Quickfire Questions and Answers Thread (Tactic and Training Questions Only)

[HateDordmund]

Hi everyone, got some questions in my mind, hope that someone allow me to learn more bout this game thru explaination.

1) What is the requirement for player to learn "Attempts to develop weaker foot" PPM ?? Seems like player with Right/Left Only preferred foot can learn this PPM, however not all of them able to.

2) Tutoring error. Am I missing something at below scenario ? i ask my older player in private chat but the tutee name didn't appear in the list.

Tutor - Age 38, continental rep. , DM,AM accomplished , key player squad status.

Tutee - Age 21, national rep, DM,CM accomplished, backup squad status.

Both players just joined my club. Am I lacking something ?

[Aquaplex]

Was wondering if someone could answer a quick question for me. If my playing style is let's say on the counter, with a certain set of shouts, if i go down a goal, and i need to chase, and i need to go more offensive to let's say control or attacking, would i have to scrap most of my current shouts and add new ones on the fly? This is where i'm very confused with tactical approach to the game.

[aderow]

Was wondering if someone could answer a quick question for me. If my playing style is let's say on the counter, with a certain set of shouts, if i go down a goal, and i need to chase, and i need to go more offensive to let's say control or attacking, would i have to scrap most of my current shouts and add new ones on the fly? This is where i'm very confused with tactical approach to the game.

Sometimes yes it would make sense to do. For example, I play on standard and some of shouts I use is higher tempo, pusher higher up, and play wider. If I were to switch control or attacking I would drop the higher tempo and push higher up shouts because switching to control or attacking will already increase your tempo and defensive line (as well as width amongst other things).

You may or may not have to add different ones. It really all depends on what is going on in the match.

[Marshdweller]

A few (hopefully) quick questions:

1. If I want my team to press more, do I need to use Very Fluid, Roam from Positions and maybe a higher defensive line to allow the players the freedom to leave their position to pressure the ball while also reducing the distance they need to run to close down the opponent? (Obviously in addition to the Hassle Opponents TI.)

2. How do I get my team to play narrower in defence and yet wider in attack? Could this be done by setting the TI to 'Play Narrower' and giving my wide players 'Hug Touchline' PIs?

3. Do the roles affect the familiarity of the tactic, or is it just shape and TIs?

4. How do I know what sort of marking my team is employing? Up to FM13, I could choose either Zonal or Man marking, but now all I get is the option to Use Tighter Marking - does this translate to Man Marking?

5. Not really related to tactics, but one that keeps coming up - how do I ask my Assistant Manager for loan suggestions? I knew how to do it on the old versions, but since FM13 and FM14 came out, I've lost the button. Help!

[Cleon]

1 - Roam from position won't help as that's something that happens when you are attacking. You need to close down more, push d-line up to reduce space.

2 - Width only comes into play when you are attacking. When in defensive phases of play player naturally go narrower but remember the type of formation you use will determine how narrow they go. If you use a narrow formation like a 4-1-2-1-2 (narrow diamond) then they'll be narrower than a flat 451 for example.

3 - Just position changes, TI's and buying new players

4 - It's all zonal unless you choose specific man marking in the PI's

5 - Not sure but the wrong forum anyway

[Krum]

5 - Transfer Centre -> Transfer Targets

[Marshdweller]

1 - Roam from position won't help as that's something that happens when you are attacking. You need to close down more, push d-line up to reduce space.

2 - Width only comes into play when you are attacking. When in defensive phases of play player naturally go narrower but remember the type of formation you use will determine how narrow they go. If you use a narrow formation like a 4-1-2-1-2 (narrow diamond) then they'll be narrower than a flat 451 for example.

3 - Just position changes, TI's and buying new players

4 - It's all zonal unless you choose specific man marking in the PI's

5 - Not sure but the wrong forum anyway

Thanks Cleon - just to clarify though, would asking my players to Stick to Position contradict the Hassle More instruction?

5 - Transfer Centre -> Transfer Targets

Thanks very much! I assume the message you get at the start of your tenure is just a hangover from the older versions as I can now ask for suggestions from more staff members than just my Assistant Manager...?

[Rhazmuz]

So, Im gonna try a save with Man Utd when FM15 is out, and want to try and emulate LvG (as soo many others I presume).

