TacticalTheoremsandFrameworks‘09

AComprehensiveTacticalDesignandMatchStrategyGuideforVirtualFootballManagersRichardClaydon(wwfan)&GarethMillward(Millie)

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ForewordbyPaulCollyer ...............................................................................................4Introduction ........................................................................................................................5

History ..........................................................................................................................................................5Philosophy...................................................................................................................................................6Scope..............................................................................................................................................................7Limitations ..................................................................................................................................................8RelatedLinks..............................................................................................................................................8

UtilisingtheDocument....................................................................................................9

Frameworks ..................................................................................................................... 10PlayerRoles&MentalitySystems ......................................................................................10TheMCdandtheMCa..........................................................................................................................10TheFCdandtheFCa ............................................................................................................................11

ManagerialType&MentalitySystems..............................................................................12TheNikeDefence ..................................................................................................................................13TheLiberoDefence ..............................................................................................................................14RuleofOne(RoO) .................................................................................................................................14BandsofTwo...........................................................................................................................................15RoleTheory .............................................................................................................................................152‐6‐2Mentality.......................................................................................................................................165x5Theory ...............................................................................................................................................16GlobalMentality.....................................................................................................................................17EffectiveStrikePartnerships ...........................................................................................................17

PlayerRoles&ForwardRuns(FWRs) ..............................................................................18TheArrowlessMatchEngine ...........................................................................................................19

PassingPatterns .......................................................................................................................21PassingOptions......................................................................................................................................21PassingSystems.....................................................................................................................................22

FrameworkAdaptation ................................................................................................ 23DefensiveLine...........................................................................................................................23RelationtoMentalitySystem ...........................................................................................................23RelationtoOppositionFormation .................................................................................................23RelationtoPlayerAttributes ...........................................................................................................24RelationtoPitchSize ...........................................................................................................................24AdditionalSettings ...............................................................................................................................24

Width............................................................................................................................................25RelationtoMatchStrategy................................................................................................................25RelationtoPitchSize ...........................................................................................................................25

Tempo ..........................................................................................................................................25RelationtoMatchStrategy................................................................................................................25RelationtoPitchSize ...........................................................................................................................26

MatchStrategyTheories .............................................................................................. 26StrategyAssumptions.............................................................................................................26MentalitySystemAssumptions.......................................................................................................26PassingAssumptions...........................................................................................................................27TempoAssumptions ............................................................................................................................28WidthAssumptions..............................................................................................................................28TimeWastingAssumptions..............................................................................................................29TacklingAssumptions.........................................................................................................................29MarkingAssumptions .........................................................................................................................29

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FocusPassingAssumptions..............................................................................................................30CreativeFreedomAssumptions......................................................................................................30FreeRoleAssumptions.......................................................................................................................30

MatchStrategies .......................................................................................................................31TheStandardMatchStrategy...........................................................................................................31TheAttackingMatchStrategy..........................................................................................................31TheDefensiveMatchStrategy .........................................................................................................32TheControlMatchStrategy..............................................................................................................32TheShut‐up‐ShopMatchStrategy .................................................................................................33

IndividualPlayerTheories ......................................................................................... 34GenericInstructions................................................................................................................34DefendRole..............................................................................................................................................34SupportRole............................................................................................................................................35AttackRole ...............................................................................................................................................35

PlayerAbilities..........................................................................................................................35PositionalInstructions...........................................................................................................35Goalkeeper ...............................................................................................................................................36CentralDefenders .................................................................................................................................36FullBacks..................................................................................................................................................37WingBacks...............................................................................................................................................37DefensiveMidfielder............................................................................................................................38MidfielderwithDefensiveDuties(MCd) ....................................................................................38Side‐Midfielders.....................................................................................................................................38Wingers .....................................................................................................................................................39MidfielderwithAttackingDuties(MCa) .....................................................................................39AttackingMidfielder ............................................................................................................................40DeepLyingForward(FCd)................................................................................................................40AdvancedForward(FCa)...................................................................................................................41

