megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Introduction As an FM player since CM01/02 I have a long understanding of the Match Engine and although this game (FM09) is a lot harder than others, I thought I would battle through it and learn some things. Within this guide are some thoughts on different formations, positions and other additional information. This is my first guide so do not expect a masterpiece. Here it goes. Football Formations and Tactical Help For FM In association football, the formation describes how the players in a team are positioned on the pitch. Different formations can be used depending on whether a team wishes to play more attacking or defensive football. Key Points covered in this guide Formations Formation Shape Classic Formations Modern Formations Future Formations Other Pitch Shape/Size Tempo Target Men and Playmakers Holding Midfielders Sweeper Keepers Stats For Positions Match Tactical Changes Traning Youngsters Formation Shape The key to any successful tactic is the shape The shape of a formation helps to... Keep the team in a unit Enable the manager to play an offensive or defensive tactic Maintain a balance between the two (Offense and Defence) I will provide a PDF download once the guide is complete with all the additions that people want. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 Classic Formations These Tactics are a little outdated, however I think they show a good understanding of how the game was played in the past and who knows you might pick up on a thing or two in this section. I would defiantly recommend playing everyone on team mentalities if you ever try these tactics out. The Pyramid The Formation is set out as shown below. The formation is all about scoring the most obviously however there are some key things defensive wise about this formation. The two DCs man mark the opposition wingers in the game whilst the MCs would man-mark the opposing strikers. It is important to note that man-marking is key as opposed to the modern zonal system in that without it the DCs would ignore the threat of the wings and concentrate on what is in their zone, leaving it easy to deliver a killer ball against two defenders. The passing system within this tactic would primarily be a direct long ball to let the 5 forwards chase it. The forwards would also have high run with ball and low crossing and through ball for the central players and low through ball for the wingers. As the tactic was designed to make a player hog the ball till there was nothing else he could do with it. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Attacking CF: Little/Mixed Passing Style: Direct/Long Tempo: Normal/Quick Width: Wide CD: Own Area (For DCs) Own Half (MCs) Whole Pitch (FC/FL/FRs) Time Wasting: Rarely DL: High Normal/Push Up Tackling: Hard FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: No Offside Trap: Yes Counter Attack: No The Danubian School The formation is set out the same as the Pyramid The Danubian School is obviously the same shape as the Pyramid however the tactics are completely different in style of play. This tactic encourages free-flowing quick passing with short balls and high Creative Freedom. Although the defensive structure would be much the same the players would be encouraged to express themselves a bit more. The players would decide whether to run with the ball or play a pass and would likely have that setting at mixed as to encourage the player to decide for himself. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Attacking CF: High Passing Style: Short Tempo: Quick Width: Wide CD: Whole Pitch Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Push Up Tackling: Normal FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: MC Offside Trap: Yes Counter Attack: No Metodo The formation is set out as shown below. The formation is based on the Danubian school however is more defensive than that as two of the forwards are taken and placed just in front of the midfield. This has the advantage of being more defensive (for the times) than the previous formations it has similar ideas to the Danubian school tactic focusing on short passing and displaying technical ability more than anything else. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Attacking CF: High Passing Style: Mixed Tempo: Quick Width: Wide CD: Whole Pitch Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Push Up Tackling: Normal FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: MC Offside Trap: Yes Counter Attack: Yes The WM The formation is set out as shown below. This famous formation was created by the Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman in the 1920s. It is seen as the foundation of the modern 3-4-3. This was the first tactic to seek a balance between offense and defence. It split the attack and defence into two clear units with the DL/DC/DR/DMCs making the defensive unit and the AMC/FL/FC/FRs the offensive unit. Another variation of the tactic is the offensive unit flipped with 3 AMs and two FCs . This is called the WW. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Attacking CF: Mixed Passing Style: High Mixed Tempo: Quick Width: Wide CD: Whole Pitch Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Push Up Tackling: Hard FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: No Offside Trap: Yes Counter Attack: No Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 3-3-4 The formation is set out as shown below (Some debate on the actual shape) The formation is similar to the WW formation and is slightly more defensive. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Mixed Attacking CF: Mixed Passing Style: Direct Tempo: Quick Width: Wide CD: Whole Pitch Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Push Up Tackling: Hard FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: AMC Offside Trap: Yes Counter Attack: No 4-2-4 The formation is set out as shown below. Designed to have 6 Defenders (Back Four and MCs) and 6 Attackers (FCs, Wingers and MCs) This formation will likely have a defensive mentality for the DCs, mixed for the MCs and attacking for the forwards. The football is much like the Danubian school in that short passing with individual technical brilliance a key factor in the tactic. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Set out as detailed above CF: High Passing Style: Short Tempo: Quick Width: Wide CD: Own Half Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Normal Tackling: Normal FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: No Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: No Kamikaze The formation is set out as shown below. A 1-6-3 formation used by the Japanese during the 30s. Clearly an all out attack tactic with no use in modern football just shown here as an example of the extremities there was in football. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Gung-Ho CF: Little Passing Style: Direct Tempo: Quick Width: Wide CD: Whole Pitch Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Normal Tackling: Hard FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: No Offside Trap: Yes Counter Attack: No Catenaccio The formation is set out as shown below. A very defensive formation used to grind out 1-0 victories. The most important position of the tactic is the inclusion of a Libero (sweeper) who mopped up the balls over the defence and double marked men if necessary. The defence would play the long ball forward and hope to hit the team on the break. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Ultra Defensive/Defensive CF: Little Passing Style: Long Tempo: Mixed/Quick Width: Narrow CD: Own Area (For Ds) Own Half (M) Whole Pitch (FC/AML/AMR) Time Wasting: Often DL: Deep Tackling: Normal FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: FC Use PM: MC Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: Yes Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 1960's Estudiantes The formation shape is shown below. One of, if not the most negative football formations that brought any success to a team. This tactic limited creative freedom and relied on dirtiness to win the ball and win 1-0s against the opposition. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Defensive CF: Little Passing Style: Mixed Tempo: Quick Width: Wide CD: Whole Pitch Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Normal Tackling: Hard FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: No Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: Yes Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 Modern Formations These tactics will be more familiar (hopefully to most of you) These encourage strong defence and offense and are generally well balanced. I would recommend a team mentality for teams lower than the top tier of a country and for lower top teams however once you get to mid-high you have greater flexibility. I would recommend taking the base mentality I have given you and subtracting it by 3 for support (D/ML/D/MR sometimes MC) and by 5 for DM/C. 4-4-2 The formation is shown below. This is the most common and well known tactic in modern day football. The midfielders share defensive and offensive duties one MC will push up towards goal at any opportunity to support the strikers and the other will protect the back four. The two Sided Mids (ML/MR)'s job is to both provide the first line of defence from wing attacks and also push forward. They usually lack the stats to get past their man and that is why the play a mixed role. The 4-4-2 can either be Offensive/Mixed/Defensive and therefore it is hard to recommend a particular mentality and therefore it is up to the player what he wants the tactic to be like. The 4-4-2 Diamond formation is very similar but places the defensive MC in a DMC slot and the Offensive in the AMC slot. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Player's Choice on what kind of 4-4-2 he wants CF: Normal - Necessary to maintain shape Passing Style: Dependent on pitch size - Will be covered later Tempo: Dependent on Pitch Size Width: Wide CD: Own Area (For Ds) Own Half (M) Whole Pitch (FC(s)) Time Wasting: Dependent on match situation DL: Dependent on Pitch size Tackling: Dependent on defender skills FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: More forward MC depending on quality of player Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: No 4-4-1-1 The formation is shown below. This tactic is a slight variation of the 4-4-2 but one I thought necessary to have its own section. The usual two FCs are split into one FC and one AMC (Playmaker). The AMC can draw defenders out of position, create opportunities for the FC and ultimately score himself. This is the key position and is sometimes referred to as the number 10 or the Trequartista. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Attacking CF: Normal - Obviously the AMC will have high since he is playmaker Passing Style: Dependent on pitch size - Will be covered later Tempo: Dependent on Pitch Size Width: Wide CD: Own Area (For Ds) Own Half (M) Whole Pitch (FC(s)) Time Wasting: Dependent on match situation DL: Dependent on Pitch size Tackling: Dependent on defender skills FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: Up to you but obviously you would have to set him to play further up with a higher mentality than the AMC Use PM: AMC Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: No 5-3-2 The formation is set out as shown below. 5-3-2 is a versatile formation that can easily switch from being defensive to offensive. The Wing-Backs can provide defensive capabilities and offensive also and will provide the width for the team. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Your Choice (can change in match depending on situation) CF: Normal Passing Style: Direct Tempo: Quick Width: Normal CD: Own Area (For Ds) Own Half (M) Whole Pitch (FC(s)) Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Normal Tackling: Normal FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: MC Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: Yes 4-3-2-1 (Christmas Tree) The formation is set out as shown below. The 4-3-2-1 formation is an attacking formation with two AMCs both designed to draw out the opposition DCs and then allow the AMCs to exploit the gap and play a telling ball through the to the lone striker. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Normal CF: Normal Passing Style: Short Tempo: Quick Width: Narrow CD: Own Area (For Ds) Own Half (M) Whole Pitch (FC(s)) Time Wasting: Dependent on match situation DL: Dependent on Pitch size Tackling: Dependent on defender skills FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: AMC(s) Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: No Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 3-6-1 The formation is set up as shown below. The 3-6-1 is focused on keeping possession and playing the ball on the ground. The AMCs however will benefit from having direct passing so as to provide through balls to the lone striker. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Normal CF: Normal Passing Style: Short Tempo: Quick Width: Normal CD: Own Area (For Ds) Own Half (M) Whole Pitch (FC(s)) Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Normal Tackling: Normal FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: AMC(s) Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: No 4-5-1 The formation can vary but here is my idea. The formation tries to be solid at the back and launch a devastating Counter Attack. The formation is favoured by Jose Mourinho but he uses a more offensive one than here with one MC being practically an AMC and the other an all rounder with the DMC providing a shield for the back four. The GK distribution should be set to long ball to the FC. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Attacking CF: Little Passing Style: Direct Tempo: Quick Width: Narrow - Currently Testing CD: Own Area (For Ds) Own Half (M) Whole Pitch (FC(s)) Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Deep Tackling: Normal FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: Depends (MC perhaps) Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: Yes 3-4-3 The formation is set up as shown below. A 3-4-3 Formation means the MCs have to share duties between defending and attacking and the DMC has to employ a zonal system to catch wide players. Having only three defenders means the tactic is susceptible to wing attacks however the hope is that you score more than you concede. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Attacking CF: Normal Passing Style: Short Tempo: Quick Width: Normal CD: Own Area (For Ds) Own Half (M) Whole Pitch (FC(s)) Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Deep Tackling: Normal FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: No Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: No 4-2-3-1 The formation is set up as shown below. The formation is solid defensively and relies on a quick counter attack. However despite just having one upfront the inclusion of an AMC (playmaker) means this tactic has potential to devastate defences. The play has to be short and slow except the AMC who benefits with a direct passing to cut open defences. Recommended Settings: Mentality: High Normal/Attacking CF: Normal Passing Style: Short Tempo: Slow Width: Normal CD: Own Area (For Ds) Own Half (M) Whole Pitch (FC(s)) Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Normal Tackling: Normal FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: Yes Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: No Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 Future Formations 4-6-0 The Formation is set out as shown below. As you can see the most striking feature of the tactic (No pun intended) is the lack of an out and out forward. However this tactic is not necessarily defensive depending on how you set the team up. The team is going to need Stamina, Teamwork and Work Rate as many players end up playing multiple positions. Recommended Instructions: Mentality: Attacking CF: High Passing Style: Short- Without it ball will be lost all the time Tempo: Quick Width: Wide CD: Own Half Time Wasting: Rarely DL: Normal Tackling: Dependent on defender skills FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM:AMC Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: No Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 Pitch Shape/Size Depending on pitch size it may be necessary to tweak your Passing Style, Tempo and Defensive Line Long/Wide Passing Style: Short as direct balls are likely to be easily mopped up by opposition defenders. Tempo: Slow, a large pitch can tire players out if they are trying to play a hundred miles an hour especially in the recent 9.3 Patch. Defensive Line: Deep/Normal as on a large pitch with a high defensive line the long ball with devastate your defence. Short/Narrow Passing Style: Direct to get the ball moving quickly. Tempo: Quick, get the ball moving fast to get past the defence since its a smaller pitch the players will not tire that much. Defensive Line: High, your unlikely to be caught on the break since the pitch is so small. This also allows you to maintain possession as your team can get the ball back straight away and increases passing options. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 Player Instructions Goalkeepers Mentality:Set To GK CF:Set To GK Passing Style:Set To GK CD:Set To GK Tackling: Set To GK FW: Set To GK RWB:Set To GK LS: Set To GK TB: Set To GK CB: Set To GK FR: Set To GK HUB: Set To GK No nonsense DC Mentality: 1 CF: 1 Passing Style: Team CD: Own Area Tackling: Normal FW: Rarely RWB: Rarely LS: Rarely TB: Rarely CB: Rarely FR: No HUB: No Ball Playing CB Mentality: No nonsense DC plus 7 CF: High Passing Style: Mixed to direct CD: Own Area Tackling: Easy FW: Mixed RWB: Rarely LS: Rarely TB: Often CB: Rarely FR: No HUB: No Defensive Fullback Mentality: DCs Mentality plus (1-5) CF: Mixed Passing Style: Team CD: Own Half Tackling: Normal FW: Mixed RWB: Rarely LS: Rarely TB: Rarely CB: Mixed FR: No HUB: No Attacking Fullback Mentality: 14 CF: High Passing Style: Team CD: Own Half Tackling: Normal FW: Often RWB: Mixed LS: Rarely TB: Mixed CB: Often FR: No HUB: No Box to Box MCa and MCd Mentality: One click to right from middle CF: Mixed Passing Style: Direct CD: Own Half Tackling: Normal FW: Mixed RWB: Mixed LS: Stat dependent TB: Often CB: Rarely FR: No HUB: No Wingers Mentality: 13 CF: Mixed Passing Style: Team CD: Own Area Tackling: Normal FW: Mixed RWB: Mixed LS: Mixed TB: Often CB: Rarely FR: No/Yes HUB: No AMC Playmaker Instructions: Mentality: Normal CF: High Passing Style: Mixed/Direct CD: Own Area Tackling: Easy FW: Mixed RWB: Mixed LS: Mixed TB: Often CB: Rarely FR: Yes HUB: Yes Striker Mentality: 15 CF: High Passing Style: Team CD: Own Half Tackling: Normal FW: Mixed RWB: Mixed LS: Rarely TB: Rarely CB: Rarely FR: Yes HUB: No Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 Sweeper Keepers A modern implementation of the standard keeper. This keeper will require specific stats detailed in the "Stats For Positions" section of the guide. Basically as well as keeping the ball out of the net the keeper will also act as a sweeper. This needs a high D-Line as the keeper would have nothing to do if the DCs were close to him. Mentality: DCs Mentality plus (1-5) CF: Mixed/High Passing Style: Direct CD: Own Area Tackling: Normal FW: Mixed RWB: Rarely LS: Rarely TB: Mixed CB: Rarely FR: No HUB: No Holding Midfielders Can be played in either the DMC slot (Defensive) or in a mixed role in the MC slot. Their main job is to rough up the opposition and allow the more skilled and creative players to work further up the park. They have the effect of forcing players out wide which in FM if that is not the natural position will have a serious effect on their ability to work their magic. Holding Midfielder Instructions: Mentality: Defensive CF: Little Passing Style: Short CD: Own Half Tackling: Hard FW: Rarely RWB: Rarely LS: Rarely TB: Rarely- Risks passing ball to opponent CB: Rarely FR: No HUB: No Marking: Zonal - Has to be otherwise he would only pick up one player Playmakers This player controls the tempo of the game for his team and usually is the one the team look for