Essential for 3-1: Pivo Passes and the Third-Man Run (Two-Player Unit + Pivo)

The 3-1 (diamond) shape with a pivo is the most common tactical setup in futsal. It is a simple but powerful system used at every level, including national teams around the world.

Even so, many players probably run into a question like this once they start playing 3-1:

"How do we create a more layered attack using the pivo?"

In this article, I will thoroughly explain, with diagrams and video, how to think about three-player relationships built around the pivo in a 3-1 and how to break the opposition down in concrete ways.

Overview

First, try to break through with the two-player relationship

Rather than forcing pivo passes blindly, first look to break through by being aware of the horizontal two-player relationship (fixo-ala).

Actions to aim for in the two-player relationship:

• one-two (backdoor)
• parallel
• support (block or curtain)
• diagonal

If the two-player unit cannot break through: use the pivo

Ideally, you can break the defence with just the two-player relationship. But if the opposition deals with it and you cannot break them down that way, cancel the two-player action, play into the pivo, and attack through the pivo instead.

At the same time, the second player, meaning the off-ball player in the two-player unit, becomes the third player, which creates a more layered attack involving the third man.

Because opposition defenders often become ball watchers and lose sight of their own mark, this kind of three-player combination can be even more powerful than a simple two-player action.

That probably still sounds a bit abstract, so let me explain it with specific examples.

Situations where the opponent is dealing with the action:

• your marker has not been shaken off
• there is cover behind
• the passing lane is blocked

In those cases, it is preferable to cancel the two-player breakthrough.

One-two

The one-two is not available

You try a simple one-two to break forward, but the defender deals with it, so you choose to play into the pivo instead.

Pivo pass: second player -> third player

After the pivo pass, the second player who made the one-two run becomes the third player and receives the ball in a good position.

Parallel

The parallel pass is not available

The fixo makes a parallel run, but the opposition defender (blue no. 1) cuts off the vertical lane, so the pass cannot be played, or blue no. 2 is firmly covering it.

Carry the ball slightly inside to create a passing lane into the pivo

In situations where the parallel pass is not on, you can usually create a passing lane into the pivo by dribbling the ball slightly inside.

At this moment, if the player who made the parallel run gives the impression of dropping slightly deeper, it becomes easier to get behind the defender.

Also, if the pivo pass is not available, you can reset the 3-1 by playing back again.

Pivo pass: second player -> third player

The player who made the parallel run becomes the third player.

Block or Curtain

Dribble inside to create a diagonal lane into the pivo

When you support the ball carrier with a block or curtain, the pressure on the ball carrier (red no. 1) drops for a moment, which makes it easier to play into the pivo in a good situation.

Pivo pass: second player -> third player

The player who set the block or curtain becomes the third player.

Diagonal

The diagonal pass is not available

If the diagonal pass is not available, a vertical passing lane usually opens up, so look to play a vertical pass into the pivo.

Pivo pass: second player -> third player

The player who made the diagonal run becomes the third player.

If the third player cannot be used

If the player who became the third man from the second-player role cannot be used, then the player who passed into the pivo, or the player closest to the pivo, should get involved and create a vertical two-player relationship (fixo-pivo).

Vertical two-player relationship (fixo-pivo):

• turn
• layoff
• overlap and pisada

Summary

What did you think?

Wasn't it simpler and easier than you expected?

Rather than overcomplicating three-player tactics, you can understand them much more smoothly by factoring them into a two-player relationship plus one.

On the other hand, if the quality of your two-player relationships is low, you will never be able to build high-quality three-player combinations.

Try to work on both two-player and three-player relationships consciously in your daily training.