Player Preferred Moves Guide: A Definitive Look

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Mike.

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Last week I spotted a thread started by 5ini5t3r asking which PPMs are good with which player/attribute, and it occurred to me that there wasn’t a guide for PPMs for FM2010, so I’ve written one. I’ve broken it down into PPMs by Position, naming any key attributes, and with the help of Raikan007, made a list of good PPM combinations. Hopefully it’s a definitive list, but I’ve probably missed a few. Big thanks to Raikan007 for his suggestions

Note: PPMs in Italics CANNOT be taught

Player preferred moves by position

Goalkeeper:


Centre backs:
Dives into tackles: will look to go to ground more in the tackle, good for aggressive sides, however poor decision making can leave you exposed, or result in a booking or sending off.

Does not dive in to tackles: will look to stay on his feet when winning the ball, may not always make a strong challenge when its needed.

Gets forward whenever possible: Will look to get forward and get into goal scoring positions. Less useful in defensive orientated tactics. Useful for ball playing centre backs
.
Marks opponent tightly: Good for any decent defender or anchor-man, particularly if playing a man marking game.

Plays no through balls: Good for limited defenders and anchor-men, not helpful if you play with a team that creates from the back

Plays short simple passes: Will make short passes to nearby team mates, good for all central defenders except expansive ball playing ones, and more non-creative midfielders as they pass to a more creative midfielder. Good for any player with poorer passing skills. Generates a high pass completion rate

Runs rarely with ball: Useful for defenders and more defensive midfielders with poor dribbling ability, will look to pass more often.

Stays back at all times: The player will always hold his defensive position, good for a limited defenders, defenders you don’t want getting forward, and anchor-men. Do not teach if you want a more offensive centre backs and defensive Mids.





Fullbacks:
Dives into tackles: will look to go to ground more in the tackle, good for aggressive sides, however poor decision making can leave you exposed, or result in a booking or sending off

Does not dive in to tackles: will look to stay on his feet when winning the ball, may not always make a strong challenge when its needed.

Gets forward whenever possible: Will look to get forward and get into goal scoring positions. Less useful in defensive orientated tactics. Useful for ball playing centre backs.

Hugs line: Good for quick wingers and fullbacks, will look to burst down the line before looking for the cross

Plays short simple passes: Will make short passes to nearby team mates, good for all central defenders except expansive ball playing ones, and more non- creative midfielders as they pass to a more creative midfielder. Good for any player with poorer passing skills. Generates a high pass completion rate.

Possess long flat throw: Rory Delap. Nuff said

Runs with ball down left: good for quick players with good dribbling skills, combines well with hugs touchline, useless if the player has a weak left foot.

Runs with ball down right: good for quick players with good dribbling skills, combines well with hugs touchline, useless if the player has a weak right foot





Defensive Midfielders and Defensive Central Midfielders:
Comes deep to get ball: will drop off to create that little bit of space for himself and link with deeper players, particularly good for passing defensive midfielders and central midfielders, as it gives extra space to find the pass, and strikers as they drop away from their marker forcing him to hold position and possibly allow a shooting opportunity, or follow him and be dragged out of positions. Very important for lone strikers

Curls ball: Great for long range shots, as they look to bend the ball round the keeper.

Dives into tackles: will look to go to ground more in the tackle, good for aggressive sides, however poor decision making can leave you exposed, or result in a booking or sending off

Does not dive in to tackles: will look to stay on his feet when winning the ball, may not always make a strong challenge when its needed

Dwells on ball: He will look slow the game down. Good for deeper midfielders in possession style tactics, and wingers with hold up ball instructions, not so good for centre backs, getting caught in possession will likely have disastrous consequences.

Gets forward whenever possible: Will look to get forward and get into goal scoring positions. Less useful in defensive orientated tactics. Useful for ball playing centre backs. Combines well with Comes Deep for the Ball.

Marks opponent tightly: Good for any decent defender or anchor-man, particularly if playing a man marking game.

Plays no through balls: Good for limited defenders and anchor-men, not helpful if you play with a team that creates from the back

Plays short simple passes: Will make short passes to nearby team mates, good for all central defenders except expansive ball playing ones, and more non- creative midfielders as they pass to a more creative midfielder. Good for any player with poorer passing skills. Generates a high pass completion rate.

