Double Pivot Drift

Objective

• -Use two central support players to escape pressure
• -Create a stable build-up shape
• -Find a forward pass after drawing the press

Setup

1. 1Mark a 30 x 25 yard area with a goal at one end and two mini goals at the other.
2. 2Set one goalkeeper, two centre backs and two pivot players for the build-up team.
3. 3Use three pressing players to start, with extras ready to rotate.

How to play

1. 1The goalkeeper starts the attack by passing to one of the centre backs.
2. 2The two pivot players must stay in the central lanes and help the team switch the ball.
3. 3The build-up team scores by passing through the mini goals or into a target player beyond the press.
4. 4Pressers try to win the ball and counter into the main goal.
5. 5After each attack, restart from the goalkeeper and swap the pressing roles.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Both pivots moving to the same space
• -Forcing the risky pass too soon
• -Flat body shape on receipt