whilst passing the ball. He will provide your team with the most assists and should also be a goal-scoring threat to the opposition. He is usually played beside a holding midfielder in the opposite MC slot who makes sure that the offensive nature of play does not disrupt the balance of defence and offence. Playmaker Instructions: Mentality: Normal CF: High Passing Style: Mixed/Direct CD: Own Area Tackling: Easy FW: Mixed RWB: Mixed LS: Dependent on stats TB: Often CB: Rarely FR: Yes HUB: Yes Target Men A forward with the ability to hold up the ball and use his heading and jumping to create chances for his team mates. Target man Instructions: Mentality: High Normal CF: High Passing Style: Mixed CD: Whole Pitch Tackling: Easy FW: Rarely/Mixed RWB: Rarely LS: Often TB: Often CB: Rarely FR: Yes HUB: Yes Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 Stats For Positions Specific positions on the park obviously require specific stats, some are more important than others and help the players excel even if they are not as expensive as others if they have the attributes in the right sections. Goalkeepers: Aerial Ability, Command of Area, Composure, Concentration, Handling, Reflexes, One on One, Kicking or Throwing and Decisions. Defenders: Composure, Concentration, Jumping, Marking, Tackling, Positioning and Strength Full Backs: Acceleration, Crossing, Pace, Positioning, Tackling and Work Rate Holding Midfielders: Composure, Marking, Positioning, Passing and Tackling Side Mids: Crossing, Passing, Tackling and Work Rate Wingers: Acceleration, Crossing, Dribbling, Flair, Pace and Technique Offensive Midfielders(Playmakers): Creativity, Flair, Long Shots, Passing and Technique Attacking Midfielders: Creativity, Dribbling, Flair, Pace, Technique and Composure Target Men: Composure, Finishing, Heading, Jumping, Off The Ball and Passing Strikers: Acceleration, Composure, Finishing, First Touch, Off The Ball and Pace Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 Match Tactical Changes During a match it may well be necessary to change tactics for whatever reason. Perhaps your team is losing or it is the final 10 minutes and you are shutting up shop. This section of the guide will contain suggestions for every situation possible. The most common one (hopefully) for you as the manager will be having to shut up shop (effectively closing out the opposing team) in the hope you do not concede when they go to a 4-2-4 or whatever attacking variant. It is wise to have a separate tactic to deal with this situation. My personal favourite formation to shut up shop is shown below. Recommended Settings: Mentality: Defensive CF: Little Passing Style: Direct Tempo: Slow Width: Narrow CD: Own Area (For Ds) Own Half (M) Whole Pitch (FC(s)) Time Wasting: Much DL: Deep Tackling: Hard FP: Mixed Tight Marking: Yes Use TM: No Use PM: No Offside Trap: No Counter Attack: No I will explain each of the instructions. Mentality: Obviously going to be set to defensive so as to make sure your players stick to there positions and know their job. CF: You would not want a player no matter how good he is making a pass which could get you a goal but could also put you on the back foot so keep this small so players do what they are told Passing Style and Tempo: Two conflicting decisions here, but I will tell you the idea. It has a low tempo so as to not rush the player into needlessly losing the ball by booting it up the park, but it has direct passing because you do not want your players messing with short balls just outside your box. Width: Narrow, means less opportunities created for you but keeps the back four in line and tight DL: This means that teams will have lots of space to take long shots, however your two DMCs should easily put enough pressure on them to nullify their threat. Tackling: Giving away a few bookings may be necessary to keep on to the points, worth it in my opinion. Counter Attack: Your winning, you do not need to go on an attack and potentially lose the ball. Set Pieces Some guides suggest finding this out for yourself however I will break it down for you with some suggestions. Throw-ins Well there are four options Mixed, Short, Long and Quick. Long- Try to gain much ground as possible whilst under pressure but more likely to lose possession Short- Does not gain as much ground however retains possession more Quick- Most likely to lose possession however good to get a quick break-away Free Kicks 7 Options: Mixed, Short, Long, Cross Near, Cross Far, Cross Centre and Best Header Short- Play it short to allow a cross or shot that is not from a dead ball situation good when you have no dead ball specialists Long- To get the ball up the park as far as possible to allow a flick on or an attempt at a cross from closer Cross Near- Cross for the near post hoping that they have a short man there and your man has a hight advantage Cross Centre- Allows the most people an attempt at heading the ball Cross Far- Hoping to find a keen finisher at the back to score a tap-in Best Header- Aims for the best header in the box- My personal