Runs rarely with ball: Useful for defenders and more defensive midfielders with poor dribbling ability, will look to pass more often

Shoots from distance: will shoot from all areas of the pitch, good for technical players, as they will pose a constant danger to the opposition, particularly for attacking midfielders and deeper strikers

Shoots with power: Good for technically adept midfielders, and strikers with good technique but poorer composure, once hit, the ball stays hit and if it’s on target will more often than not beat the keeper

Stays back at all times: The player will always hold his defensive position, good for a limited defenders, defenders you don’t want getting forward, and anchor-men. Do not teach if you want a more offensive centre backs and defensive Mids.

Stops play: Good for very low tempo possession based football, will look to take the sting out of the game, however, it can kill a flowing move. If you are looking to play quick football, particularly counter-attacking football, make sure your player unlearns this.

Tries killer balls often: This is probably the most important PPM for any playmaker, requires good decision making, passing, flair and creativity, the player will look to make defence splitting passes. Be warned, opposition players with this PPM should be watched at all times, as they have the ability to create something out of nothing.






Attacking Central Midfielders and Attacking Midfielders:
Arrives late in opposition area: these players have a very good timing when going forward, very good for players with good long shots coming from deeper positions (think Frank Lampard)

Comes deep to get ball: will drop off to create that little bit of space for himself and link with deeper players, particularly good for passing defensive midfielders and central midfielders, as it gives extra space to find the pass, and strikers as they drop away from their marker forcing him to hold position and possibly allow a shooting opportunity, or follow him and be dragged out of positions. Very important for lone strikers

Curls ball: Great for long range shots, as they look to bend the ball round the keeper.

Dives into tackles: will look to go to ground more in the tackle, good for aggressive sides, however poor decision making can leave you exposed, or result in a booking or sending off

Does not dive in to tackles: will look to stay on his feet when winning the ball, may not always make a strong challenge when its needed

Dwells on ball: He will look slow the game down. Good for deeper midfielders in possession style tactics, and wingers with hold up ball instructions, not so good for centre backs, getting caught in possession will likely have disastrous consequences.

Gets forward whenever possible: The player will look to get forward, into attacking, and often goal scoring positions. Less useful in defensive orientated tactics. Useful for ball playing centre backs. Combines well with Comes Deep for the Ball.

Gets into opposition area: An even more offensive PPM than Gets forward whenever possible, great for attacking wingers and midfielders.

Looks for pass rather than attempting to score: very good for creative players who have poor finishing/long shots (Anderson), as they’ll look to play in teammates, will generate a lot of assists.

Runs with ball through centre: will look to run at the heart of the opposition defence. Great for quick skilful strikers and attacking midfielders and central midfielders, giving them the ability to beat often beat two or three players before shooting. Important PPM for advanced playmakers looking to attack from deep

Shoots from distance: will shoot from all areas of the pitch, good for technical players, as they will pose a constant danger to the opposition, particularly for attacking midfielders and deeper strikers

Shoots with power: Good for technically adept attacking midfielders, and strikers with good technique but poorer composure, once hit, the ball stays hit and if it’s on target will more often than not beat the keeper

Tries killer balls often: Probably the most important PPM for any playmaker, requires good decision making, passing, flair and creativity, the player will look to make defence splitting passes. Be warned, opposition players with this PPM should be watched at all times, as they have the ability to create something out of nothing.






Wingers:
Comes deep to get ball: will drop off to create that little bit of space for himself and link with deeper players, particularly good for strikers as they drop away from their marker forcing him to hold position and possibly allow a shooting opportunity, or follow him and be dragged out of positions. Very important for lone strikers

Curls ball: Great for long range shots, as they look to bend the ball round the keeper.

Cuts inside: Important for Inside Forwards and good for wingers with strong opposite feet (i.e. strong right foot for left sided players and vice versa), will look to drive in at goal from their flank.

Dwells on ball: He will look slow the game down. Good for deeper midfielders in possession style tactics, and wingers with hold up ball instructions, not so good for centre backs, getting caught in possession will likely have disastrous consequences.