SpecialistPositionTheories ....................................................................................... 41SweeperKeeper.....................................................................................................................................41Sweeper/Libero.....................................................................................................................................42Deep‐LyingPlaymaker........................................................................................................................43Box‐to‐BoxMidfielder.........................................................................................................................43AdvancedPlaymaker ...........................................................................................................................44TargetMan ...............................................................................................................................................44Poacher......................................................................................................................................................45CompleteForward................................................................................................................................46

OppositionInstructionsTheories............................................................................. 46RelationtoWidth/PitchSize................................................................................................46RelationtoPlayerStrata/Channels ...................................................................................46TheAMCPosition..................................................................................................................................47TheDMCPosition..................................................................................................................................47TheLoneStriker ....................................................................................................................................47

RelationtoSpecificPlayers ..................................................................................................47The‘ShowontoFoot’OI .....................................................................................................................47The‘Tight/LooseMarking’OI..........................................................................................................48The‘ClosingDown’OI .........................................................................................................................48The‘Heavy/EasyTackling’OI..........................................................................................................48

Conclusion......................................................................................................................... 49Credits ................................................................................................................................ 50

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ForewordbyPaulCollyerOneofthegreatpleasuresofdevelopingFootballManager,andCMbeforeit,overtheyearshasbeentheroleofthecommunityinhelpingusdevelopandshapethegame.Thisguideisoneofthebestexamplesofhowacommunitycanenhanceagameandaddtotheexperienceofthoseplayingit.ThetacticalinterfaceandsysteminFootballManager2009haspromptedmuchdiscussionanddebateovertheyears,andIhavebeenfollowingthetheoremscontainedhereinsincetheyfirstappearedbackin2005.NowwhileIknowthematchenginecodeprettywell,andunderstandincodingtermshowthingstranslatefromtacticstomatch,IhavetoadmitthatsomeofthethingsIhavereadherehaveopenedmyeyestothewaythematchworksintheeyesoftheuser,aswellasinspiringmetomakethingsworkevenbetter.SoIhavepleasureinpersonallyrecommendingthisguideforbothnewandexperiencedFMplayers,andhopeyougetasmuchfromitintermsofgameplay,nottomentiononfieldsuccess,asthosewhospenttimecreatingit.OvertoRichardandGareth…….

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Introduction

HistoryTactical Theorems and Frameworks ’09 (TT&F ’09) is the sixth in a series oftactical guides aimed at helping the virtual manager get the best out of theFootballManager tacticalmodule. Its first iterationoriginated fromaseriesofexperimentsduring theearlydaysofFM06 thatwereundertaken in thebeliefthattherewereseriousflawsintheMatchEngine.Theseexperimentsdisprovedthehypothesis, showing theoriginalwriter thathedidn’tknowasmuchaboutfootball as he hadpreviously thought and the first TT&F, posted inNovember2005, which both praised and explained the FM06 engine. The thread wasstickied in the GQ section of the SI Games forums and quickly became asignificantplayerinthedevelopmentofvirtualtacticaltheory.With later versions of Football Manager, TT&F became more sophisticated,expanding its ambitions and tactical strategies and recruiting a large andknowledgeable following that significantly contributed to its development.Unfortunately, it began to drift towards jargon, heavyweight managerialreferencesandexcessivenumericaldetail,thusbecominglargelyinaccessibleforthecasualuser.ByFM08,whilestillbeingcongratulatedbycontributors,ithadlostdirectionandwasbeingoverwhelmedby threadspromising super‐tacticalsolutionstotheMatchEngine.These‘super‐tactics’werenotjustinfundamentaloppositiontoTT&F,butoftengeneratedfrustrationandangerforusers,astheytended to produce unrealisticmatches inwhich possession and chancesweredominatedbythelosingteam. Despitethisseemingdomination,thenumerouschancescreatedwereoftenverypoorandeasilydefendedbytheAIteam.Manyusersfailedtorecognisethehalf‐chancenatureoftheattacksandsomeresortedtoaccusationsofarandomMatchEngine,super‐keepersandacheatingAI.TT&F’09hastakenallofthisonboardandaimstoconfrontitheadon.Firstandforemost, we aim to overcome the user frustrations and accusations of AIcheating that have plagued recent versions of Football Manager. None of theregular contributors to TT&F have ever found Football Manager to beexasperating, overly unfair, full of super‐keepers or horribly unrealistic.Furthermore,inrelationtothecomplaintsofrandomness,TT&F’smethodologyensures the Match Engine produces excellent looking football and matchsituationsinwhichmanagerialdecisions,goodorbad,makeobviousdifferences.Finally,TT&F’sphilosophyhasalwaysbeenthatvirtualandrealworld footballmanagementrequiresamultiplicityoftacticalstrategies,ratherthanonesuper‐tactic, in order to combat numerous differentmatch situations and footballingstyles. In discussing these elements in jargon‐free detail, TT&F ’09 hopes tobring the enjoyment levels and in‐depth tactical knowledge of its regularcontributors to a much wider audience. With luck, more and more virtualmanagers will embrace some or all of the TT&F concepts and find FootballManager’09tobeafullysatisfyinggamingexperience.Wecertainlyhopeso.

