TheBetterHalf
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***THE BETTER HALFS TACTIC UPLOAD & DISCUSSION
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apvmoreira
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TBH, cant post because im at work. will try at home if i have time for it.
TheBetterHalf
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Cheers, looking forward to it.
I've now started using the high pressing version of the tactics set when I am ahead or when playing against a tough team.
Three matches played until now and all won, very solid at the back!
TBH, thanks for this much needed tactic, I feel it'll become a very important weapon for my team!
Three matches played until now and all won, very solid at the back!
TBH, thanks for this much needed tactic, I feel it'll become a very important weapon for my team!
TheBetterHalf
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Sounds really good ! What team are you playing with ( and season), media prediction and what formation and approach do you use as you regular tactic ?
Cheers
TheBetterHalf
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Underdog/MiddleTeam Tactic -* Nr2* - The Deep 4231 -***Beta Version***
TheBetterHalfs Underdog/small team
The Direct Counter
Deep 4231
beta version
Abstract
Here is the 2nd formation using the same approach
People that have read my most in
recent years know that I have moved away form using plug & play tactic,
tactics that by tweaking sliders in a trial & error manor with the aim to
beat the match engine rather than the opponent. So this might come as a slight
surprise, being a thread where I not only upload such a tactic, but also that I
have used someone else's work as a framework ( Akash777)
( so a big credit to AKASH777)
The
Versions
This small set consist of 3 versions that are to be used as plug & play tactics. The first version is called "High Press", the 2nd "Lower press" and the 3rd " Patient Stretching". Playing as an underdog, the main versions are the pressing ones. If you feel that you have the ability to disturb the opponent by putting a **** of a lot more pressure on them, then use the high press and if you are more scared that you might be dragged out of position by this superior team, then use the lower press version
If playing at the top level or just under it, even as an underdog you will come across teams that you are superior
to. Then, you can use the "patient stretch" version as an alternative
Formation & Team settings
View attachment 246610
The flow
using Underdogs
As soon as a counter attack is launched, we keep a direct
game and channel t-balls from the middle onto the flanks for our 4 attacking
players to run onto. Our single AMC plays like an False nine BUT in the AMC position and he is supported by 2 more attacking minded DMCs that always seeks free space. When our fullbacks get into possession deep down field, they hold on to the ball to drag the
opposition onto them.This means that if we face a tea sitting deep and defend,
our attacking players are likely to make a run forward in vain and the FBs hold
onto the ball, making these attacking players easy to mark as the opposition
simply denies us space to play these direct t-balls into. This is why this
approach is for underdogs and perhaps middle teams.
The flow using better
teams/ top teams
It does work for top teams to, don't get me wrong. You
would easily win the league with Man U, Man C but the flow wont look as good as
playing a different approach and you will see more 1-0, 2-1 wins instead of 3-0.
5-1 etc. Simply put, there is no reason to use it unless you like being in agony
over those longshots
The Result
Notice that this is a beta and I have only been playing about 40 matches with it with various teams. I have used Bolton, a newly promoted and **** Posh( 2012/13 in the Prem), swedish team Gefle and as always, a top team from a middle league ( Celtic) in their European matches
Results have been just as good as with the Wide 42121.
The players
All players:
Determination, Team Work, Work rate and Decision
Also notice that I have not
brought the "common sense stats" in any of the players beneath, like finishing
for the strikers or passing for all players etc.
Fullbacks
Style of play
When not launching an counter attack, they should stay back so no
ppms like " get forward" etc. These player act like holding players and when
seeing fit, they will try to beat their man
Stats
Here, we are looking for pace, anticipation, positioning, stamina and tackling. Dribbling is a huge plus
to.
-----------
Central Defenders
Style of play
As we use loose zonal marking, make sure that they don't have the ppm " like to
tight mark"
Stats:
The normal ones: Remember that Anticipation are crucial
for any top team and that pace is needed if the opponent launches balls over the
top of the defenders. Remember that the worse concentration they have, the more
likely you are to concede late in games and when you are dominating but not
scoring yourself
-----------
DMC´´S - Deep & Roaming
Box To Box Midfielders, hardworking
Style of play
Here we use 2 deep
BBM´s that roam to seek free space. The left is the more creative with higher
flair and decision stats.