Hugs line: Good for quick wingers and fullbacks, will look to burst down the line before looking for the cross

Moves into channels: will look to move into space as much as possible, either between the centre backs, or between fullbacks and centre backs, good for number 9s, inside forwards and very offensive wingers, not as useful if you want your winger to be involved in build-up play (teach them to come deep as well)

Runs with ball often: looks to dribble at any opportunity. Great for wingers

Runs with ball down left: good for quick players with good dribbling skills, combines well with hugs touchline, useless if the player has a weak left foot

Runs with ball down right: good for quick players with good dribbling skills, combines well with hugs touchline, useless if the player has a weak right foot.

Shoots from distance: will shoot from all areas of the pitch, good for technical players, as they will pose a constant danger to the opposition, particularly for attacking midfielders and deeper strikers

Shoots with power: Good for technically adept midfielders, and strikers with good technique but poorer composure, once hit, the ball stays hit and if it’s on target will more often than not beat the keeper.

Tries killer balls often: Probably the most important PPM for any playmaker, requires good decision making, passing, flair and creativity, the player will look to make defence splitting passes. Be warned, opposition players with this PPM should be watched at all times, as they have the ability to create something out of nothing.






Strikers:
Comes deep to get ball: will drop off to create that little bit of space for himself and link with deeper players, particularly good for strikers as they drop away from their marker forcing him to hold position and possibly allow a shooting opportunity, or follow him and be dragged out of positions. Very important for lone strikers

Likes to lob keeper: Good PPM for quick technical strikers getting through on one on ones.

Likes to round keeper: Another good PPM for strikers, requires less technique and flair than Lob Keeper

Likes to try to beat offside trap: very good for quick poachers and number 9s, with good off the ball and anticipation, not useful if you don’t play many through balls

Moves into channels: will look to move into space as much as possible, either between the centre backs, or between fullbacks and centre backs, good for number 9s, inside forwards and very offensive wingers, not as useful if you want your winger to be involved in build-up play (teach them to come deep as well)

Places shots: top PPM for technical strikers with good composure, they will convert a very high percentage of their chances. A must for your number 9

Plays with back to goal: Ideal for strong target men, but also useful strong complete forwards, and strong lone strikers (players like Drogba, Dzeko, Zigic etc.)

Runs with ball through centre: will look to run at the heart of the opposition defence. Great for quick skilful strikers and attacking midfielders and central midfielders, giving them the ability to often beat two of three players before shooting. Important PPM for advanced playmakers looking to attack from deep

Shoots from distance: will shoot from all areas of the pitch, good for technical players, as they will pose a constant danger to the opposition, particularly for attacking midfielders and deeper strikers

Shoots with power: Good for technically adept midfielders, and strikers with good technique but poorer composure, once hit, the ball stays hit and if it’s on target will more often than not beat the keeper

Stops play: Good for very low tempo possession based football, will look to take the sting out of the game, however, it can kill a flowing move. If you are looking to play quick football, particularly counter-attacking football, make sure you player unlearns this.

Tries first time shots: Takes the shot at first opportunity, and can catch out the option defence and keeper.

Tries killer balls often: Probably the most important PPM for any playmaker, requires good decision making, passing, flair and creativity, the player will look to make defence splitting passes. Be warned, opposition players with this PPM should be watched at all times, as they have the ability to create something out of nothing.






Miscellaneous:
Argues with officials: will tend to pick up more bookings than other players, however these players also seem to high aggression and determination, and will more often than not be fired up in big games and when behind

Hits free kicks with power: Will attempt to score a screamer of a free kick, poorer players will often hit this into the wall, free kick wizards getting the round the wall will see this end up in the back of the net, works better at longer ranges

Tries long range free kicks: Looks score from almost any position. If you have a set piece wizard (Van der Vaart) this player will make opposition think twice about conceding free kicks, but poorer players will often take wasteful shot, when a cross from the free kick is a better option.

