The Better Half´s Tactical Sets (No Wizard)

hi TBH what do u think about the possibility to import the team settings and the player setting into a wizard formation??? for example, this r the settings in the wizard for the 4-4-2 TM from the appendix of the TT&F

Goalkeeper Defend
Full Back Automatic
Centre Back Cover
Limited Defender Stopper
Full Back Automatic
Winger Attack
Ball-Winning Midfielder Defend
Box-to-Box Midfielder Support
Winger Attack
Target Man Support
Poacher Attack

Philosophy Very Rigid
Passing More Direct
Creative Freedom Default
Closing Down Press More
Tackling More Aggressive
Marking Default
Crossing Default
Roaming Default

I was thinking to set the different versions of the wizard following yr 6 versions, the same for the players role (also if in yr 4-4-2 TM the 2 Centre Back have the same setting, and in the wizard they r different).

Do you think it will work???

_perfido_

If you manage to get the positioning settings correct ( i-e mentality, closing down, the width) , then I see no reason why you should not be able to recreate this set using the Wizard.

I think that you, already knowing the differences between the versions and can tell why attack away is different than balance, can pull it off(H)
 
Hello TheBetterHalf,

I'v always considered myself as a big fan of your tactics. I used them frequently and in different ways in fm09 mostly with impressive results. As soon as I saw that you revisited them for fm10 I'd wanted to give them a try (since I got fired with Fiorentina :S I also had a good occasion).

Anyway I'm in my second season with Arsenal using the 4312 target man optional. I score goals like there's no tomorrow however I also concede heavily. I havn't mastered picking the right set Fully, but I think I'm well underway and have a decent idea whenever to pick what tactic...still 30-19 goals-conceded in 9 games season 2 (and 70-47 in season 1) is a bit out of order in my opinion. I played just 1 game (europe, cups, league etc included) where I didn't concede atleast 1 goal...
I play with clichy, vermaelen/gamberinni (speaks little english), naldo and sagna/eboue. I also tried giving them less attacking mentality when using an rather attacking set, and switching zonal/man etc.

Any idea's suggestions on how to change this flaw in my games. Except for that I fully recommend these tactics, I think there'r wonderfull (aswell as the happy hammer projects!)

Cheers
 
Hello TheBetterHalf,

I'v always considered myself as a big fan of your tactics. I used them frequently and in different ways in fm09 mostly with impressive results. As soon as I saw that you revisited them for fm10 I'd wanted to give them a try (since I got fired with Fiorentina :S I also had a good occasion).

Anyway I'm in my second season with Arsenal using the 4312 target man optional. I score goals like there's no tomorrow however I also concede heavily. I havn't mastered picking the right set Fully, but I think I'm well underway and have a decent idea whenever to pick what tactic...still 30-19 goals-conceded in 9 games season 2 (and 70-47 in season 1) is a bit out of order in my opinion. I played just 1 game (europe, cups, league etc included) where I didn't concede atleast 1 goal...
I play with clichy, vermaelen/gamberinni (speaks little english), naldo and sagna/eboue. I also tried giving them less attacking mentality when using an rather attacking set, and switching zonal/man etc

Any idea's suggestions on how to change this flaw in my games. Except for that I fully recommend these tactics, I think there'r wonderfull (aswell as the happy hammer projects!)

Cheers

The 4312 WILL concede much more goals than the 4132 simply down to the fact that only has one player in midfield devoted to a defensive role( The MCc). If the set makes you underachieve in terms of points, won matches etc, then I suggest you try the 4132 instead though but if results are fine, I would stick to the set

Another idea ( that I use) is to combine the 4132 and the 4312, using the more defensive formation and vice versa . Persoanlly, I prefer the 4132 though
 
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Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project



Here comes the second project, this time playing as Bolton using a 4231 that was chosen by vote. Below the screenshot of the formation, links to the different matches are added one by one as the season goes along