Im gonna go for the 4-4-2 diamond as the main set up, with the following roles:

GK - Nothing special, prob throw distribution

Wing Back (right) - attack

Central defender - defend

Central defender - defend

Wing Back (left) - support

Defensive midfielder - defend

CM (right) - Support

CM (left) - attack, dribble more, run wide

Advanced Playmaker - attack, roam

DLF - support

Advanced forward - Attack

Obviously the CM Left is trying to emulate Di Maria, an CM Right is a Herrera type, who is more present in both defence and offence.

For team instructions Im thinking:

- Higher tempo

- Play wider

- Play out of defence

So here are a few questions:

1. Any obvious personal/team instructions I have missed/should remove from the above?

2. Im thinking a standard mentality with a fluid or very fluid philosophy, seeing how few specialist roles I have. Does this seem sensible?

3. Is it a "mistake" to have both the CM left and Advanced playmaker with an attack duty? Should perhaps the CM left have a support duty, or maybe the Advanced playmaker have a support, for better balance? Im thinking the latter might be better, seeing how much work Rooney puts in a game, and is all over the pitch. However Im also afraid this would take away from the main role of the advanced playmaker as the one who links midfield to attack and sets up moves.

Cheers for any feedback

No one with some feedback on this?

[kstoyle]

Not sure if this is the correct place. Don't really want to start a thread about it, but it is training/youngster development question, kinda!!

Is it possible to develop youngsters as successfully in FMC as the full game? Always been a full fat kinda a guy, but 2 kids means a lot less hours to play, so thinking of going FMC when FM15 comes out.

[Marshdweller]

I've played more FMC than full-fat FM, and I think it's easier to develop players. You don't get as many options to 'customise' the youngster (PPMs seem to be decided by the coaches without your knowledge) but they seem to develop more rapidly and easily from just training and exposure to first-team football than in the full-fat version.

[RTHerringbone]

The rate of development in FMC is the same as in the Sim Mode. You have less control over PPMs and specific training focus, but attribute development will be at the same rate.

[Marshdweller]

The rate of development in FMC is the same as in the Sim Mode. You have less control over PPMs and specific training focus, but attribute development will be at the same rate.

Maybe it's just because I've played the game faster in FMC that they seem to develop quicker...

[RTHerringbone]

Maybe it's just because I've played the game faster in FMC that they seem to develop quicker...

Yep, could be something as simple as that. FMC basically sits on top of the main game so things like development are not fundamentally different between the different versions.

[fernandovalente]

Guys, I'm sorry for repeating this text posted at wwfan's interpretation of Barcelona, but I really some feedback... if possible from the mods

This is my set up: Counter / Very Fluid

TI: Retain Possession, Shorter Passing, Work Ball into Box, Play out of Defence, Look for Overlaps, Play Narrower, Much Higher Defense Line, Roam from Positions, Hassle Opponents, Stay on Feet, Use Tighter marking, Use Offside Trap, Higher Tempo.

I don't use the Be More Expressive / Be More Disciplined TI because the very fluid style already sets a high CF. As for the Higher Tempo it's a way for balancing the lower tempo that is automaticaly set from the lower mentality.

As for the tactic:

Sweeper GK (s)

BPD (st) - shorter passing, fewer risky passes, mark tighter

CD (d) - shorter passing, mark tighter

Right WB (a) - dribble less, shorter passing, stay wider, close down more, mark tighter

DLP (d) - position 6: shorter passing, fewer risky passes, close down less, mark tighter

Left WB (s) - shorter passing, fewer risky passes, stay wider, close down more, mark tighter

DLP (s) - shorter passing, close down more, mark tighter

AP (a) - dribble less, shorter passing, close down more, mark tighter

right IF (s) - shoot less, stay wider, roam from position, mark tighter

left IF (a) - shoot less, stay wider, roam from position, mark tighter

False 9 - shoot less, run wide with ball, roam from position, mark tighter

Since I'm a big fan of ppm's, I have set all players to:

- plays short simple passes;

- marks opponent tightly;

- does not dive into tackles;

The 3 playmakers dictates tempo, comes deep to get the ball and my AP gets forward whenever possible, move into channels and tries killer balls often. The IF's cuts inside, moves into channels, comes deep to get the ball, gets forward whenever possible, tries one-twos. The False 9 has all these except the Cut Inside ppm, but he Runs with Ball through the Centre.

