Tactical Theorems and Frameworks '09

[wwfan]

In your TT&F, you mentioned that if playing a lone striker, it would best to give the striker a Support role. My striker is Daniel Sturridge, who has good striker stats, and seem more of a poacher rather than a striker fufilling the support role.

How should I configure him?

It should work if you give him an FCd mentality but with Poacher settings.

Secondly, I have abit of an obsessive-compulsive disorder. I'm obsessed with everything being SYMMETRICAL. When I play 451, the AMC is on the right side of the pitch while the SC is on the left side. This happened on FM 07 & 08 too. Am I just being too paranoid, or does this works better than the AMC being behind the SC at all times?

It will be something to do with player footedness. I don't know which position takes preference though.

[lyw_85]

It should work if you give him an FCd mentality but with Poacher settings.

So poacher settings means he still has FWR Often and TTB rare?

It will be something to do with player footedness. I don't know which position takes preference though.

Ok, so is this setup better than the AMC directly central and the SC central too?

Or should I play 2 DMC and 1 MC with him FWR Often?

[vieires]

Just a quick question:

In a 4321 christmas tree formation (think Milan), should I play the lone striker as an FCd or as a Target Man?

[F.Inzaghi]

Help!!!

Am struggling winning with my 4-3-3 formation..

It's good defensive but my 3 man midfield seems like not doing their thing..

Am holding the ball well but my MCa is the only one who has av.r. over 7...

I also have attacking minded formation of 4-3-3 and then i have two MCa and one MCd.

So how should i put up my 3 man Midfield?

Then it's my attack, I have tried so many diffrent instruction, but no matther how i change them the middle ST is the only one who scores, doesnt matther who plays where, just something wrong with the formation..

But still, am scoring engouh goals, but I want to do better..

So how should i instruct my attack?

I dont really like free roles or much creative freedome, cause am playing in lower leagues and my players do not have good stats, I've both strong and pacy strikers.

So help!!!

[Chrisz]

Hi guys, and a big thank you to you wwfan.

Just a quick question, hope you can help me out here.

Been trying to replicate a liverpool style of play with Keane playing in the 'hole' postion, mainly as an FCd.Problem is, he does real poorly .Followed your guideslines using a 4-4-2 std, and att and also playing Keane (and retrainign him as an AMC) as a support FCd. He has performed real poor. in 20 (5) games scoring just 3 goals and 3 assist. I wouldn't mind if he provided more assist but he doesn,t

Have tried setting him on a free role, fwd runs on rare and mixed .Even tried using him with FCd support and Specialist playmaker roles , yet to no avail.My liverpool team have been doing well, thansk to your tactical guidelines and have lost like only 2 matches so far .( am in january now)Thing is would liek to know how to make Keane play as an assiter or to chip in with more goals

Many thanks

[wwfan]

So poacher settings means he still has FWR Often and TTB rare?

Ok, so is this setup better than the AMC directly central and the SC central too?

Or should I play 2 DMC and 1 MC with him FWR Often?

What happens is that one player moves in a certain direction because of his foot/playing preference and the other moves into the space left behind. I'd assume it is the FC that makes the decision and the AMC reacts, but it could be the other way around. There's nothing you can do about it outside of setting crossing up to hit the spaces the FC commonly moves into.

In a 4321 christmas tree formation (think Milan), should I play the lone striker as an FCd or as a Target Man?

With Milan I'd play a Poacher with a mentality setting half-way between the FCd and FCa. However, if I were playing it myself, I'd probably use an FCd and make him a TM if he had the right attributes. I'd want to be using 'supply to feet' though, as flick ons would be a waste of time.

[wwfan]

Help!!!

Am struggling winning with my 4-3-3 formation..

It's good defensive but my 3 man midfield seems like not doing their thing..

Am holding the ball well but my MCa is the only one who has av.r. over 7...

I also have attacking minded formation of 4-3-3 and then i have two MCa and one MCd.

So how should i put up my 3 man Midfield?

Then it's my attack, I have tried so many diffrent instruction, but no matther how i change them the middle ST is the only one who scores, doesnt matther who plays where, just something wrong with the formation..

But still, am scoring engouh goals, but I want to do better..

So how should i instruct my attack?

I dont really like free roles or much creative freedome, cause am playing in lower leagues and my players do not have good stats, I've both strong and pacy strikers.

So help!!!