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PhilosophyTherearefiveimportantdefinitionsandbeliefsthatunderlieTT&F.Definition of Formation: A formation is the basic framework deciding thepositionofeachplayer,i.e.a4‐4‐2hasfourdefenders,fourmidfieldersandtwoattackers. Likewise,a4‐3‐3/4‐5‐1formationhasfourdefenders,onedefensivemidfielder,twocentralmidfielders,twowingersandacentreforward.DefinitionofTactics:Tacticsoperatewithintheformationframework.A4‐4‐2athomewilldifferheavilyfroma4‐4‐2away.Inahomeformation,thewingersmay hug the touchline, support the attackers and be given a fair degree ofcreative freedom. Inanaway formation, theymaybeasked to tuck in, supportthe full backs, and be ready for quick breaks when the potential rewardoutweighstherisk.FootballManagerTactics: Whendesigningtactics,oneslidertweakaltersthetactical instruction but not the overall formation. When discussing tacticalinstructions, we will talk about them in the context of a single unspecifiedformation.ChangingTactics: Noteamevergoesthroughamatchwithoutsomeswitchesintacticalstrategy.Theextenttowhichthesetacticalchangesworkdefinesthecourseofthematch.Theymaynotberecognisabletothecasualviewerbuttheyhappen nonetheless. The same applies to in‐match management in FootballManager.Playingthesametacticallgameinthebeliefthatbecauseyourplayersaresuperioryouwillinevitablywinand/orfailuretorecogniseandchangeyourtacticswhenthingsareobviouslygoingagainstyouwillnotbringyoutitles.In‐game decision‐making is absolutely vital to TT&F tactical theory and to besuccessfulyouwillneedtolearnwhenandhowtoapplyeachtacticalchange.TheSuccessfulManager:Teamsandmanagersaregenerallysuccessfulduetoacombinationof four things:goodtacticalmanagement,goodman‐management,goodtransferpolicyandavailabilityoffunds.Failuretomanageanyoftheaboveis likelytoleadtoaseasonofpoorperformancesanddisillusionment. Wewillassumeyouarecapableofmanagingtransfersandcanrecognisegoodplayersinrelationtolevel,sowewillnotelaboratefurtherontheseaspectshere.Sufficetosay,withroughlytherightcalibreofplayerforyourdivisionourtacticaltheoryshould help you on the path to success. However, if you don’t have the rightcalibreofplayer,youwillalmostcertainlystruggle.Ifyouregularlymakeperfectdecisionsyoucansurvivewithpoorplayers,butitwillbedifficult.Wepromisenomiracles,justgoodtacticaldesign.Tolearnmoreabouttheplayer,transferandman‐managementsideofFootballManagervisitthegoodplayerandtacticalforumsatFM‐BritainandSIGames.