If possible, I would like some feedback from you guys. Thanks.

P.S. (Invencible through out a full season and a half, won cup, supercup and lost the CL final to Arsenal)

[kstoyle]

Yep, could be something as simple as that. FMC basically sits on top of the main game so things like development are not fundamentally different between the different versions.

That's good news. With 2 kids and a job with long hours I dont get to play much. FMC seems the way forward to whizz through the seasons.

[Jensefaen]

Eh, Fernando, what kind of feedback are you looking for exactly? It seems that you are doing well enough.

[RTHerringbone]

That's good news. With 2 kids and a job with long hours I dont get to play much. FMC seems the way forward to whizz through the seasons.

I'm in a very similar boat and FMC suits me to a tee.

[fernandovalente]

Eh, Fernando, what kind of feedback are you looking for exactly? It seems that you are doing well enough.

Just looking for an overall feedback and eventual incoherences, results have been great but I would like to improve possession because it's inconstant, from 65-70 (which I find a little below from what I want) to 55%

[Adsuperjenius]

hi, Im looking to made my team to play like atletico madrid. strong defence, high pressing, and tackles game. they are good at set pieces too. how can I do that? if I used deep defensife line, get stuck in would not be good solution, as it would concede me many pinalty and free kicks. but deep defence line is the best for working with long ball counter attacking styles. Im so confused

[herne79]

hi, Im looking to made my team to play like atletico madrid. strong defence, high pressing, and tackles game. they are good at set pieces too. how can I do that? if I used deep defensife line, get stuck in would not be good solution, as it would concede me many pinalty and free kicks. but deep defence line is the best for working with long ball counter attacking styles. Im so confused

Search the forum, Simeone is well discussed .

Alternatively, read through this excellent 4 part article http://outsideoftheboot.com/2014/04/13/atletico-madrid-tactics-part-1-how-has-diego-simeone-set-up-his-side/ . It provides a great overview of Atleti's core tactics from individual player roles to team instructions - I created a 442 for Atleti in game based on this (beating Real Madrid in the CL final lol).

[Sussex Hammer]

Just been playing around with Target Man instructions and I can apparently click, "hold position" and "move into channels".. Surely this isn't right??

[Marazola]

How do you play a game with a lot of One-Twos? I have an Enganche in midfield an Trequartista up front with short passing and higher tempo. Work ball into box as well. Is that correct?

[Chris Anthemum]

What exactly does the aggression attribute 'do'? Does it just affect how hard players go in for tackles? Does it have any impact on how players press? I've noticed that most of my players when they close down don't do so with any intensity at all despite me using Hassle Opponents. Is that just something inherent within the match engine or is it because of low aggression?

[Dr. Hook]

What exactly does the aggression attribute 'do'? Does it just affect how hard players go in for tackles? Does it have any impact on how players press? I've noticed that most of my players when they close down don't do so with any intensity at all despite me using Hassle Opponents. Is that just something inherent within the match engine or is it because of low aggression?

Aggression is a measure of a player's "appetite for the game" if you will. It is probably most noticeable in the area of tackles and challenges, but it also governs the willingness of that player to seek out and get involved in the play. Like all attributes though, it works in combination with others, like Bravery, Work rate, etc.

As for the pressing, it definitely plays a role, but that said, I haven't had (and a lot of people here will say the same thing) a lot of success getting a high intensity pressing game to work well. In your case, it is probably a combo of both if you have low agg. players and it will work better if you get more aggro players in the roles you want higher pressing out of.

[Andros]

Hey guys.

I have been trying to look at opposition managers and come up with tactics to counter them. However I am confused by the difference in "coaching style" and "playing mentality". For example, Harry Redknapp's coaching style is general, whilst his playing mentality is attacking. I have seen managers with an attacking coaching style. What is the difference between coaching style and playing mentality?

Also how do you guys counter varies manager tactics that are displayed in the manager information screen, such as pressing style or passing style?

If this has been answered before, a link would be great!

Thanks in advance.