I think you'll need to encourage a few players to drift wide, so free roles may help with the two outer MCs. At the very least they will need crossing on Often. Likewise, the FCds need to have good supporting instructions. I'd try to have one operating as an un-ticked advanced playmaker (i.e. creative forward) and the other as a TM looking for flick ons. That should add variety to the attack.

Have tried setting him on a free role, fwd runs on rare and mixed .Even tried using him with FCd support and Specialist playmaker roles , yet to no avail.My liverpool team have been doing well, thansk to your tactical guidelines and have lost like only 2 matches so far .( am in january now)Thing is would liek to know how to make Keane play as an assiter or to chip in with more goals

Try the advanced playmaker role without setting him as the plamaker (i.e creative forward). You can experiment with Support or Attack settings, or something in between. What you need to focus on is what he does when he gets the ball. Keane is a tricky and intelligent player, so he needs to have options to do things and be given his head.

[moj]

How can I produce a Role Theory tactic? Can someone help me out here please? I have no clue how to do it..

[bigargon]

TT&F is brilliant...i have been in defuge's challenge managing a lower league team and its helped alot....

two silly noobie questions...

1. one how the heck to i open the "wizard" with open office (i have the latest version)??

2. How to i get you tactics package in the game??

any answer to these two questions would be very helpful thanks!!

[wwfan]

TT&F is brilliant...i have been in defuge's challenge managing a lower league team and its helped alot....

two silly noobie questions...

1. one how the heck to i open the "wizard" with open office (i have the latest version)??

2. How to i get you tactics package in the game??

any answer to these two questions would be very helpful thanks!!

I haven't tried Open Office, just been told that it works. There are two ways to get the tactics into the game. One is to add them to the default tactics folder. The other is to go into the edit tactics option in the tactical page. You can then add just the ones you want.

How can I produce a Role Theory tactic? Can someone help me out here please? I have no clue how to do it..

Defend: 5 players on the defend roles (Lowest mentality), 2 on support, 3 on attack

Standard: 3 players on defend role, 4 on support, 3 on attack

Attack: 3 players on defend role, 2 on support, 5 on attack

Defend mentality = x, Support = x + 3, Attack = x + 6

Defend players = no FWRs, Support = mixed, Attack = Often

That is the basics.

[moj]

Mind telling me what "support" means? mixed/defensive/attacking?

[wwfan]

Mind telling me what "support" means? mixed/defensive/attacking?

Read Player Roles & Forward Runs and Individual Player Theories: Generic Instructions in the guide. That should explain it.

[nicobile]

Hi, first of all, congrats to all people involved in this, its absolutely great

I would like to know what you think about a situation im in right now. Im playing as Independiente(Argentina) and i have 4 strikers in the first team, Nuñez, sosa, higuain and gandin. Im playing a 4-3-1-2 with a role playing attacking framework. I use sosa right now as my FCd, and nuñez as my FCa.

Im at work right now so i cant provide you a picture of the players, but what i would like to know is how do you think i should play nuñez, because he isnt a normal striker, he has very good stats, but its more like a player that likes coming deep for the ball and that blast it from outside very good. The thing is that he is my top goalscorer but my supporters are unhappy with him because they say he is banging a lot of goals but not performing well and not helping the team. And its true, the only times he gets good ratings are when he scores. What i would like to know is what would you do to make him play a little better and include him in the team system. Im using the same players that i started with, didnt bought anyone, only youngsters. The harmony of the team is excellent and the tactics( not counting nuñez) are working fine after a few little changes.

I would really appreciate your input in this, cheers, and thanks in advance

[wwfan]

It need to know more about him and how you are currently playing him to help. Write a more detailed post when you can and I promise to have a look later

[SlayerX]

wwfan and everyone involved in the TT&F should be applauded and ought to be recognized for their excellent work and the time that they've given to develop and write the TT&F.

I would be a liar if I said that I read it all, because I haven't, but I have read a few pages (the pages that referred to aspects of the game that I was struggling with) and I have to say that they've worked a treat and I can now say that I'm a lot more clued into the general structure of the game than I was before I read the TT&F. I haven't lifted anything directly from the TT&F, as that would be cheating and I wouldn't gain any satisfaction from doing that, but I have swallowed and digested and am now blending the knowledge that has been imparted in these pages and mixed it all with my own person concept of the tactic side of the game.