Tactics will be uploaded, just not yet
notlob1.png



NOTLOB, the palindrome of Ipswich


The Bolton Project



First match of the season ]was away against Man U, so I started with the version 7.Defensive, where the AMR/L are dropped back into MR/L, making it a 4411


- We started out by scoring from a header, a cross from a free kick. United then pushed forward and raised their d-line so I switched to 6.Counter since the way I saw it, there was just no way that we would have managed to cope with the pressure they put us under, hence our best chance where to get a second goal on the break and guess what, we almost did. Instead Rooney scored 2 goals within 2 minutes and after us equalising 2-2, they scored again in the 2nd half. Tactically, I was happy with the match but not with the performances of some of our players. All United CCcs and goals came after multiple individual errors, the ball bouncing back and forwards on our players, making them look like schoolboys on Cider. I dont now if this was the ME telling me that we are **** but it looked hilarious, especially when our GK kicked the ball softly in the back of the head of our DC, making the ball bounce 20 yards, only for Rooney to score into an open goal
biggrin.gif


Anyway, after they had scored their 2-1, I went back to 7.Defensive again which was a correct choice( us scoring using it) and I stayed with that version until 10 minutes left when I pushed everyone forward, this time not being so lucky

1unitedb.png



1manu.png



Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 2 Bolton - Hull 1-1​


2nd game of the season and I was unsure how that players would react to the prior loss, although it was at Old Trafford. We started with 5.Balanced as this is a version that works great if being unsure.

WE started by playing nervously and as a results, HUll scored( Sol Campbell) from a rebound after a corner, us being unable to get ride of the ball. After 20 minutes we had a very poor passing completion, especially in midfield. I continued with using Balanced and this had 2 effects.


Arrow 1 and 3 ( in the screenshots). We had lots of possession in the final third but without threatening at all. We played the ball forwards and backwards between our players, thereby raising our passing completion but all attacks ended with a poor cross taken under pressure, hoofed into the box where we where outnumbered.

2.) Hull also managed to hold possession good in defence as we where not closing down enough

Naturally, I have not jumped to these conclusions by just looking at the screenshots but they merely conformed what i saw in the game ( played it in full match)

After 60 minutes, perhaps 20 minutes too late, I switched to 4.Attack away to position our selves higher up in the pitch and play more aggressive and with more t-balls. Normally, i would have implemented this change earlier but I wanted to see if the version worked as a set and that the version 4.Attack away worked just like it should when being 100 % sure why the Balanced version had failed. Anyway, we managed to score after stretching their defence and we almost got lucky in the final minutes after I had gone more attacking ( 3.Attack Home)


hullhome.png



Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 3 Wolves - Bolton 0-0​


Once again, We started with 5.Balanced as I was highly unsure on how attacking they would be. After only 10 minutes, they seemed to have gone very defensive, playing slow and with a deeper d-line. I then changed up a version, using 4.Attack away.

The game ended 0-0 and when analyzing the game, in game and afterwards, you can spot 3 patterns. Once again, look at the numbered arrows in the screenshots

1. ) Many of our shots came from outside the box and their goalkeepers made some great saves and their defenders had the composure to get ride of the ball, just in time. IN games like this, specific competence often is the decider but as we lack a player to put those balls into the net, we failed these kind of chances

2.) All 4 of our CCCs came from headers but today we failed to convert. This stat I am happy with as we possess great aerial ability and on a slightly better day, we score 1 or 2 goals this way. After all, we are Bolton

3.) All their chances came after hoofing the ball upfield onto their 2 attacking players. They where usually surrounded by at least 5 players so they where forced to taking long shots, undangerous ones. By playing this way, hoofing and being under pressure, they got a very low passing completion and a poor possession %-age. Against a better team using this approach, we could have suffered though as they would have used their flair and specific competence to score anyway, but they where Wolves so we managed to keep the shape of our defence

Looking back at the game, I shoudl probably have used the version 2.Control after 55 minutes as they still sat deep with their team and their attackers where having a day

wolvesaway.png






Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 4 Bolton - Stoke 2-1, our first win of the seaon


This is a game that we should win as we have the advantage of being the home team and since we play similar.