favourite Corners 6 Options: Mixed, Short, Near Post, Far Post, Penalty Area, 6 Yard Box Short- Play it short if you do not have a corner specialist, also draws an extra man down to the corner flag (make sure you have someone set to go short in Player Instructions) Near Post- You want your best overall player who is good at creating as well as heading and jumping here, can flick on to score (heading and jumping) or with his creativeness can set-up a tap-in Far Post- Someone who is not particularly tall can go here as the ball heigh won't allow a header and a better finisher with high off the ball will be best here Penalty Area- Likely to get a header on goal if you crowd the area with men however it is hard to get the ball on target from here 6 Yard Box- Likely to be collected by keeper however if not will allow for a header that will most of the time be scored Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 Non-Tactical Related Raising youngsters Raising a gem into a future star is a good way of making a profit or achieving your objectives. Sometimes its just nice to see a gem you raised from either scouting or from your very own youth system become a superstar. PA and CA You may have heard these terms tossed around the forums. These stats are set, at random for all regens and for most youngsters . PA or potential ability is basically a measure out of 200 on how good a certain player could develop. This stat like CA is hidden unless you use a cheat program such as Genie Scout (google it if you insist) however they are fairly relevant in developing a player. For example if a player with 200 pa but 90 CA was nearing an age of 19 it is fairly likely he will never fulfil his potential so therefore a player with a PA of 160 but a CA of 152 may be a better choice in that he has already developed. I would also like to make a point about the importance of how the stats themselves are distributed rather than the PA itself. Of course PA is important however, there are some situations where this is not the case. For example... Player One: 200 PA 170 CA Striker Player Two: 180 PA 170 CA Striker Who is the better player? The answer cannot be shown just with these stats. For example the game might have given Player One exceptional ability in the art of tackling and marking (say 20 each) which means that his other stats are not going to have as much PA points to use. Since player one is a striker and these stats serve no purpose for his position they are wasted. Especially if Player Two has say 20 for Pace, Finishing and composure. So even though Player One has more potential Player Two is the better striker, so it is the distribution of stats that is the most important. First-Team Experience The most important thing in development of a youngster is first team appearances. However this does not mean you should chuck him into the deep end against Man Utd away from home. That could potentially have a damaging effect depending on how bad he performs. Instead introduce him as a sub towards the end of games you are set to win, perhaps with just 30 minutes to 20 left and to also start him in cup games. Do not over play the player or he may burn out and never reach his potential. Also in team talks always encourage him as he is young this is defiantly the best way to increase player morale. Loaning Players Out I only ever loan out players if I have to many youngsters in one position, therefore I tend to loan out the player least likely of making it. Because loaning players to other teams give them first team experience this will give their players good stat increases however there are many issues with this. First of all the player will become accustomed to their tactics and will be subject (probably) to a lower standard of training. The worst thing is when the player himself has that team as a favourite club at the end of it as you risk losing a potential star if he wants to move their permanently. Tutoring If you right-click on a player and go to the player interaction screen you may notice that your youngster can be tutored by another player. This could damage morale if he rejects the tutoring (never seen a tutor say no) but the majority of the time is very beneficial to the player. The player can gain additional hidden mental stats and also a boost to some visible mental stats. But most importantly the player can learn PPMs (Player Preferred Moves) which make a player more prone to do something (good or bad). To check what PPMs your tutor has go to his profile then click positions and it is to the left hand side. So if tutoring goes well your player could learn additional moves and also increased mental stats. Training Another way to boost player stats is through training. However this is my least favoured approach for numerous reasons. It does not provide much stat benefits and also it takes a while to set up. However I recommend downloading the many available on these forums, my personal favourite being Tugs although some of my friends swear by DarkStarrs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