Stats
Stamina, Strength, anticipation, tackling,
Concentration
-----------
AMC - The Deep Lying AMC
Style of play
If this players had been playing as a FC, he would have been called a false nine. He drops deeper and after that, he seeks free space and moves into channels
Stats
Off the ball, Creativity and Stamina !!
-----------
AMR/LWingers - Complete Wingforwards
Style of play:
As the wingers are used as both pacey Wingforwards AND defensive
hardworking wingers, its naturally COMPLETE players that will do the best of
job. But as these players are really hard to find, I crucial that they most of
all are physical classic English Wingers, that they know how to close down and
tackle. Inverted wingers ?. Well why not, the more clinical finisher the
better
Stats
Pace, off the ball,flair, crossing
-----------
Forward - The Pacey Poacher
Style of play:
This is the main goalscorer. He
needs to be able to find space, break free from his marker by dribbling past
him. When he moves down the line into channels, its also good if he has good
team work stat so he cross the ball to a tam mate instead of taking the poor
angle. At higher level, this player can actually be a player like Tevez or
Aguero, RVP, a player that likes to come deep to get the ball
Stats:
Off the all, Flair, Agility, First touch, Technique
-----------
Tweaks and Shouts
As its a plug
& play Tactic using classic mode, I use no tweaks and shouts are enabled
Opposition instruction
I have not used any at all but feel free to
use them in a manor that suit the actual formation. ( i.e NOT showing MR/L
wingers inside if they use overlaping fullbacks
Playmaker & Target
Man
None is used
Match prep
There is no focus area that i
crucial for the flow of the tactic. If you face a team that are great at set
pieces and might focus on attacking set pieces as their only chance, use
defensive set pieces. If up against a team you know are going to play really
deep and compact BUT have poor attackers, then use attacking movement. If up
against a team with really pacey and agile FCs, then use defensive positioning
etc etc. Naturally, I use Team Work on a heavy workload in preseason but
remember that when using a focus area that relates to the match plan ( like def
positioning), the workload have no impact what so ever.
Pitch Size
Looking at the tactic and the circumstance, and you will see the
following
•-Close down heavily: Meaning that the bigger pitch, in theory
the bigger area to close down. So teams with players lacking in stamina would
prefer a smaller pitch.
•Focus the play through the middle: If the pitch
is really short, there will be congestion in the middle will struggle to find
space.
•- Its a tactic for underdogs, hence opponents are likely to push
up and use the width or the field, : Here, a really wide pitch means that these
quality players will get too much space
•- The deep d-line and the balls
into channels - AS we play a deep d-line, we can actually use a long pitch and
as we play a more direct game, putting those t-balls into channels, we would
benefit from this long pitch in our attacks to. That is if our 3 attacking
players does have great pace and good stamina
So, in short, I would go
for a Longer but more narrow pitch
DOWNLOAD LINK
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=6650
Some more results
My other Underdog Tactics
Underdog/MiddleTeam Tactic -* Nr1 - The Wide 42121 - Promotion with Posh, Morecambe
Underdog/MiddleTeam Tactic -* Nr2* - The Deep 4231 -***Beta Version***
Underdog/MiddleTeam Tactic -* Nr3* - The Deep 442 -***Beta Version***
Underdog/MiddleTeam Tactic -* Nr4* -Narrow Diamo -***Beta Version
Underdog/MiddleTeam Tactic -* Nr5* - The 451 -***Beta Version***
The Direct Counter
Deep 4231
beta version
Abstract
Here is the 2nd formation using the same approach
People that have read my most in
recent years know that I have moved away form using plug & play tactic,
tactics that by tweaking sliders in a trial & error manor with the aim to
beat the match engine rather than the opponent. So this might come as a slight
surprise, being a thread where I not only upload such a tactic, but also that I
have used someone else's work as a framework ( Akash777)
( so a big credit to AKASH777)
The
Versions
This small set consist of 3 versions that are to be used as plug & play tactics. The first version is called "High Press", the 2nd "Lower press" and the 3rd " Patient Stretching". Playing as an underdog, the main versions are the pressing ones. If you feel that you have the ability to disturb the opponent by putting a **** of a lot more pressure on them, then use the high press and if you are more scared that you might be dragged out of position by this superior team, then use the lower press version
If playing at the top level or just under it, even as an underdog you will come across teams that you are superior
to. Then, you can use the "patient stretch" version as an alternative
Formation & Team settings
View attachment 246610
The flow
using Underdogs
As soon as a counter attack is launched, we keep a direct
game and channel t-balls from the middle onto the flanks for our 4 attacking
players to run onto. Our single AMC plays like an False nine BUT in the AMC position and he is supported by 2 more attacking minded DMCs that always seeks free space. When our fullbacks get into possession deep down field, they hold on to the ball to drag the
opposition onto them.This means that if we face a tea sitting deep and defend,
our attacking players are likely to make a run forward in vain and the FBs hold
onto the ball, making these attacking players easy to mark as the opposition
simply denies us space to play these direct t-balls into. This is why this
approach is for underdogs and perhaps middle teams.