On my first match of experimenting with my new tactics I beat Liverpool 0:3 at Anfield (I'm manchester united - It's not my real career, this is my trial-and-error career that I'm using to test out tactics, formations, ect.) I've only used my new tactics on one match, so I hope i'm not jinxing things for myself.

If things come crashing down around me I'll be back and I'll be exhausting the swear filter.

Anyway. Thank you, wwfan, et all. Seriously.

[RobCFC]

wwfan - love your work.

Now I was using the wizard as the basis of my tactics, and I was wondering what adjustments in assumptions you would make for lower league teams (AFC Wimbledon in my case). Defensively I am fine at times, but I feel I should probably play a more direct style and have tried adjusting the passing options by +3 in this case to make up for my sides lack of skill. However, then I become a bit rigid in attack. Any broad suggestions?

[Chrisz]

Try the advanced playmaker role without setting him as the plamaker (i.e creative forward). You can experiment with Support or Attack settings, or something in between. What you need to focus on is what he does when he gets the ball. Keane is a tricky and intelligent player, so he needs to have options to do things and be given his head.

Many Thanks for the advice wwfan.

Will try a hybrid of support and attack setting on the advanced playmaker. Just to clarify, when u say without setting him as a playmaker( i.e creative fwd) does it mean not giving him too high creativity (14 notches?)or not giving him a free role?

cheers

[wwfan]

[Try the advanced playmaker role without setting him as the plamaker (i.e creative forward). You can experiment with Support or Attack settings, or something in between. What you need to focus on is what he does when he gets the ball. Keane is a tricky and intelligent player, so he needs to have options to do things and be given his head.

Many Thanks for the advice wwfan.

Will try a hybrid of support and attack setting on the advanced playmaker. Just to clarify, when u say without setting him as a playmaker( i.e creative fwd) does it mean not giving him too high creativity (14 notches?)or not giving him a free role?

cheers

Not making him the playmaker

Use your own judgment of his abilities to select his CF and decide whether you want him roaming or showing for easy passes prior to deciding on free role or not.

[mancity12]

Hi ,

I have read through the TT&F more times than Id like to admit and have made a 3-2-3-2 tactic.

Three on the backline (one central, and two outwide in FB roles), two DM, three in the centre of the park (one central and again, two wide) and two up-top.

Has worked excellently and with Man City after ten games I an un-defeated and top of the league with 8 wins and two draws . It only really works however, if you constantly keep pausing the game and making small alterations with the tactics in-line with the assistant managers feedback.

My forwards are Robinho and Bojinov (would have been Owen if he wasn't so injury prone!).

I didn't want to ask for any more help, however after trying everything I still have three small issues -

1.The game keeps telling me the opposition backline is dealing effectively with my forwards (who still manage to score however )??? Any ideas.

2. I have Robinho set with a backwards arrow, lower mentality than Bojinov, mixed FWR, Full RWB, full TB and mixes LS. But what should I have for Bojinov (FCa)? He cannot dribble.

3. I cannot retain possession and control the game and even though Ive read TT&F, im really struggling to just stop the game and hold the ball. I have lowered the tempo, increased time-wasting and lowered passing to make is shorter. Is there anything else I can try?

Any help/ ideas would be much appreciated.

Cheers

[wwfan]

1.The game keeps telling me the opposition backline is dealing effectively with my forwards (who still manage to score however )??? Any ideas.

2. I have Robinho set with a backwards arrow, lower mentality than Bojinov, mixed FWR, Full RWB, full TB and mixes LS. But what should I have for Bojinov (FCa)? He cannot dribble.

3. I cannot retain possession and control the game and even though Ive read TT&F, im really struggling to just stop the game and hold the ball. I have lowered the tempo, increased time-wasting and lowered passing to make is shorter. Is there anything else I can try?

1: Mainly ignore it although it might be telling you that the FCs' settings are slightly iffy. Haven't seen it myself so I'd be guessing.

2: It's a tough one, but probably Target Man 'Run onto Ball', cross from byline, crossing mixed and everything else rarely. Hopefully, he'll control and shoot.

3: I imagine teams are sitting deep against you and playing keep ball. Increase the d-line pretty high (up to the mentality of the FCa in Attack). That should force the opposition to give up possession.

[mancity12]

Cheers mate,

If I increased the d-line to 14 (thats where the FCa is set - however to play control the game strategies, I think I need both forwards on the same mentality in a 3-5-2 Defend, support & attack scheme), wont that leave me wide open for counter attacks or the dreaded keeper long ball?