As weather reports suggested that it was going to be wet, I wanted to use a quicker approach but without being hit on the break. Therefor, i tweaked the 3.Attack Home version by lowering the d-line and making our fullbacks stay back at all times. I also made our players play more direct.

We started out by scoring 2 goals in the first half, both from crosses. Our fullback played the ball down the flanks, into our wingers that crossed the ball into the box for our FCC and AMC to head into the net.

In the second half, after they had scored from a free kick, I reverted to the version 6.Counter, playing similar to the attack home but this time sitting deeper with the team and concentrating on hitting them on the break. The reason ?. - They had raised their d-line and had their fullbacks bombing forward at all times.

in the 75 minute, I switched to 7.Defensive to see the game out and they never threatened us as they simply are too weak to break us down.

The stats:

1.) In this game, we both break a direct game and the players ran many kilometers. After 60 minutes, most of their players where really tires but as we made smarter subs, we still had the concentration to be on out toes in defence

2.) All their good chances came from headers late in the game but they did not have the ability to convert, being tired and out of balance



stokehome.png







Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 5 Chelsea - Bolton 0-0, a lucky draw


As Chelsea are superior to use, I went for the version 7.Defensive and tweaked it by playing down the flanks since they lack in wide players and pack the midfield

We where very lucky in this game and if we had conceded , I dont really know if our "plan B", playing more aggressive and down the flanks using 6.Counter, would have pulled us back in the game

When looking at the version picking so far, so can see that I have been rather cautious and this will probably be the case for the coming matches as well. If facing a equal team playing defensive, i am not sure that we have the ability to use 2.Control so I will stick for the more defensive version for now


chelseaaway.png





Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 6 Bolton - Arsenal 1-0 , snatching all 3 points



This was also a game where we started with 7.Defensive as I saw it as a great way of snatching a point or maybe all 3.

We played poor in attack but our defenders where doing a good job. All arsenals chances can from headers in bad angels and their players looked as they where out of balance. They did hit the woodwork once bit that was from a scramble in the box after a corner, us almost making an own goal.

When Arsenal went even more attacking, playing with 4 attackers, I switched to 6.Counter and we managed to hit them on the break and as my FCC was fouled inside the box, we scored the winning goal in the last minute on a penalty.

arsenalome.png




Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 7 Bolton - Liverpool 2-0


Today, I felt like the set was coming together nicely and I started with 5.Balanced. i also implemented some specific man-marking against some of their main threats


- Our AMC and FC to take out their DMCs and our Wingers on their fullbacks. This way, they where forced to play longer balls and get shorter attacks.

- Our DMCleft on their AMC and our DCright on their lone FC

- I also showed their AML inside onto our DMCright but their AMR down the line as their where no cover in midfield , our DMCleft marking their AMC . I managed to get to the AML but failed against the AMR as he skinmned our DL time after time, managing to drift inside where our DMCleft where pulled out of position. This way , he got the best of their chances

poolhome2.png


WE got off to a fantastic start and scored after 2 minutes only after having put pressure on their DL. A quick cross into the box and we headed the ball into the net. After 18 minutes we did it again, this time form the right flank.

after this, they started to play much more cautious and ion the 2nd half, i switched to 7.Defensive. It almost backfired in the last 15 minutes as they put us under a lot of pressure but as Kuyt ( FC) had a bad day, being under so much pressure when receiving the ball, he missed his chances. This also shows that a CCC can be reduced into something else, a chance that he simply can not convert.


Looking at the stats, this is found to be normal when 2 teams playing with 2 DMCs meet. both teams are restricted to long shots as their is very little space to play a t-ball into.

poolhome1.png



Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 8 Bolton - Sunderland 2-1



I difficult match, especially since having had some great results. I started using 5.Balanced

Once again the opponent where too passive and we scored 2 quick goals and after being 2-0 up after 25 minutes, I switched to 2.Control as they parked the bus. They scored from a corner late in the first half and in the 2nd, when they came out as a new team, I switched to 7.Defensive and saw the game out. They played ball onto their big target man and whilst he managed to win many headers, their main threat bent, quick and lethal in front of gaol, never where involved in the game and he got stuck with 4 players around him. He only made 8 passes, no run with ball and ended up having a rating of 5.2. Wealso managed to miss a penalty in the 2nd half.