Tries to play out of trouble: will look to dribble his way out being closely marked, or closed down. Very good for quick dribblers, who’ll often leave their markers standing, however poor decision making can mean they will dribble when the pass is a better option, and potentially get caught in possession


ONE THING I SHOULD STRESS: If you have player with a PPM thats negative towards your team play (for me its dzeko's "stops play"), but you're also thinking of teaching him a one that you think is good (tries first time shots) unteach the bad one first


Good PPM combinations:
Comes deep to get ball + Gets Forward at all times (midfielders and wingers)

Runs with ball through centre + places shots/tries first time shots/lobs keeps/rounds keeper/shoots with power (quick strikers)

Tries first time shots +shoots with power/place shots (strikers)

Plays with back to goal + shoots with power + tries first time shots (strong strikers)

Shoots with power + shoots from distance (players with good technique and long shots)

Hugs Touchline + Runs with ball down left/right (wingers and fullbacks)

Some great suggestions from Raikan007:
1) strikers with good finishing and composure and technique - "place shots in corner" "round keeper" "attempt to lob keeper when 1 on 1"

2) strikers with good pace, acceleration and dribbling - "try beat offside trap" "run with ball through centre"

3) strikers with good off the ball, long shots and strength - "play with back to goal" "attempt long shots" "shoot with power" "move into channels" also can try "slow down play" (will add to target man's holding the ball up)

4) midfielders with good long shot and technique - "shoot with power" "encourage to shoot from range" "attempt 1st time shots"

Please note:
(all midfielders should be encouraged to shoot with power and arrive late in opponents area's)

5) midfielders with good passing, creativity and decisions - "attempt killer balls"

6) midfielders with good strength, positioing, concentration and decisions - "slow down play" "play a simple passing game"

7) wingers with good long shots, finishing, passing, pace and dribbling- "cut inside" "shoot with power" "attempt killer balls" "run with ball" then of course if not good at passing, finishing or long shots - "stick to the left/right hand side of pitch when dribbling"

8) defensive midfielders with good concentration, marking, tackling and work rate - "mark apponent tightly" "stay on feet when tackling player"

9) defenders should mostly all - "play a simple passing game" (unless passing above 14) "shoot with power"

10) fullbacks with good marking, tackling, concentration, team work and work rate - "mark apponents tightly"

11) fullbacks with good pace, 1st touch, crossing and dribbling - "stick to right/left hand side of pitch when dribbling" "get forward wherever possible

will be adding to this as i come across more good combinations or any PPMs ive missed, feel free to comment and give your own suggestions
 
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good guide guys.
Would be helpful to note if there's moves that cancel each other out.
Haven't encountered anything yet in this version, I think, but last year there were a few PPM that when chosen negated an earlier PPM.

Like, does "lob keeper"AND "go around keeper" work together, or just one of them?

Anyway, good work.
 
good guide guys.
Would be helpful to note if there's moves that cancel each other out.
Haven't encountered anything yet in this version, I think, but last year there were a few PPM that when chosen negated an earlier PPM.

Like, does "lob keeper"AND "go around keeper" work together, or just one of them?

Anyway, good work.
there are some that do negate the other, for eg, exactly what you mentioned above, i would believe that this would put the St in two minds what to do and wil end up squandering the chance... :D (or he could do either of them which would be beneficial oO)) hahaha.

shooting from range and places shots in corner, would be a good combination! he would try and crack them in the corners from distance add shoots with power to that and there you go!
 
curl balls cant be taught just like what he said in italics cannot be taught..anyway great post! waited for this
 
Whats the best way then to get them to learn it? get a player that curls ball and have them tutor?
 
Whats the best way then to get them to learn it? get a player that curls ball and have them tutor?
that is probably the only way and i dont think that they would even learn it (there might be certain criteria that will allow a player to curl and maybe the player being tutored will not posess these criteria's)
 
there are some that do negate the other, for eg, exactly what you mentioned above, i would believe that this would put the St in two minds what to do and wil end up squandering the chance... :D (or he could do either of them which would be beneficial oO)) hahaha.