The flow using better
teams/ top teams
It does work for top teams to, don't get me wrong. You
would easily win the league with Man U, Man C but the flow wont look as good as
playing a different approach and you will see more 1-0, 2-1 wins instead of 3-0.
5-1 etc. Simply put, there is no reason to use it unless you like being in agony
over those longshots
The Result
Notice that this is a beta and I have only been playing about 40 matches with it with various teams. I have used Bolton, a newly promoted and **** Posh( 2012/13 in the Prem), swedish team Gefle and as always, a top team from a middle league ( Celtic) in their European matches
Results have been just as good as with the Wide 42121.
The players
All players:
Determination, Team Work, Work rate and Decision
Also notice that I have not
brought the "common sense stats" in any of the players beneath, like finishing
for the strikers or passing for all players etc.
Fullbacks
Style of play
When not launching an counter attack, they should stay back so no
ppms like " get forward" etc. These player act like holding players and when
seeing fit, they will try to beat their man
Stats
Here, we are looking for pace, anticipation, positioning, stamina and tackling. Dribbling is a huge plus
to.
-----------
Central Defenders
Style of play
As we use loose zonal marking, make sure that they don't have the ppm " like to
tight mark"
Stats:
The normal ones: Remember that Anticipation are crucial
for any top team and that pace is needed if the opponent launches balls over the
top of the defenders. Remember that the worse concentration they have, the more
likely you are to concede late in games and when you are dominating but not
scoring yourself
-----------
DMC´´S - Deep & Roaming
Box To Box Midfielders, hardworking
Style of play
Here we use 2 deep
BBM´s that roam to seek free space. The left is the more creative with higher
flair and decision stats.
Stats
Stamina, Strength, anticipation, tackling,
Concentration
-----------
AMC - The Deep Lying AMC
Style of play
If this players had been playing as a FC, he would have been called a false nine. He drops deeper and after that, he seeks free space and moves into channels
Stats
Off the ball, Creativity and Stamina !!
-----------
AMR/LWingers - Complete Wingforwards
Style of play:
As the wingers are used as both pacey Wingforwards AND defensive
hardworking wingers, its naturally COMPLETE players that will do the best of
job. But as these players are really hard to find, I crucial that they most of
all are physical classic English Wingers, that they know how to close down and
tackle. Inverted wingers ?. Well why not, the more clinical finisher the
better
Stats
Pace, off the ball,flair, crossing
-----------
Forward - The Pacey Poacher
Style of play:
This is the main goalscorer. He
needs to be able to find space, break free from his marker by dribbling past
him. When he moves down the line into channels, its also good if he has good
team work stat so he cross the ball to a tam mate instead of taking the poor
angle. At higher level, this player can actually be a player like Tevez or
Aguero, RVP, a player that likes to come deep to get the ball
Stats:
Off the all, Flair, Agility, First touch, Technique
-----------
Tweaks and Shouts
As its a plug
& play Tactic using classic mode, I use no tweaks and shouts are enabled
Opposition instruction
I have not used any at all but feel free to
use them in a manor that suit the actual formation. ( i.e NOT showing MR/L
wingers inside if they use overlaping fullbacks
Playmaker & Target
Man
None is used
Match prep
There is no focus area that i
crucial for the flow of the tactic. If you face a team that are great at set
pieces and might focus on attacking set pieces as their only chance, use
defensive set pieces. If up against a team you know are going to play really
deep and compact BUT have poor attackers, then use attacking movement. If up
against a team with really pacey and agile FCs, then use defensive positioning
etc etc. Naturally, I use Team Work on a heavy workload in preseason but
remember that when using a focus area that relates to the match plan ( like def
positioning), the workload have no impact what so ever.