We are still giving away too many corners for my liking but then again, this is common when playing with no MR/L and 2 dmcs as the space is found down the flanks


sunderlandhome.png



Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 9 Burnley - Bolton 2-4


Filled with confidence, I started with 4.Attack away. Our lone FC, the fellow Swede Elmander, was on fire in this game and his constant moving made the Burnley defenders dizzy.
After having scored 1-0, 2-1 and 3-1, i noticed that they referee was not handing out any cards so I used the OI to hard tackle all their defenders and midfielders, leaving out the attackers as it could results in penalties.

As you can see in the screen, they pulled back rather quick after we had scored our goals, but after us having scored 4-2 using 6.Counter, we were closer 5-2 then them pulling back again. Our wingplay was excellent and they had no weapon against the constant moving into channels and cutting in. On another day, using a more cautious version, the scoreline would perhaps have been 0-1, 1-1, 1-2 but today, I wanted us to score, firstly playing high up in the field and then launching quick counter attacks. ( in the counter version, the Fc play on the shoulder of the defence, set the highest of mentality, the rest of the team having around 6-8 in mentality. As we play with 3 by position attacking players behind him, his high mentality vs their low mentality still does not isolate him as we still get forward when playing on the break and them being high up in the field by, as previously mentioned, their default position

burnleyaway.png


Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 10 Birmingham - Bolton 0-1


Once again, we faced a team that were struggling bug time. In fact, they were bottom of the league and as the match started, it was clear that they lacked the confidence to attack so instead they parked the bus and played passive. Looking at the stats, you can see that we controlled the midfield and whilst our DMC made only one key pass, our AMC managed 4, playing in the whole between their defence and midfield.

birmaway2.png

The starting version chosen was again 4.Attack away and by staying with that version even though not scoring, we managed to break them down in the end. In the final minutes I reverted to 7.Defensive and we saw the game out with ease

briminghamaway.png



Those were the games played so far. i have also won against Leeds and QPR ion the LC, only to be knocked out after loosing 2-o away to undefeated Spurs

Table after 10 matches


table10.png











 
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I really admire the amount of time and effort you put into your tactics and the amount of testing you do.A big well done and thank you,its much appreciated. Keep up the great work.
 
I'm busy using these tactics with my Wolves save and I am slowly getting used to what to pick for which match. I usually like to have quick games but when I'm in the mood for a more "thinking" experience I play on the wolves save. So far I have played 12 premier league games with the 4-4-2, W/D/L = 4/5/3, most notably was a 1-1 away draw with Chelsea and a 2-1 home win over Liverpool. My results have continued to get better as I figure out what to pick and really study whats happening in my games.
 
Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 11 Bolton - Man City 2-0


The confident team !

We started with 5.Balanced and as even as the game was, we where the more confident team. We scored 1-o from a long shot/Shay Given blunder. After that, they here restricted to long shots with our 2 DMCs being in the way maing them less dangerous.

In the 2nd half, after switching to 6.Counter, we scored from a on-on-one than was not considered a CCC by the game. In the 65 minutes, I switched to 7.Defensive and saw the game our, almost scoring 3-0 from a chance that I struggle to see how it could not be considered a CCC.

As said in the beginning, we where the confident team and therefor we managed to convert

mancityhome.png

---------- Post added at 02:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 PM ----------

Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 12 Portsmouth - Bolton - Man City 0-2


Playing against a defensive approach withing a defensive formation​



Take a look at the stats below. I was using the 4.Attack away and against team playing with so many men committed to a defensive position by default, its really, really hard top penetrate them. We hit them on the break in the first half, a quick ball over the top and in the 2nd half, after switching to 6.Counter, the same thing happened. I saw the game out with 7.Defensive

But against such formation and without us having the quality to stretch their defence or use the version 2.Control, stats like this acure. We managed to complete probably just 1 cross and we where restricted to long-shots in bad angels with all those player between the goal and the shooter. If I had been a better team, i would probably have used Control or, the best choice, a Overload version, to either stretch their defence with restricted crosses or by putting so much pressure on them that they would make defensive errors


pompeyawayt.png
 
Wow.