shooting from range and places shots in corner, would be a good combination! he would try and crack them in the corners from distance add shoots with power to that and there you go!
have not tried this in FM10 yet, but i remember that in 09 places shot didnt work very well as your player just hit very weak shots at the keeper. will try this in 10 soon cos the idea itself would be great for players like fabregas, hamisk; playmakers with high finishing, techniquenand composure, as they would dribble into space, and pick ot a spot and just slot it in from 20 yards (just think how many have we seen fab do this IRL)
 
have not tried this in FM10 yet, but i remember that in 09 places shot didnt work very well as your player just hit very weak shots at the keeper. will try this in 10 soon cos the idea itself would be great for players like fabregas, hamisk; playmakers with high finishing, techniquenand composure, as they would dribble into space, and pick ot a spot and just slot it in from 20 yards (just think how many have we seen fab do this IRL)
hahha, dude, this coming from a United fan, come now :p no but seriously, he has! ******!

i am trying this too, i think it could work, hope it will! let me know if it does! will brainstorm this weekend with some more PPm's etc for this thread, think its a good idea! good job :D
 
great work. i never put close attention to ppm's .ill try it fm. thanks. this would be very helpful
 
that is probably the only way and i dont think that they would even learn it (there might be certain criteria that will allow a player to curl and maybe the player being tutored will not posess these criteria's)

It's also chance whether they will learn it even if capable of learning it from their tutor.

edit: and there's some debate whether most of those PPMs like that are actually implemented in the game...

-------


Just a word of advice about PPMs - be aware of how they change how a player plays (in what he does and how his movement and positioning is changed) and how that will then change how your team plays.

eg. if both your centrebacks have 'plays short, simple passing game', then you will see your centrebacks playing a lot of balls to the nearest friendly player. This is great to hold onto possession, but can be very, very dangerous if the opposition are pressing high up the pitch...

'cuts inside' on wingers is something which will mean you won't get much in the way of crosses from that player while your winger won't always be able to get back to his position to stop attacks starting from down his wing if the opposition win possession back. Another thing to consider is eg left wingers who only have a left foot, it's also not necessarily a good thing - the angle for any attempt to shoot won't be a good one - but if he's two-footed then obviously he will have more options.

'Gets forward whenever possible' is good for attacking fullbacks. But it will mean that you may be short-handed when counter-attacked if both your fullbacks have it and you haven't got a dedicated DMC to help cover.

'Comes deep to get ball' is good for players who are looking to find space 'between the lines' (eg a striker with it will look for space between the opposition's defensive line and their midfield line) but consider what options he'll have for passes if he gets the ball in that position. A lone striker with it will need at least one player running past him or your move will start to go sideways or even backwards.

etc. etc.
 
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Nice to see someone who has laid an in-depth thread about these. Really could be useful to people wanting to teach PPMs. Keep Up the good work mate.
 
Hi mate, nice thread and good idea... but I am a bit confused by something and hope you can help?

The way you have laid out the thread gives the impression that each PPM might be different dependant on position but under DM's the following appears discussing the benefits for strikers:

Defensive Midfielders and Defensive Central Midfielders:
Comes deep to get ball: will drop off to create that little bit of space for himself and link with deeper players, particularly good for strikers as they drop away from their marker forcing him to hold position and possibly allow a shooting opportunity, or follow him and be dragged out of positions. Very important for lone strikers

Is this a typo? My question is this: would a DMC who comes deep to get ball drop back to receive the ball from his DC's? If so would be really useful for that Pirlo type deep lying playmaker.

Otherwise, good stuff bud. :)
 
hey, sorry should have made that clearer, it is for DMC's but i was highlighting the important for lone strikers in particular, will edit that.
 
thanks for the guide very much.. I have found a regen from Milan and bought it. in media description he was said to be the next Pirlo.. I play him Deep Lying Playmaker and which preffered moves should i use?
 
comes deep, tries killer balls, shoot from distance, gets forward whenever possible,places shots. in that order
 
Just wondering, has anybody taught a player Places Shots and Shoots with power to the same player...

I had a good younger striker on an older save, he had tries first time shots and places shots and shoots from distance. He was still young 19/20 IIRC, and should have been open to trying to learn some more, but he refused to try and learn shoots with power. The combo of power and placement would be deadly.
 
Great guide sorry but I need help What player roles should I give James Beattie and Roberto Soldado am no very good at finding roles
 
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