[wwfan]

Cheers mate,

If I increased the d-line to 14 (thats where the FCa is set - however to play control the game strategies, I think I need both forwards on the same mentality in a 3-5-2 Defend, support & attack scheme), wont that leave me wide open for counter attacks or the dreaded keeper long ball?

The 3-5-2 can be a little weak down the flanks but can help in overpowering when going forward. There's a great article about its limitations here. However, you shouldn't need to change the forward settings to compensate.

To combat the long ball from the keeper, always use the OI 'Close Down Always' and 'Show onto Wrong Foot' on the opposing GK. It minimises the chance of him playing an accurate pass.

[PhroX]

My Role Theory based 4-2-3-1 is working reasonably well, but I'm beginning to notice a bit of a problem with it - the forward players (the AMRL&C and FC) seem to be getting too far forward. The reason I say this, is that it seems that the MCs often have no-one to pass forward too, and are reduced to knocking between themselves and the defense. It doesn't seem to be so much a problem of passing length - they're set to the low end of mixed, but they're perfectly capable of passing the distance, and I'm playing pretty narrow - but that there's no-one to pass to. The AMs are pushing right up, looking to get in behind the opposition, hence requiring a "killer ball" to find, and, while the FC is dropping off, looking to link the play up, he still usually seems to be marked out of the game when the MCs have the ball (when I do get the ball up to the AMs, things open up much more, and the FC comes into play).

My players are all pretty small, so there's no point in hoofing balls up to them, and, while they're not slow, I don't have any real speed merchants except a relatively skillless winger I use as an impact sub, so dropping balls over the top isn't going to be that successful, so I'm trying to play a shorter passing game, and, when it works, it's great.

I'm guessing the solution would be centered around either mentaility or forward runs. I'm thinking of dropping the AMC's, and perhaps the AML's (he's more of a "creative" winger than someone who gets to the byline), FWR to mixed. Both have pretty high creative freedom, and the AMC has a free role, so I'm thinking they'll probably still get forward when needed.

Any ideas?

[bcredrabbit]

In general, what's the difference between a player listed as a ST and one listed as a FC, and what implications does that have for setting up a proper tactic?

My uneducated guess is that a ST is more of an out-and-out striker who is more suited for a FCa role, while a FC is more of an all-around footballer who is more suited for a FCd role. Am I on the right track or way off? Thanks.

[mancity12]

In general, what's the difference between a player listed as a ST and one listed as a FC, and what implications does that have for setting up a proper tactic?

My uneducated guess is that a ST is more of an out-and-out striker who is more suited for a FCa role, while a FC is more of an all-around footballer who is more suited for a FCd role. Am I on the right track or way off? Thanks.

I would agree with that. Id have a player with less dribbling and passing abilities set to a ST role and a player who is better on the ball set behind him.

Im not an expert, however .

[wwfan]

@ Phrox: Are the FBs not getting involved? What you are seeing should happen in Attack flavours but the FBs should step up and provide lateral passing support. For lower mentality versions, the wingers shouldn't get isolated.

STs cannot utilise free roles, FCs can. FCs tend to be a cross between the traditional centre forward and an AMC. Think the classic No 10 shirt.

[PhroX]

@ Phrox: Are the FBs not getting involved? What you are seeing should happen in Attack flavours but the FBs should step up and provide lateral passing support. For lower mentality versions, the wingers shouldn't get isolated.

On the "balanced" tactic - what I use most of the time, as it seems to be the most succeful in terms of results, both home and away - the FBs get forward to about the level of the MCs and provide options for passing, but it doesn't really help in terms of attacking, as they're faced with much the same problem as the MCs. The FBs seem reluctant to get further forward until the ball is higher up the pitch. Once the ball is up top, they bomb forward really well.

My tactic is definately working - my Southampton team is currently 4th in the Championship after being expected to finish 19th (IIRC) - but I'm trying to iron out the niggles at the present. When the MCs can find forward players, it seems to tear apart defenses at this level, but I'd like them to do it a bit more often.

Still, when I get home tonight (I'm at work, hence why I'm posting here instead of playing), I'll have a fiddle with some settings and see what happens

[wwfan]

Another option could be to give the wingers free roles to encourage them to drift and roam.

