Pivot Possession

Objective

• -Use a central pivot to link play
• -Keep the ball when facing pressure
• -Create angles in front and behind

Setup

1. 1Mark a 26 x 20 yard rectangle.
2. 2Place one pivot player in a marked central circle or square.
3. 3Split the rest into two teams with bibs for one team.
4. 4Start with the ball on the outside and the pivot available to both teams.

How to play

1. 1The team in possession must use the pivot player before they can score a point.
2. 2The pivot can play one or two touches and must keep moving to stay available.
3. 3Defenders press the passing lanes and try to cut off the pivot.
4. 4If the ball is won, the other team starts from the nearest side.
5. 5Change the pivot often.

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

• -Hitting the pivot under pressure
• -No movement after passing
• -Crowding the central area