A distribution drive for a roll in a processing machine, and particularly in a press which has an improved axial motion distribution mechanism and which requires little installation space. This is achieved by an input drive mechanism coupled to a drive having at least one pinion gear 8 which is coupled to a gear 10. Arranged on a side face of the gear 10 is a first pin 17 which, together with a second pin 22, forms a rotary joint 20 by the first pin 17 penetrating the second pin 22. Together with a bearing arm 23, the second pin 22 forms a sliding joint 21, with the second pin 22 being accommodated at the ends in the bearing arm 23, and the bearing arm 23 being coupled to the roll 3.