[xxxusernamexxx]

erm i took read up about the bands of two and is interested in it. but when i look at the excel sheet, i found something weird.

Defensive: FCd (x + 5); FCa (x + 8)

Standard: FCd (x + 3); FCa (x + 7)

Attacking: FCd (x + 1); FCa (x + 6)

so if im using rooney(FCd) and berbatov(FCa) in a standard bands of two, i assume its correct, and my defender's base mentality is 8, rooney's shld be 11 while berbatov is 15. but in the excel theres two FCs. The supporting FC has mentality at 15 while the attacking FC has mentality at 11. im quite sure berbatov is the attacking FC....so according to formula its 15 but in the excel its 11?

FFS, the attacking FC has FWRD runs, run with ball and cross ball at often while holding up ball unticked and free role ticked. the supporting FC has FWRD runs and run with ball at mixed while hold up ball ticked and free role unticked. isn't berbatov suppose to finish up the move? but his cross ball is often...and rooney is suppose to be the one getting free role, since he is playing at the hole between midfield and forwards?

sorry if this seems to be stupid questions, but i need some clarifications...

[Millie]

There might be an issue with the way I've coded it. Let me take a look for you...

Yes. I cocked up. The FCa should have 15, and the FCd should have 11. They've been put the wrong way round. My apologies.

You seem to understand the document though, in that you saw that it was wrong. This is at least one positive.

Sorry again. When I have some time I will re-code the thing so it actually works.

[xxxusernamexxx]

that was some fast reply. thx for the clarification. great thread to teach new players like me

[supersaint]

STs cannot utilise free roles, FCs can. FCs tend to be a cross between the traditional centre forward and an AMC. Think the classic No 10 shirt.

Hmm, this might be why my outer FCs (both ST) is slightly underperform vs my central FC (AMC/FC) when using the free role.

Havent really thought of the reason why, because things still worked ok. But Im gonna try and see if their performances gets up when taking them off Free Role.

Perhaps it can make them hit the target more too?

EDIT:(or, to be exact start heading/shooting to the side of the goalie - not at him..*sigh*)

68 goals in 46 matches aint good when using 3 forwards - even if around 50% comes from them:rolleyes: Defensively good enough to earn promotion though.

[mancity12]

Makes me laugh how people start threads about not getting enough chances or enough goals .

My tactics after having read the TT&F thoroughly a few times have given me on average about 15 chances per game (8ish if against a big team) with about 3 clear-cut chances.

That should win most games (and does), so if your not scoring, IT IS YOUR FAULT, not the game .

My tactic just needs tweaking and constantly adjusting to in-game situations.

Oh and I need to look at set-plays .

[maverick_nc1]

Can i please get some clarification on an FC role in any variety of lone striker formations, namely the 4-3-2-1 i am using. Cant seem to get the bugger involved in play enough, dont really need him to drop deep as i have the AMC's for creating chances.

In the example i am talking about it is either Rooney or Tevez, both very well rounded players. I'd rather not use Target-man as i have always found this to restrict my chances and passing options too much. Not sure if Rooney/Tevez should have a free role as whilst they are both obviously suited to this they may wander off too much and not be in the box to finish my moves. Creative freedom is an enigma, no idea at all on this one, seems very similar to Free role.

Forward runs - should a lone striker be making these often or mixed?? Or simply not making many at all and just stick around up top doing what he's told.

Also has anyone else noticed that forward runs mixed always seems to be a better option than often? I keep seeing the players with often set get ahead of play FAR too quickly, thus limiting my passing options. Setting to mixed just feels a little to cautious to me though.

Apologies for length of post, i'm doing well in most areas just struggling with the lone striker settings.

[mancity12]

Can i please get some clarification on an FC role in any variety of lone striker formations, namely the 4-3-2-1 i am using. Cant seem to get the bugger involved in play enough, dont really need him to drop deep as i have the AMC's for creating chances.

In the example i am talking about it is either Rooney or Tevez, both very well rounded players. I'd rather not use Target-man as i have always found this to restrict my chances and passing options too much. Not sure if Rooney/Tevez should have a free role as whilst they are both obviously suited to this they may wander off too much and not be in the box to finish my moves. Creative freedom is an enigma, no idea at all on this one, seems very similar to Free role.

Forward runs - should a lone striker be making these often or mixed?? Or simply not making many at all and just stick around up top doing what he's told.

