3-1 system and rotations

Setup

1. A cone for each spot in the attacking half: fixo (F) at halfway, an ala (L and R) wide on each side, the pivot (P) near the 6 m line.
2. A keeper in goal. Spare players queue at halfway and come in on the next go.
3. Start unopposed; add two defenders once the rotation flows.

How it runs

1. F passes to an ala and follows the pass outside them; the ala carries inside to become the new fixo.
2. The new fixo switches the ball to the far ala, who plays into P and spins in behind for the lay-off.
3. Finish with a shot, then reset on the cones. Run it to both sides.
4. After 5 minutes, add the pivot rotation: when an ala plays into P, P drops out wide and the ala takes the pivot spot.

Coaching points

• Always keep the 3-1 shape: one back, two wide, one high.
• Whoever leaves a spot, someone fills it straight away.
• Pass, then move at once. The pass is the trigger.
• P shows for the ball with an arm out and lays it off first time when marked.
• Talk: call the name of the spot you're filling.

Common mistakes

• Two players filling the same spot and nobody back at fixo.
• The ala carrying inside with their head down.
• P standing still on the defender instead of moving to show.