You have put so much work into this thread and your tactics, Thanks for making them its not like you have to but i guess you enjoy it?

If you do need any of the tactics testing let me know you have me on msn so just tell me what team and send me the tactic and i will test them for you. :D
 
Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 13 Bolton - West Ham 2-1


-Handling overconfidence, complacency​


As from now, if results keep coming, teams will consider us a much bigger threat. In terms of tactics, this often means that they play more compact and try to hold possession better, drawing us onto them before launching quick attacks, often down the flanks onto running wingers, drifting strikers etc. combined with our players starting to be a little cocky, the coming matches will a challenge indeed. In this game we went 2-0 ahead, controlling the match with 4. Attack away. After those goals, the teams just stopped playing and I had to sub 3 players that showed no interest in participating in the match. In the end, we won but it was a tough call.

In this match, their DMC where pulled out of position by our deep dropping FC that kept rifting sideways, our AMC moving into the space he created. He scored 2 goals and had all 3 CCCs

westhamhome.png
 
hezho why is sol campbel valued at 800 euros in your game ?
 
hezho why is sol campbel valued at 800 euros in your game ?

What ever made you come to that conclusion ??

( posted in the wrong thread perhaps ?)

---------- Post added at 05:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:25 PM ----------

I really admire the amount of time and effort you put into your tactics and the amount of testing you do.A big well done and thank you,its much appreciated. Keep up the great work.

Thanks

---------- Post added at 08:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:29 PM ----------

Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 14 Fulham - Bolton 1-1


-Once again, Handling overconfidence, complacency​


I started with 5.Balanced

They scored after 2 minutes and had 2 more chances after my midfielders just did not seem to care about positioning, marking or closing down. This might be form, complacency etc, but no matter, my answer was easy, I reverted to 7.Defensiv as I new that we would loose big time being otherwise, the players not majing any runs or tracking back etc.

After the change we pulled back and grinded out a draw


fulhamawayo.png


Bolton - the palindrome of Ipswich Project


Match 15 Bolton - Spurs 2-0


This match, i was a bit afraid of as we in the prior match seemed uninterested. and against such a good team, the version would not matter

The opposite happened though and we where really fired up, scoring from 2 good chances. Their wingers where forced to throw ins instead of corners and our tackle was superb. 1-0 was scored with 5.Balanced and 2-0 after having switched to Counter, they having raised their d-line and pushed up their fullbacks to a maximum


spurshoome1h.png


In the second half, I reverted to 7.Defensive as I suspected that they would play very attakcing and on the counter, thus giving us the control having men behind the ball, especially down the flanks. We missed a penalty and in the end won conrortably with 2-0


spurshome2h.png



Played 22 matches now with Bolton and this is the table

This will probably be enough for this project



table22.png


 
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hi TBH, where is the link for download the 4231 tactic??? I can't find it... oO)

_perfido_
 
hi, apparently, 'everyteam' you touch turn into gold and you've tempted me to create a tactic that does not require the wizard as your tactics have yielded me good results :D
 
hi TBH, where is the link for download the 4231 tactic??? I can't find it... oO)

_perfido_

Not yet no, it will be uploaded later this week as I needs more testing with a better team than bolton to evaluate the versions attack home and control
 
Hi. I've got a question about 4-4-1-1 thread. I have difficulties with chosing best players at MCr and AMC positions. What should the most important attributes for these positions. MCr is playing similarly as a playmaker (passing, technique, creativity, off the ball) and AMC rather like second striker (pace, acceleration, long shots, etc.). Sorry, if I made some language mistakes. I'm not an english-speaker. Waiting for reply...
 
