Futbol Island

Futsal lesson · Intermediate

Pivot Lay-Off: Find the Third Player

Support a marked pivot from a different line than the original passer.

What the coach says

  1. The pivot can receive with a marker behind. The original passer is being followed, so a third player must offer a different exit.
  2. The left ala finds the pivot. The fixo moves diagonally into a return lane, while the right ala holds the far defender wide.
  3. The pursuing defender follows the original passer. The fixo stays on the other diagonal to offer the pivot a separate exit.
  4. The marker stops your turn and the passer is followed. Which lay-off escapes both?
  5. The pivot lays off to the fixo. The left ala stays wide instead of running through the new passing lane.
  6. The pursuing defender turns to close the fixo. That movement frees the left ala; the pivot’s marker stays attached.
  7. Pressure has switched to you. Which continuation uses the newly freed player?
  8. The third-player connection returns the ball outside beyond the first press. The pivot moves across to occupy the last defender.

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 marker stops your turn and the passer is followed. Which lay-off escapes both?

    • Lay off to the fixo
    • Pass back to the left ala

    Coach’s explanation: The fixo arrives on a different diagonal, outside the pursuing defender’s lane. Use the third player.

  2. Question 2

    Pressure has switched to you. Which continuation uses the newly freed player?

    • Pass into the pivot
    • Pass to the left ala

    Coach’s explanation: The defender has left the original passer to press you. Release the left ala before the press arrives.

  3. Question 3

    The fixo is hiding. Tap where the fixo offers the pivot a separate exit.

    • Deep on the other diagonal
    • Next to the left ala who passed
    • Up beside the pivot

    Coach’s explanation: On a different diagonal from the passer, the fixo gives the pivot a free lay-off.

  4. Question 4

    The pivot is marked from behind and the passer is followed. Which picture shows the escape?

    • Pivot lays off to the fixo
    • Pivot passes back to the left ala
    • Pivot turns toward goal

    Coach’s explanation: The fixo is the third player, free on a different line from both defenders.

  5. Question 5

    Now the right ala passed in and is followed. Which lay-off finds the third player?

    • Back to the right ala
    • Lay off to the fixo
    • Long pass to the left ala

    Coach’s explanation: The fixo is on a different line from the passer, so the lay-off is free.

Play it on the island