[retrodude09]

This may have already of been asked but..

How do I stop my players crossing so much? Both my Inside Forwards & Complete Wing Backs have cross less set yet still attempt a large amount of crosses that just result in corners.

If it helps, I'm using a balanced / counter set up,

[Marshdweller]

This may have already of been asked but..

How do I stop my players crossing so much? Both my Inside Forwards & Complete Wing Backs have cross less set yet still attempt a large amount of crosses that just result in corners.

If it helps, I'm using a balanced / counter set up,

I may be barking up completely the wrong tree here, but have you asked them to do something else instead? E.g. play more through balls? Or fewer risky passes (might get them to pass rather than cross if they are focussed on retaining possession...?)

Also, is your team set up to exploit the middle? If not, maybe they are crossing frequently because you are still trying to exploit the flanks.

I should add a caveat that my success on FM14 (or noticeable lack of it!) means that anything I suggest should be treated with a healthy dose of scepticism.

[bababooey]

This may have already of been asked but..

How do I stop my players crossing so much? Both my Inside Forwards & Complete Wing Backs have cross less set yet still attempt a large amount of crosses that just result in corners.

If it helps, I'm using a balanced / counter set up,

They may have no other option. Make sure to check in the match to see how your team is playing and see if they actually have other options. Sometimes a player will be run into a corner, for instance, and just boots it because he has no choice.

[Stonebiter]

Hey, a 4-4-2 is often used as a counter attacking system where the midfield line and the defensiv line stay really close together. How do i get this in FM working, do i have to play a defensiv mentality with pushing higher up ? because i noticed if you drop deeper, the gap between the 2 lines becomes bigger instead of smaller.

[Barkers]

how do you specifically man mark a player at a corner? cant find the option, used to be there ounce upon a time...

[bababooey]

Hey, a 4-4-2 is often used as a counter attacking system where the midfield line and the defensiv line stay really close together. How do i get this in FM working, do i have to play a defensiv mentality with pushing higher up ? because i noticed if you drop deeper, the gap between the 2 lines becomes bigger instead of smaller.

A 4-4-2, like any formation, can be shaped/changed to do anything. It can be extremely aggressive, or extremely defensive, or totally in the middle. It's all up to what you instruct players to do.

Naturally the higher the D-Line, the closer they'll be to your midfielders.

[thomit]

Just been playing around with Target Man instructions and I can apparently click, "hold position" and "move into channels".. Surely this isn't right??

You can click them, you say? Have a look at the PI's for a trequartista; he gets both "hold position" and "roam from position" on as default....

[Äktsjon Männ]

You can click them, you say? Have a look at the PI's for a trequartista; he gets both "hold position" and "roam from position" on as default....

That's probably because the former is a setting for forward runs (rarely) and the latter is free role/roam. Sounds stupid but makes sense if you remember the context.

[thomit]

That's probably because the former is a setting for forward runs (rarely) and the latter is free role/roam. Sounds stupid but makes sense if you remember the context.

If you look at the descriptions of these instructions, it gets really stupid. The description for "hold position" even makes it very clear that this is the opposite of being told to roam. "Hold position requires players to remain largely in their assigned positions and rarely deviate from it. Whilst others may roam or swap positions with others, players told to hold will remain in place"

This reads to me like the exact opposite of "roam", and nothing to do with making forward runs or not. Is it just me? So no, it does not make sense from any angle. It only make sense if you know what the instruction really does, and ignore what it says it does.

Anyway. Back to stupid questions.

[Arctic Monkeys]

Stupid questions go down here no? I have some regarding PPM;

1. I want to stop Rakitic shooting from distances so I asked a couch to handle it but he suggested that Ivan isn't capable of doing that. Will it work if I assign him anyway?

2. Can old players learn PPMs? Say over 30.

[mikcheck]

Hello all.

Does it make sense to play through the middle when you have a tactic with no wingers like 4-3-1-2?

[Dr. Hook]

Hello all.

Does it make sense to play through the middle when you have a tactic with no wingers like 4-3-1-2?