Hi. I've got a question about 4-4-1-1 thread. I have difficulties with chosing best players at MCr and AMC positions. What should the most important attributes for these positions. MCr is playing similarly as a playmaker (passing, technique, creativity, off the ball) and AMC rather like second striker (pace, acceleration, long shots, etc.). Sorry, if I made some language mistakes. I'm not an english-speaker. Waiting for reply...

Just like in any tactic, the AMC needs to be able to both setup the striker and place him self in a position where he is a good passing alternativ. ( so passing and off the ball). The MCr should also be able to move into channels and setup other players. soo its basiclly the same player type. In the end,. its all down to the level playing at. If your more defenisve MC and wingers lack in tackling, posititing , it will not matter how good your AMC and MCVR are as we will struggle to break up attacks.
 
If anyone wants to betatest my new 4 ( flat 4) - 1 ( dmc) - 3 ( MR, MC, ML) - 2 ( Fc target man, Fc poacher) set, using a top team, I would be most happy.

Just write here in the thread and i will provide you with a link in a pm

Cheers

---------- Post added at 10:26 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 07:01 PM ----------


The version 7.defensive have been uploaded in this post

2 more games played with my Bolton save, though I have now switches to the new 4132 ( Flat 4 - DMC - MR, ML, MC - FC, FC)

In these games, we played really boring, using 7.Defensive and only switching to 6.Counter against Arsenal when they pushed forward us scoring the 2nd goal

Look at their longshots , haha


chelseahome.png



arsenalaway.png


---------- Post added at 10:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:26 AM ----------

Another really difficult away game and once again we started with 7.Defensive, only allowing them to shoot from distance when being under pressure and from tight angels

liverpoolaway.png
 
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3 matches left of the season and its wide open

Matches left to play
Everton (a), Wigan (h), Villa ( a)

table35.png


---------- Post added at 10:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:36 PM ----------

Final Table in the Bolton project

Managed to get into the CL. Lost away to Villa on the final day where a draw would have seen us snatched the 3rd spot

table38.png


Have already started the 2nd seasons, approaching the game in the Allardyce way ( Bosman signings ;D )

New signings are: Deco, Silvestre, Burdisso, Kuranyie, all on free. Joe Hart has also been brought into the squad along with Norwegian AMC Skeldbred

---------- Post added at 08:43 AM ---------- Previous post was yesterday at 10:21 PM ----------

The 2nd season project

I will continue posting screenshots and small analyzes of my matches with Bolton. In my first season, we finished 4th after having had a brilliant season with a highly gelled squab. As you know, no signing where made and as i rotated the squad, most players kept happy.

This season, we have brought in some experienced players and gotten ride of some dead wood.
Deco, Silvestre, Burdisso, Kuranyie, all on free. Joe Hart has also been brought into the squad along with Norwegian AMC Skeldbred. This, together with having some specific competence amongst some not more than average players ( pace in Riga, long shots in Matty taylor etc), makes our bench very good if wanting to use their skills under specific situation.

Preseason - The man management


Unluckily, many players complain that I am not giving them enough credit and this, together with some new players that have not blended in, has caused several players to complain about the lack of harmony in the squad.

Now I have to be very cautious about what I do as when the morale is raised and good efforts are rewarded by raising the players to the sky, it often causes the player to get overconfident. If I continue my harsh approach, it would on the other hand lower( or not raise) the morale, in the end getting me unmotivated players. So its a fine line I am walking. This season, I am therefor making notes on most players as how they are reacting on the team talk and will following this closely.

Europe and International - handling the games close after playing in another country

If I make it into the group stage of CL, i will also pay extra detail to how the players react in the games after having travelled to Ukraine etc. In FM, it was very clear that players had a bad reaction after those games, and my approach will probably be more cautious when playing a game close after those. I will also keep an eye on players suffering from jet-lag after playing in another timezone

The tactic

I will be using my new set that is based on the one I played in my West ham save. This time though, we use MR, ML instead of MCr and MCl

4132wide.png
 
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