3-1 system: Role of the pivot

When a team set up in a 3-1 formation, the pivot plays a key role in providing attacking depth. It is important that all players develop an understanding of how to play with a pivot.

Organisation

Use a full court.
Place a goal at either end of the court.
Position a goalkeeper in both goals.
Divide each half into thirds.
Use cones to mark out an area comprising two thirds of each half.
Set up three defenders v. three attackers inside two thirds of one half.
Place an attacking player (the pivot) inside the final third of the half to create a 4v3 scenario.
Position the defending team’s pivot in the final third of the opposite half.

Explanation

Play begins with the defending team’s goalkeeper throwing the ball out to an attacking player positioned inside the two thirds of the half.
The attacking team aim to progress play into the pivot, who looks to hold the ball up and combine with team-mates or turn to take a shot on goal.
If the defending team turn over possession, play moves to the opposite half of the court and the teams swap roles.

Variations

A defending player joins the attacking pivot in the final third to create a 4v4 scenario inside one half.
The pivot can leave the final third.
Once the attacking team’s move is over, the exercise progresses into an end-to-end game.

Coaching points

The pivot should adapt their body shape to hold the ball up and turn to shoot (sideways on) or hold the ball up and lay it off to a team-mate (open shape).
The in-possession team’s deepest-lying player should adjust their position to provide cover against a possible counter-attack.
After receiving the ball, the pivot should look to retain possession and slow play down.
If the pivot comes short to support the play, a team-mate should occupy the pivot position