heathxxx Posted March 9, 2009 Share Posted March 9, 2009 Excellent guide megafan2005 This should help clarify things for a lot of people. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 9, 2009 Author Share Posted March 9, 2009 Excellent guide megafan2005This should help clarify things for a lot of people. Thanks heath might I also say your Lower League Guide is brilliant and a worthwhile read Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drake Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 No 433 in historical and modern formations ? Surprising, to say the least )))) But good job, anyway. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
123hello Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 great guide mate. but where are player instructions?? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 10, 2009 Author Share Posted March 10, 2009 123 could you clarify what you mean? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
123hello Posted March 10, 2009 Share Posted March 10, 2009 like 'run with ball' and 'forward runs', also do you leave the mentally the same for everyone? including DC and GK? stuff like that Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 10, 2009 Author Share Posted March 10, 2009 like 'run with ball' and 'forward runs', also do you leave the mentally the same for everyone? including DC and GK? stuff like that oh okay I will update the guide with that information tommorow hopefully Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
geol13 Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 Could you please be more specific and analyse pitch sizes/dimensions?Maybe according to scout reports or their lenth/width values Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magnakai Haaskivi Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 Would you adjust your team's width slightly on a wider or more narrow pitch? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 Could you please be more specific and analyse pitch sizes/dimensions?Maybe according to scout reports or their lenth/width values im not sure what you mean? Do you exact specfic numbers like 68M wide or?! Magnaki I will experiment but currently I play a narrow system on a wide pitch so as to keep things tight at the back and wide on narrow to create as much space as possible Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 I have included a section on set-pieces and put a very small bit on player instructions although I think it is something to be played around with by the individual player tbh as this guide just has some guide lines. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son_Of_William Posted March 12, 2009 Share Posted March 12, 2009 One of the best guides out there mate. Really enjoyed the read. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted March 12, 2009 Author Share Posted March 12, 2009 One of the best guides out there mate. Really enjoyed the read. Thanks mate glad you thought it was worthwhile Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
geol13 Posted March 13, 2009 Share Posted March 13, 2009 im not sure what you mean? Do you exact specfic numbers like 68M wide or?!Magnaki I will experiment but currently I play a narrow system on a wide pitch so as to keep things tight at the back and wide on narrow to create as much space as possible well,as precise as you can ;-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corkey Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 what about individual instructions, i see that you have done this for holding midfielders, etc, etc. But you are missing a couple of positions?? great thread tought Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted May 8, 2009 Author Share Posted May 8, 2009 what about individual instructions, i see that you have done this for holding midfielders, etc, etc. But you are missing a couple of positions?? great thread tought wait Ive had second thoughts what positions then mate Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corkey Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 wait Ive had second thoughts what positions then mate I don't understand what you mean??:confused: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted May 8, 2009 Author Share Posted May 8, 2009 I don't understand what you mean??:confused: what positions do you want individual instructions for Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corkey Posted May 8, 2009 Share Posted May 8, 2009 what positions do you want individual instructions for preferably every position Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Encatuse Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Interesting formations. Have you tested them in FM? Would like to know how they work in the game. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikal Posted June 11, 2009 Share Posted June 11, 2009 Excellent thread. Love the classic formations!! Will definately give one or two of them a go sometime soon! The Kamikaze looks brilliant!