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ScopeTT&F ‘09hasbeen totally rewritten to take into account the significantmatchengine improvements over the FML and FM’09 Beta tests. While its mainprioritiesaretomaintainitsfocusonproducingrealisticlookingfootballandtofacilitatetheswitchtothearrowlessengine,ithasexpandedinscopetoincludethefollowing:Manager Style: distinct managerial styles require distinct tactical strategies.Ranging from the detailed and precise tactical plans of Jose Mourinho to themotivational simplicity of Kevin Keegan, TT&F ‘09 outlines eight mentalitysystemsandtheirrealworldtacticalandmanagerialequivalentsTranslating the Sliders: by focusing on real world tactical language andminimising the focus on slider notch numbers, TT&F ‘09 enablesmanagers toquickly and easily design fully effective tactics for any match situation andformationPlayerRoles:bydetailingplayer rolesand illustratinghowtheycombinewitheachotherandthementalitysystems,TT&F’09explainshowtacticsworkfromthegroundupMatch Strategies: TT&F ’09 outlines five easy to designmatch strategies thatslot into whichever of the eight managerial philosophies you choose toimplementChoosing your Pitch Size: TT&F ’09 explains how tactics fit with pitch sizes,enablingyoutochoosetheidealpitchforyourhomematchesandmakeeffectivechangesfordifferentpitchdimensionsIndividualPlayerTheories:TT&F’09outlineshowtogetthebestperformanceoutofeachstandardplayerpositionwithineachmanagerialstrategySpecialist Position Theories: TT&F ’09 explains how to get the bestperformanceoutofthefollowingplayertypes:

• SweeperKeeper• Sweeper/Libero• Deep‐LyingPlaymaker• Box‐to‐BoxMidfielder• AdvancedPlaymaker• TargetMan• Poacher• CompleteForward

Opposition Instructions: TT&F ’09 explains how to employ OIs to counterdifferentformationtypesandlimittheinfluenceofyouropponent’skeyplayers

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LimitationsTherearecertainelementsof theFootballManagerexperiencethatTT&Fdoesnotcover.Thissectionbrieflyunderlinestheirrelationtotacticalsuccess.ManagerReputation: All squadswillneed time toadjust toandrespectyourmanagerial and tactical decisions. Youwon’t get the best out of your playersuntilyouhaveinstalledasenseofdisciplinethroughoutyoursquad.SquadGelling:Ifyoursquadhasnotgelled,thentheteamwillnotplaywell,nomatterhowgoodyourtacticalplans.Startingthegamewithashakysquadwilllimit success aswill buying in huge numbers of players. Playing conservativefootball in these situations gives the squad a chance to grab points. Givenenoughgellingtimethesquadwillbeabletoplayamoreexpansivegame.ManandMediaManagement:Ifyourman/mediamanagementskillsarepoor,youwillupsetyourplayers,fansandboard,whichwillcostyoumatches.Learnhow your players respond to certainmedia and player interactions and teamtalkssoyouareableensuretheyaremotivatedforeverymatch.TransferandFinancialStrategies:Aclubthatoverspendsandbuildsanoverlylargesquadwillgenerateunhappiness.Likewise,aclubthathasnoambitioninthetransfermarketwillfailtocapturethequalityofplayerrequiredforsuccess.Focusingonandacquiringlogicaltargetsthatfityoursquadandwagestructurewillensurearelaxeddressingroomandconsistentlygoodperformances.TrainingProgrammes:Togetthebestperformancepossibleoutofyourteam,youwillneedtoshapeplayerstoyourtacticalvision.Tailoredtrainingregimesensurethatthemanagerhasawealthofpotentiallyidealplayersathisdisposal,allowinghimtoturnhistacticalvisionintoreality.SetPieces:Extremelyimportantbutnotcovered.Didyouthinkweweregoingtospoon‐feedyoueverything?