Also has anyone else noticed that forward runs mixed always seems to be a better option than often? I keep seeing the players with often set get ahead of play FAR too quickly, thus limiting my passing options. Setting to mixed just feels a little to cautious to me though.

Apologies for length of post, i'm doing well in most areas just struggling with the lone striker settings.

Why dont you download the TT&F tactics and have a look at the setting for one of the formations which have a lone striker .

Helped me immensely doing that.

[maverick_nc1]

Why dont you download the TT&F tactics and have a look at the setting for one of the formations which have a lone striker .

Helped me immensely doing that.

Have done mate, bloody fantastic document and i built my tactics based upon its theories. Still struggling with the lone FC role though!

[mancity12]

Well I normally use two up-top (Robinho & Owen/ Bojinov), but Owen is always set as a poacher (see TT&F).

Id use that for a lone striker tactic if the player abilities suited.

[nicobile]

It need to know more about him and how you are currently playing him to help. Write a more detailed post when you can and I promise to have a look later

Now im at home so i can give some more info and some pics

Well, first of all im going to tell you the tactics im using right now.

GK: 8 mentality, 4 c freedom, 4 passing, 7 clossing down, takling normal, f runs rarely, runs with ball rarely, long shot rarely, through ball rarely, cross ball rarely, cross from deep, distribution defender collect. http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/1FabinAssmann-2.png

DC:6 mentality, 5 c freedom, 4 passing, 7 clossing down, takling normal, f runs rarely, runs with ball rarely, long shot rarely, through ball rarely, cross ball rarely, cross from deep, marking man. http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/20LeandroGioda.png and http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/6GuillermoRodrguez.png

DL: 11 mentality(when playing a very defensive team that goes up +4 or even more), 11 c freedom, 8 passing, 10 clossing down, takling normal, f runs aften, runs with aften, long shot rarely, through ball rarely, cross ball mixed, cross from mixed, marking man. http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/3LucasMareque-2.png

DR: 11 mentality, 10 c freedom, 8 passing, 10 clossing down, takling normal, f runs mixed, runs with ball mixed, long shot rarely, through ball rarely, cross ball mixed, cross from mixed, marking man. http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/4RicardoMoreira.png

MCd: 5 mentality, 10 c freedom, 4 passing, 12 clossing down, takling normal, f runs mixed, runs with ball mixed, long shot rarely, through ball often, cross ball rarely, cross from mixed, marking man, hold up ball. http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/16AdrinCalello.png

ML/R: 15 mentality, 14 c freedom, 15 passing, 15 clossing down, takling normal, f runs often, runs with ball often, long shot rarely, through ball mixed, cross ball often, cross from byline. marking zonal. http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/24LeandroDepetris.png and http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/19FreddyGrisales.png

AMC: 15 mentality, 20 c freedom, 15 passing, 15 clossing down, takling easy, f runs often, runs with ball often, long shot mixed, through ball often, cross ball rarely, cross from mixed. marking zonal, free role. http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/10DanielMontenegro-2.png

FCd: 13 mentality, 13 c freedom, 15 passing, 17 clossing down, takling normal, f runs mixed, runs with ball mixed, long shot rarely, through ball mixed, cross ball mixed, cross from byline. zonal marking. http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/7IsmaelSosa.png

FCa: 15 mentality, 17 c freedom, 15 passing, 17 clossing down, takling normal, f runs often, runs with ball mixed, long shot mixed, through ball mixed, cross ball rarely, cross from deep. marking zonal, free role. http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/9LeonelNez.png

As you can see its an offensive role theory. My MCd started playing way better when i changed his through ball to often, before he was doing ok, but not great. In rl the managers of independiente also struggle to make his offensive pair effective. Now im doing very well, toping the league and having great av rating for almost all my players, all but my two strikers. They tend to get 5.5 to at most 6.4 if they didnt score a goal or made an assist. I know this can happen, but when you see the match you can see that the FCa barely touches any balls and when he does he shots no matter where he is( he has the PM shoots from distance and shots with power). Being as it is, is at least working in the goal department. He scored 25 in 37 games, from those 25 im sure at least 15 where from well outside the box. But i blame the keepers for that too, not many good ones in Argentinean league. And my PCd is the top player in assist in the league but still he almost never gets a good ranking. Also he touches very little balls each game, averanging less than 20... I admit that he surely knows how to capitalize the balls he touches, but im sure he could be more involved in the game. Taking into account that my AMC also has the same PMs than my FCa its quite rare that my team doesnt shoot from outside, but when they do enter the box theydo great plays, and that would be what i want to see more from them. I know they can hehe.

