Futbol Island

Futsal lesson · Attack and protect across goal · Beginner

Pivot: Turn or Combine

The pivot reads the marker and chooses a turn or lay-off.

What the coach says

  1. The pivot checks both shoulders.
  2. Pass into the pivot with room on the left.
  3. Where can the pivot take the next touch?
  4. Turn into that room and keep the ball close.
  5. The pivot returns the ball as the defender moves across.
  6. Receive again. This time the turn is covered.
  7. The marker covers the turn. What should the pivot consider?
  8. Lay off to the supporting wing.

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

    Where can the pivot take the next touch?

    • Turn to the left
    • Turn to the right

    Coach’s explanation: The left shoulder has room for a controlled turn.

  2. Question 2

    The marker covers the turn. What should the pivot consider?

    • Pass to the right ala
    • Turn toward goal

    Coach’s explanation: The right wing offers an open supporting pass while the defender protects the turn.

  3. Question 3

    True or false? The pivot checks both shoulders before the ball arrives.

    • False
    • True

    Coach’s explanation: It's true: checking both shoulders shows the pivot where the marker is and where the room is.

  4. Question 4

    The pivot wants to turn left. In which picture is there room?

    • Marker on the left
    • Marker on the right
    • Marker right behind

    Coach’s explanation: The marker is on the right, so the left side is free to turn into.

  5. Question 5

    The marker covers the turn, and the right ala is marked. Which lay-off is best?

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

    Coach’s explanation: The left ala is free with a clear lane, so the lay-off keeps the ball.

  6. Question 6

    The pivot has room on the left. Which touch turns with the ball close?

    • Big kick into the space
    • Small sole roll to the left
    • Toe poke at goal

    Coach’s explanation: A small sole roll moves the ball left and keeps it close, away from the marker.

Play it on the island