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted June 11, 2009 Author Share Posted June 11, 2009 Classic formations are all quite useless but EVERY tactic works with the correct settings Entcatuse and Mikal the kamikaze is the worst one out of the lot haha Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenom84 Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 nice thread indeed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikal Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 Entcatuse and Mikal the kamikaze is the worst one out of the lot haha Haha yeah I can imagine it being pretty useless, but it looks that interesting it's surely worth a go Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corkey Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 sooo, what about player instructions??? looks great! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted June 12, 2009 Author Share Posted June 12, 2009 sooo, what about player instructions???looks great! Sorry have been busy with exams surgery and illness atm im quite confused as to what you want done? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corkey Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 so give the recommended player instructions, ie. Mentality, Creative Freedom, Forward Runs, Run With Ball, Hold-Up Ball, etc. of course you may say that you don't change the sliders, ie the once influenced by team instructions, ie. Mentality, Creative Freedom, Passing Style, Closing Down and Tackling. cheers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted June 12, 2009 Author Share Posted June 12, 2009 so give the recommended player instructions, ie. Mentality, Creative Freedom, Forward Runs, Run With Ball, Hold-Up Ball, etc.of course you may say that you don't change the sliders, ie the once influenced by team instructions, ie. Mentality, Creative Freedom, Passing Style, Closing Down and Tackling. cheers. Give me an example please im not a hundred percent if i am right then it makes no sense but clarify haha Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corkey Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 so for example( not correct settings of course): for a defender Centre he should have minimaul creative freedom and mentality, therefore he will not attempt anything stupid, like a crazy throught ball. also he should have minimul forward runs, therefore he will stay back and concentrate on defending. so.... Mentality - 5 CF - 5 CD- 5 Passing Style - 15 (depending on team instrunctions, +5 from passing style) tackling - normal forward runs - rarely run with ball - rarely (depending on players dribbling, can be mixed.) long shots - rarely through balls - rarely cross ball - rearly ------------ something like that??? cheers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted June 12, 2009 Author Share Posted June 12, 2009 so for example( not correct settings of course):for a defender Centre he should have minimaul creative freedom and mentality, therefore he will not attempt anything stupid, like a crazy throught ball. also he should have minimul forward runs, therefore he will stay back and concentrate on defending. so.... Mentality - 5 CF - 5 CD- 5 Passing Style - 15 (depending on team instrunctions, +5 from passing style) tackling - normal forward runs - rarely run with ball - rarely (depending on players dribbling, can be mixed.) long shots - rarely through balls - rarely cross ball - rearly ------------ something like that??? cheers. Erm im not sure about this though because i dont want anyone to think these are set in stone you should experiment yourself but I will give base figures for this on sunday for most positions Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corkey Posted June 12, 2009 Share Posted June 12, 2009 ow right wicked thanks alot megafan! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleon Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 You should credit people if you've used their work, or atleast mention you've 'borrowed' it. Still though, its useful Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted June 14, 2009 Author Share Posted June 14, 2009 Updated for some player instructions keep the reccommendations coming and Cleon ive sent you a PM but im not sure what your talking about this is all my own original work :confused: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corkey Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 yes megafan thats it! is it okey to do it for all of the postions, ie. wingers??? great work though, and thank u! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted June 15, 2009 Author Share Posted June 15, 2009 Added wingers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corkey Posted June 15, 2009 Share Posted June 15, 2009 what about AMC, etc. thanks mate, amazing! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
megafan2005 Posted June 15, 2009 Author Share Posted June 15, 2009 what about AMC, etc.thanks mate, amazing! Playmaker is AMC but ill copy it up Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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