Futbol Island

Futsal lesson · Intermediate

Pivot Comes Short: Replace the Depth

Read whether the marker follows the pivot before running into the space behind.

What the coach says

  1. When a pivot comes short, someone may need to replace their depth. First check whether the marker follows or protects the space behind.
  2. The pivot drops towards the ball and brings the marker out. The right ala can attack the depth they leave.
  3. The last defender follows the pivot. Where should your run go?
  4. The right ala runs beyond the wide marker. The fixo keeps the ball until the forward lane can be used.
  5. The last defender releases the pivot and drops towards the runner. Now the pivot is free between the lines.
  6. The last defender protects the run. Which pass uses the player they released?
  7. The pivot receives facing the next connection. The deep runner keeps defenders occupied instead of returning into the same space.

Quiz questions

Try to answer before you read the coach’s explanation. On the island you answer each one on the pitch.

  1. Question 1

    The last defender follows the pivot. Where should your run go?

    • Check short beside the pivot
    • Run into the forward space

    Coach’s explanation: The pivot has pulled the last defender forward. Run outside the wide marker into the depth behind them.

  2. Question 2

    The last defender protects the run. Which pass uses the player they released?

    • Pass to the forward runner
    • Pass to the pivot coming short

    Coach’s explanation: The marker left the pivot to follow the runner. The pivot is free now, so pass to them.

  3. Question 3

    True or false? When the pivot comes short, first check if the marker follows.

    • False
    • True

    Coach’s explanation: It's true. If the marker follows the pivot, the space behind opens for a runner.

  4. Question 4

    The right ala runs deep. What does the last defender do next?

    • Drops back with the runner
    • Runs out to press the fixo
    • Stays tight on the pivot

    Coach’s explanation: The last defender must protect the run, so they release the pivot.

  5. Question 5

    The pivot drops short on the left. Its marker follows. Where does the left ala run?

    • Back beside the fixo
    • Into the space behind
    • Short beside the pivot

    Coach’s explanation: The marker left the space behind, so the left ala replaces the pivot's depth.

Play it on the island