Pitch Size
Looking at the tactic and the circumstance, and you will see the
following
•-Close down heavily: Meaning that the bigger pitch, in theory
the bigger area to close down. So teams with players lacking in stamina would
prefer a smaller pitch.
•Focus the play through the middle: If the pitch
is really short, there will be congestion in the middle will struggle to find
space.
•- Its a tactic for underdogs, hence opponents are likely to push
up and use the width or the field, : Here, a really wide pitch means that these
quality players will get too much space
•- The deep d-line and the balls
into channels - AS we play a deep d-line, we can actually use a long pitch and
as we play a more direct game, putting those t-balls into channels, we would
benefit from this long pitch in our attacks to. That is if our 3 attacking
players does have great pace and good stamina
So, in short, I would go
for a Longer but more narrow pitch
DOWNLOAD LINK
http://www.fm-base.co.uk/forum/downloads.php?do=file&id=6650
Some more results
My other Underdog Tactics
Underdog/MiddleTeam Tactic -* Nr1 - The Wide 42121 - Promotion with Posh, Morecambe
Underdog/MiddleTeam Tactic -* Nr2* - The Deep 4231 -***Beta Version***
Underdog/MiddleTeam Tactic -* Nr3* - The Deep 442 -***Beta Version***
Underdog/MiddleTeam Tactic -* Nr4* -Narrow Diamo -***Beta Version
Underdog/MiddleTeam Tactic -* Nr5* - The 451 -***Beta Version***
Last edited:
I was using this tactic in my Hull City game in my first season. It was going really well, 10 wins and 1 loss in the first 11 league games. We were 1st in the league with a 7 point gap at the top. Everything was going well, and I began to prepare for the inevitable drop in form because of the change from underdogs to favourites. So I downloaded your other P&P tactic, the one for top teams. Switching between the two tactics was working for the next few games as we won the next 3. But then we lost 3-2 to Reading and since then it's been an absolute mess. Just 4 wins, 4 draw and 5 losses in the next 13 games. Its like my players have just totally lost confidence and have decided to constantly kick the ball over the ball to compensate.
Any idea what I can do?
Any idea what I can do?
TheBetterHalf
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The thing about tactics using a high pressing system is that it relies on the players actually doing so. If the players are out of form, being complacent or unmotivated, nervous, exhausted and fail to close down as a unit, the appraoch falls apart. Here, I would probably use the Lower press version.
I must say though, that I have only used this with one team being a favourite in the league ( Hudds) and when the players got complacent, we did loose some matches until I got them back on the feet again, showing some teamspirit.
It might also be a slump of form. Here, its important to still keep morale high and tell them that whilst you trust them, you still expect results. Letting the assistant to the press conf might turn out to be a disaster if he says the wrong things.
TheBetterHalf
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Thread opened
Notice that this is a beta and I have only been playing about 40 matches with it with various teams. I have used Bolton, a newly promoted and **** Posh( 2012/13 in the Prem), swedish team Gefle and as always, a top team from a middle league ( Celtic) in their European matches
Results have been just as good as with the Wide 42121.
Notice that this is a beta and I have only been playing about 40 matches with it with various teams. I have used Bolton, a newly promoted and **** Posh( 2012/13 in the Prem), swedish team Gefle and as always, a top team from a middle league ( Celtic) in their European matches
Results have been just as good as with the Wide 42121.
Last edited:
ChippyLowe
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Hi TBH, I've been using your tactic in my new Villa save, I thought we were a perfect candidate for a counter attacking underdog tactic and at home, using a small pitch it's fantastic, away from home though it's very sketchy, mostly drawing and conceding a lot, including a 7-0 loss at Old Trafford, any ideas how to improve the effectiveness away from home? Thanks.
