttest score decreased to 7.115 seconds. The mean difference was 1.980 seconds, indicating improved dribbling agility after treatment. The paired sample t-test showed that t-observed = 7.631 was greater than t-table = 2.093, with a significance value of 0.000 < 0.05. The effect size value of Cohen’s dz = 1.71 indicated a large practical effect. Therefore, zig-zag run training significantly improves futsal dribbling agility and can be recommended as an effective training method for university students.