It does. However, be aware that aside from focusing passing through the middle, it increases tempo and through balls. I can't recall for certain if it also makes you slightly more narrow, but I believe it does that too. On the other hand, if you don't care for the side effects, and since you don't have wingers, your play will naturally be focused up the center anyway. I tend to use it against teams I can overload in the middle such as standard 4-4-2's and the like, but against sides with a DM, I tend not to use as I want to spread it around a bit more (I use a narrow diamond).

[thomit]

If you play with attacking wing backs, or CWB's, you have wingers. Playing with "exploit the middle" will make these less effective. To the point that you have to wonder why have them at all. Be certain that that's what you want before using that instruction.

[mikcheck]

Thanks guys!

Dr. Hook since you use a narrow diamond, do you ask your strikers to man mark opp fullbacks or do you prefer them to be free for counter attacks?

[RTHerringbone]

Thanks guys!

Dr. Hook since you use a narrow diamond, do you ask your strikers to man mark opp fullbacks or do you prefer them to be free for counter attacks?

Out of interest, why would you mark opposition full backs? Do you mean if they used a system with no wide midfielders too?

[mikcheck]

Hi RTHerringbone,

I mean mark them no matter what system the opp use to deny them a lot of time to think with the ball.

The advantage is that you press them quickly and they're not an option for an easy pass but that deprives your team for counter attacks since your strikers are with the fullbacks.

[RTHerringbone]

Hi RTHerringbone,

I mean mark them no matter what system the opp use to deny them a lot of time to think with the ball.

The advantage is that you press them quickly and they're not an option for an easy pass but that deprives your team for counter attacks since your strikers are with the fullbacks.

Interesting. I never mark full backs at all in any system and focus just on the ML/R or AML/R.

[Cleon]

Hi RTHerringbone,

I mean mark them no matter what system the opp use to deny them a lot of time to think with the ball.

The advantage is that you press them quickly and they're not an option for an easy pass but that deprives your team for counter attacks since your strikers are with the fullbacks.

I do this sometimes however if you do force them into a mistake your strikers aren't always where they should be so you can't always make the most of it depending on how/were you forced them to give up the ball and how quickly you can get players to support the attack.

I tend to mark the fullbacks more if they have a winger/AML/R in front of them and are an attacking fullback as it can stop them doubling up down your own flanks if they are struggling to get out of their own half quickly.

[mikcheck]

Interesting. I never mark full backs at all in any system and focus just on the ML/R or AML/R.

I usually do the other way, focus on fullbacks instead.

[mikcheck]

I do this sometimes however if you do force them into a mistake your strikers aren't always where they should be so you can't always make the most of it depending on how/were you forced them to give up the ball and how quickly you can get players to support the attack.

I tend to mark the fullbacks more if they have a winger/AML/R in front of them and are an attacking fullback as it can stop them doubling up down your own flanks if they are struggling to get out of their own half quickly.

That's right.

Since i have 2 fast strikers, i feel i lose a lot of that quick attacking power when i have them marking the fullbacks, because if the other team loses the ball, they're too deep busy with the fullbacks and since only the AMC higher and free, i lose that counter attack chance.

[skybluedude]

Shouts and Instructions, do you try and pick at least one for each category? or just the ones that you feel will enhance the tactic?

[RTHerringbone]

Shouts and Instructions, do you try and pick at least one for each category? or just the ones that you feel will enhance the tactic?

Never do anything just for the sake of it. You can use no instructions at all.

[Marshdweller]

Never do anything just for the sake of it. You can use no instructions at all.

I think the biggest mistake I've made with the new tactics system is feeling like I have to pick an option from each area. Then my tactic ends up with about a dozen shouts on top of the settings which are built into the tactic by default. It's a miracle my teams didn't implode sooner!

[RTHerringbone]

I think the biggest mistake I've made with the new tactics system is feeling like I have to pick an option from each area. Then my tactic ends up with about a dozen shouts on top of the settings which are built into the tactic by default. It's a miracle my teams didn't implode sooner!

It's probably human nature to see something new and shiny, and think you have to press all the buttons.

As much as anything, you give yourself more of a chance to unravel problems if you have less TIs and PIs to worry about.

[skybluedude]

Thanks for the replies to my question, no wonder thinks keep going very wrong for me, especially with LLM games! I was trying to select an option from every category, really struggled with FM14 compared to previous versions.