TheBetterHalf
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what version did you use against those top teams ? ( I would have used lower press). As for the 7-0 beating, well that can happen if the team loose its will to play
I'm Reggina in Serie A, season 2016/17. We were predicted 6th but just managed to won the league for the first time. Not a superteam though (no marvelous regens, etc.), just a good enough team.
Depending on the opposition and the situation I use MrHough 41221 (attacking) or a mine 4321 wide (balanced) other than your high pressing tactic.
TBH, what do you suggest to do when getting a red card?
It just happened to me in the match Russia-Wales (I'm Wales), my ST was sent off 30' into the game. I only moved the CM in the AMC position and it worked great, we won 3-2! The other team started to attack very hard leaving plenty of space for the AMs
View attachment 246641
TheBetterHalf
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I'm Reggina in Serie A, season 2016/17. We were predicted 6th but just managed to won the league for the first time. Not a superteam though (no marvelous regens, etc.), just a good enough team.
Depending on the opposition and the situation I use MrHough 41221 (attacking) or a mine 4321 wide (balanced) other than your high pressing tactic.
TBH, what do you suggest to do when getting a red card?
It just happened to me in the match Russia-Wales (I'm Wales), my ST was sent off 30' into the game. I only moved the CM in the AMC position and it worked great, we won 3-2! The other team started to attack very hard leaving plenty of space for the AMs
View attachment 246641
With this formation, I would have "removed" the MC and perhaps let one of the DMCs keep a short passing game,
The thing is though, there is something fishy about the morale raixse of teams reduced to 10 men and the complecency of teams with 11, that is if the 10 men team is really determined as the AI simply uses the incorrect approach when in a 11 vs 10 men advantage, I almost always score 1 or 2 more goals when one man down.
ChippyLowe
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I have been using the lower press away from home, I'll just keep going, try and find better centre backs because Villa's aren't that good for this tactic, I've been using Clark and Cuellar most effectively but Clark is needed to cover lb atm and Dunne is shipping lots of goals
TheBetterHalf
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Perhaps try the new uploaded beta of the deep 4231 instead. It does not invite that much pressure and is slightly better suited for underdogs/middleteams in the Prem - versus - the Wide 42121 that IS more a small team tactic, when not facing world class attackers every week :d In the prem, regardless of team( and tactic), you do need faster and smarter defenders but in the CCC, League one and Two, defenders similair to Dunne( but worse by CA) will do just fine. My defenders at Morecambe and Walsall was ****
ChippyLowe
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Perhaps try the new uploaded beta of the deep 4231 instead. It does not invite that much pressure and is slightly better suited for underdogs/middleteams in the Prem - versus - the Wide 42121 that IS more a small team tactic, when not facing world class attackers every week :d In the prem, regardless of team( and tactic), you do need faster and smarter defenders but in the CCC, League one and Two, defenders similair to Dunne( but worse by CA) will do just fine. My defenders at Morecambe and Walsall was ****
Thanks a lot i'll try that then
hopefully that will help Ireland flourish as well if he's going slightly further up field, he's been ok so far but definitely needs replacing!TheBetterHalf
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Thanks a lot i'll try that then
Well, either of the tactics should see you ( be able to if getting the man management correct) fight for a place between 3rd-6th), overachieving by 8-5places :d
ChippyLowe
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I'm currently 6th after 11 games, most teams above me have played 12. 5th place is 3 points ahead but I can't go above them due to my poor goal difference, it's looking good though! I'm trying to completely rebuild my Villa side, holding onto 2/3 key players and selling the big earners, cutting wage budget by about £300k and turning a consistent profit while still being successful is my aim for this save! Your tactic is just perfect for my Villa side who I never plan to buy the biggest and best players with, I'm going to do it all with kids!
TheBetterHalf
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Sounds like a really fun save, wish I was there ;d
Anyway, if you are rebuilding the squad, I would be really happy with getting into Europe and if you get trashed away to city or Arsenal, I would not worry too much about it. Ungelled teams are really hard to manage