My defense is great, i have a wonderful gk (even doing a lot of assists... what im actually not happy about, freakin little bug lol). Im not conceding a lot, actually im the second one with less goals received in the league.

Also this are my two other strikers in my first team: http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/17DaroGandn.png and http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/14FedericoHiguan.png. I knoew... they are not very good, but its what i have.

Also i have two great prospects in the youth team: http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/29NicolsMazzola.png and http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp293/nicobile/37DiegoChurn.png. Im going to start ginving them time in the first team next year. They are probably even better now than my two sub strikers

Sorry about the photos showing like that, but i dont know how to change the link name :/

[higgins]

Hi wwfan I've read your pdf and really appreciated it, just a question: I plat with a lone striker system (4-1-3-1-1) and following your advice I gave him creative freedom (first notch of much), he has lower mentality than my amc (following the FCa-FCd rule with a lone striker) I like the way he plays, dropping down to receive the ball and hold it waiting for an arriving midfielder, but there's an issue with him.

When one of my striker is able to put a cross into the box, despite my Striker is a good header he often is out of place, not beig able to meet the ball.

How I can solve that?

I was thinking to reduce his creative freedom to oblige him not to go wide.

What do you think?

[Jorgeost]

Questions about the play maker role. Lets say in an 4-4-1-1 formation or in an 4-2-3-1 formation, should det players in MC or in the FC be playmakers. Or is it best to give the role to the player in DMC. Like some feedback from what works for you on the forum.

Thanks

[Italia]

I just have to give you guys props again. The tactic I have created following your information, with a bit of tweaking has allowed me to go on a 47 match un beaten run in the EPL, further more in my first season, as my team were getting used to the tactic, I won a Treble. I am loving the work you guys have put in and my tactic is living proof that you guys know what your talking about.

Great Work!

My tactic thread - http://community.sigames.com/showthread.php?p=2142542#post2142542

[Ausie]

Anybody explain the Crib Sheet for me ?

[moj]

Right guys I've just started making my own "Role Theory" tactic, beat Juventus 3-0 but that's just one game, I'll keep on changing it here and there.. can anyone give me some hints on how to achieve the perfect Role Theory tactic?

[moj]

Well this could be pure coincidence but I've beaten Newcastle 3-0 as well and Matias Fernandez (ML) has been cutting in and has scored 4 goals in 2 games. Strange..

[wwfan]

@ Nicobile: It's a reasonably tough one and I think far more holistic than just tweaking a few FC settings.

Firstly, it looks to me as if your team is overly stretched, which might be isolating the forwards from general play especially in an aggressive tactic. As the DC and DMC are 5-6 notches from the support players, they will not be providing the possession base that they should be and play into the midfield will often be hurried and scuffed. I would increase their mentality so it is the same as the GK. That should see you recycling the ball more efficiently which should lead to better build up play.

Secondly, I'd look to give the FBs more responsibility and turn them into pure support players. They are both wing backs so should be encouraged to get involved a little more. The DL is going to be especially useful and would benefit from very attacking settings. I'd use the Attack wing back settings for him but add long shots Mixed. The DR seems about right as he is a bit weaker. However, he might benefit from crossing the ball to the far post and often if/when you push the DL further forward.

For the midfielders, I'd firstly drop them all one notch, just to bring them in line with Role Theory. Probably won't do much but you never know. As the left side is supported by a strong DL, I'd leave the ML much as he is, although I wouldn't restrict his long shots so much. The MR looks perfect for a free role. I would also make them both cross to whichever side of the goal Nunez is playing as he is solid in the air. Alternatively, if they cross to centre you should see a fair few balls being pulled back for the AMC.

The AMC is a perfect free role player, so those settings are fine. However, you might not be getting the best out of him with the FWR and crossing settings. It depends whether you want him to be drifting behind the front two or moving into the box. I suspect the former but you have him set up as the latter. I'd knock FWRs down to mixed, crossing up to mixed (as he will drift he might pop up on the wings and you'll want him to cross) and perhaps cross ball from byline to encourage him to run at defenders.

