4-4-1-1 Counter Attack

Hello all. First of all sorry for my grammar if i have any mistakes as english is not my native language. I just got my copy of FM 2011 this week and started playing as a LLM. Even though i play FM series for years i have always been a plug&play kind of manager. This year i decided to read, learn, observe and test my own tactics. I thank you all for your contributions to this forum with your knowladge and tactics. Specially to Mr. Hough for his great insights, modesty and contributions.

As a LLM i have started with limited resources and a below avarage squad at Npower League 2. I tried to implement a closed defense system where all players hassle opponents and tried to win then start a fast counter attack. I had a crappy first year but survived and promote while club is taken over by a consortium which injected 8.5 mil into club. At the moment i have a relatively balanced squad and i can see the results of my tactics.

My tactic is a 4-4-1-1 formation but it changes according to space and the defense we are facing. Here we attack with a 4-2-4 formation looking for runners behind the line.

Here we attack with a 4-2-1-3 formation and pass around to create space.

Team Settings

Results so far.. Best achievements are League Cup wins against higher division clubs.

I haven't got the change to test my tactic with higher reputation clubs but i think it'll work for most teams. Here are my recommendations for players.

ST- Must be able to dribble, fast and pacey.

AMC - Flair, passing, creativity is important.

MC's - Both have to be able to pass, look for runners and defend. Their defensive attributes are important cause they stop the opposition attacks and recycle the ball to attackers.

Wingers - They have to dribble, shoot and deliver passes.

Defense - Well i have one of the worst defenses in the league so if this tactic works for me with my defensive line it sure will work for you too.

Touchline instruction --> Hassle the opponents.

If the opponent attacks more from the middle you can play norrower or wider if they attack from the wings.

I'm still tweaking the tactic for a better defense and will test it with stronger clubs too. I'm waiting for your positive feedbacks and recommendations for improving the play.

I really don't say this works for all teams or this is the best tactic. I just wanted to share a tactic that worked so far for my lower league team and i really want to improve it by your feedbacks and learn in the process.

Thank you in advance.

4-4-1-1 Counter Attack Download (File Front)

Reserved for later.

I really like this tactic using it with Celtic and have had some good results with it.When playing at home against weaker teams I change from counter to attack which works well.Really limits the number of chances for the opponents using this tactic but at times lose out on possession alot.

Played 5 games using this and unbeaten in europe and in Scotland used counter at home against Villarreal and we were 2-0 up after 25mins but ended up drawing 2-2 after my 2 centre backs gifted them with open goal chances although I doubt that is to do with the tactic as I have noticed that using various tactics the centre backs seem to stop moving at times and allow the front players to run right in towards goal.

Looks like you're doing well but your team setting seem to be pretty conflicted. The counter strategy combined with press more are completely different , id expect to see your players getting picked off and passed around a lot when defending. If you're wanting to counter attack then defending your own half or area aggressively should achieve much better results.