Alright, what's going on guys? I'm going to break down the tactic setups for every phase of the game, whether you're winning, losing, or just starting out. We'll cover all the bases, starting with defense. Remember, you'll see updated tactics every Friday, these have been tested and refined thanks to your feedback.
Defensive Tactics: The Foundation
We're kicking things off with a 4-1-4-1 formation. The reason for this is that a lot of people are struggling defensively. This setup provides a packed defense:
- Back Four: Standard defensive line.
- CDM: One defensive midfielder to shield the backline.
- Holding Center Mids: Two center midfielders to provide additional defensive support.
- Wide Mids: Left and right midfielders to provide width and defensive cover.
This formation is a good intermediate step if you don't want to use a 5-back formation but still want to be defensive.
- Player Instructions:
- Striker: Advanced Forward.
- Center Mids: Holding.
- Wingers: Widefield, providing outlet options.
- Fullbacks: Stay back while defending.
- Center Backs: Stay back while defending.
- Build Up Play: Balanced, not short passing. This allows for runs in behind as outlets for through balls.
- Offensive Approach: Balanced, but with a lower amount (around 40). This prevents dropping too deep and being vulnerable to finesse shots.
Pressing Tactics: Turning Up the Heat
Now, let's say you're down 2-0 and need to apply some pressure. The 4-4-2 is the go-to formation for pressing.
- Formation: 4-4-2. This is the best pressing layout because you have two strikers, creating a 4v4 up against your opponent's center backs.
- Defensive Style: Counter. This means players make runs in behind.
- Defensive Depth: 75. This is a good amount of depth, but you can adjust it based on your comfort level.
- Player Instructions:
- Strikers: Poach and Advanced Forward.
- Wingers: Inside Forward on attack.
- CDMs: One holding player and one CDM.
- Fullbacks: Balanced and defensive.
- Important Note: If you're struggling defensively while pressing, put both wingers on "fullback defend." You can also make one of them a playmaker to adjust.
Starting Tactics: Setting the Tone
Now, let's talk about how to start the game strong. Here are three formations to consider:
4-1-2-1-2 Narrow
This formation is great for central dominance.
- Formation: 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow.
- Key Features:
- Central Focus: Condenses the attack in the middle.
- CDM: Holding.
- Fullbacks: False backs.
- Center Mids: Box-to-box.
- Strikers: Advanced Forward and Poacher.
- CAM: Shadow Striker.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Counterattack: Balanced.
- CAM: If you want to be more conservative, make the CAM a playmaker roaming or a playmaker balanced.
- Width: If you want to make this formation wider, you can make these players attacking wingbacks.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.
- Wingers: Inside forward roaming.
- Striker: Poacher.
- Attacking Style: Heavy on the left-hand side.
- Tactical Adjustments:
- Width: This formation gives you width and narrow ability.
4-3-2-1
This formation is a good option for adding width to your attack.
- Formation: 4-3-2-1.
- Key Features:
- CDM: Holding CDM to protect the backline.
- Left Back: Attacking plus plus.
- Right Back: Can be switched to attacking.