I can see why the FCd is problematic. He isn't a great player. What he does have is pace. I'd be using him as a very simple link man who can then use his pace to keep up with play when the ball goes past him (if his work rate allows it). Low CF, no FWRs, mixed RWB (perhaps often if his dribbling improves further), mixed or even rare TBs (it might be better for him just to lay the ball off to the winger or AMC, in which case rare), no long shots, cross from mixed or byline (depending on how you set his RWB). As you are trying to make him play deeper, perhaps even knock his mentality down a notch or two and reduce his closing down by 4-5 notches. I'd also drop his passing by 5 notches or so. Simplify his game and he should play better.

The FCa is a good player but can be made better. Firstly, I'd knock his FWRs down to mixed to make him more involved with play. Secondly, I'd make better use of his skills by telling him to RWB Often, Cross Ball Mixed from Byline, Long Shots Often, Hold Up Ball (he is strong and has good technique). As he is solid in the air every cross needs to be aimed at him as well (near post or far post depending on which side of the pitch he plays and the crosses are coming from). As he is playing well and we are trying to make the FCd the easy pass option, I'd keep his free role.

In terms of team settings, I'd be playing reasonably wide, fairly rapid tempo and a high normal d-line, which I wouldn't be afraid to push up if you were struggling for possession. I'd be interested to hear the results of this

[wwfan]

Hi wwfan I've read your pdf and really appreciated it, just a question: I plat with a lone striker system (4-1-3-1-1) and following your advice I gave him creative freedom (first notch of much), he has lower mentality than my amc (following the FCa-FCd rule with a lone striker) I like the way he plays, dropping down to receive the ball and hold it waiting for an arriving midfielder, but there's an issue with him.

When one of my striker is able to put a cross into the box, despite my Striker is a good header he often is out of place, not beig able to meet the ball.

How I can solve that?

I was thinking to reduce his creative freedom to oblige him not to go wide.

What do you think?

With a lone striker I've found it helpful to set the wingers to cross to centre from byline and the FBs to cross to whichever side of the goal the supporting MC tends to move towards. For me, I have the MCL playing as the MCa with forward runs often, so I cross to far post with the DR and near post with the DL. The FC either wins the header or the MCL steals in unmarked and has a tap in. I score hatfuls like that. You just need to work out where the players tend to arrive and put the ball in that area.

Questions about the play maker role. Lets say in an 4-4-1-1 formation or in an 4-2-3-1 formation, should det players in MC or in the FC be playmakers. Or is it best to give the role to the player in DMC. Like some feedback from what works for you on the forum.

Thanks

It depends on the players you have. If your most creative/best passing player is an MC/DMC then the deep playmaker will be the best option. If he is a AMC/FC, then a more advaced one. Personally, I prefer deep playmakers but they are difficult to find.

Anybody explain the Crib Sheet for me ?

It is just a brief guide to the basic settings of the main TT&F document. If you don't understand it, I'd read the Frameworks section, which will give you enough extra information to make most of it clear.

[moj]

Who thought of ROLE THEORY for the TTF guide? May I bless the genius who thought of it? I've just beaten Valencia 2-0 away (arsenal), but that isn't the point, I missed 3 penalties, I had 60 shots, 20 on target and I COMPLETELY outplayed them, Valencia had around 1 shot on target.. I had around 10 clear cut chances, this will be easily fixed but ROLE Theory is aaaaaaaaaaaawesome.

[Footyslayer]

Hi wwfan and anyone else who can help.

I read the whole pdf and set up my team accordingly, i seem to have got everything else right and my players are playing well. The only downside is my 2 front men miss too many chances (Torres does ok) and their rating per match is appalling. Im dropping points because my strikers are generally getting below a 6.00 throughout the match and not taking chances...

Im wondering if anybody here can assist in me setting them up correctly?

Team settings

http://xs233.xs.to/xs233/08481/team_settings164.jpg

Torres settings

http://xs233.xs.to/xs233/08481/torres_settings891.jpg

Henry/Keane settings

thttp://xs233.xs.to/xs233/08481/henry-keane_settings344.jpg

Now these settings may have changed since my original set up as i have tried so many things and even others tactics but im yet to get both my strikers playing well...

Help please!

[moj]

Closing Down: Whole pitch?

Try lowering it down for Torres so he can express his creativity more. Higher closing down = less creativity.

[moj]

I mean think about it logically, if Torres is closing down all the time through out the pitch, not only will he tire quicker, but he won't have any time to do something special with the ball.