RelatedLinksForquestionsandadvicerelatingtothisdocumentpleasevisitthetacticalforumsatFM­BritainandSIGames. For in­depthdiscussionsof specific theories, pleasevisit the FM­Britain Tactical Bible Forum. For an audio discussion of thesetheories,pleasedownloadtheGetSackedpodcast,anentertaining lookatvirtualfootballmanagement.WehopeyouenjoyreadingthisasmuchasweenjoyedwritingitandthatithelpsyoutofullyunderstandandappreciatethetacticalelementsofFM09.Goodluckandplaywellwwfan

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UtilisingtheDocumentAlthoughTT&F’09isintendedtobeacomprehensivetacticaldesignandmatchstrategy walkthrough for beginner and advanced players alike, it can also beusedasaquickreferenceresourceforthefollowingproblems:Poor and Disjointed Play: If the football your team is producing looksextremely unrealistic and players constantly make simple errors, then readFrameworks(pages10‐22)RandomPerformances: If your team sometimes performs likeworld‐beaterswhereas other times plays like a pub‐side, then readFrameworkAdaptation(pages23‐26)ProblemswithSpecificTeams/Formations:Ifyouconsistentlystruggleagainstacertainteamortypeofformation,readFrameworkAdaptation(pages23‐26)HomeandAwayPerformances: If your teamplayswellathomeand terriblyaway,orvice‐versa,readMatchStrategyTheories(pages27‐33)Unable toHoldaLead: If you are constantly leaking late goals anddroppingpointsthatwereseeminglyinthebag,readMatchStrategyTheories(pages27‐33)PoorPlayerPerformance:Ifyoucan’tgetaspecificplayertoperformwelloraspecificpositiontoworkasexpected,readIndividualPlayerTheories (pages34‐40)World­Class Player Underperforming: If you are unable to get consistentlygood performances out of a world‐class footballer, read Specialist PositionTheories(pages41‐45)UnabletoStopSpecificOpposingPlayersfromPerforming: Ifyouconstantlystruggletolimittheinfluenceofcertainplayers,readOppositionInstructionsTheories(pages46‐48)In addition,wewill also release a set of 72 TT&F inspired tactics for FootballManager ’09. Thetactics include20modernformations inDefensive,StandardandAttackingMatchStrategies,plusnineclassicformationsandthreefuturistic,experimental formations. These tactics are largely intended for better thanaveragesidesplayingonsmaller thanaveragepitches. TheyareBandofTwotactics(seepage15)withgenericplayerrolesettings(seepages34­35).Wehopeyouenjoythem.Wewillalsoreleasea2‐pageCribSheetdetailingthebasic instructionsandanExcel‐basedTacticalWizardthattakesyouthrougheachtacticstep‐by‐step.

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FrameworksEvery tactic is based arounda framework thatdecides thebasic ‘shape’ of theformation by employing variations of mentality, defensive line, closing down,runsandpassingsettings. Inorderforanytactictoworkeffectively,thesekeyingredients must be set correctly. The roles of individual players are thenadaptedaroundtheseinstructions.

PlayerRoles&MentalitySystemsForthemostpart,theframeworksarebasedaroundplayerrolesreferredtobytheir typicalFootballManagerabbreviation (left sidedmidfielderbecomesML,goalkeeperGKetc.).However,therearefourrolesatypicalofFootballManagerpositiondefaultsthatarefundamentaltothedesignoftactics.

TheMCdandtheMCaIn every tactic, one central midfielder needs to be given the role of MCd(midfielderwithdefensiveduties)andanotherneedstobegiventheroleofMCa(midfielderwithattackingduties).TheMCdisaholdingplayer.HecanbeplayedintheDMCposition,butdoesnothave to be. He should be defensively minded and will generally not makeforwardruns.Hisprimaryroleistoprotectthebacklinewhenthemidfieldandforwardsattack,andtoactasthefirstlineofdefencewhentheoppositionhaveattackingpossession.Heshouldbecautious,holdhispositionandhelpmaintaintheteam’sdefensiveshape.TheMCa is the flipsideof thecoin. He isanattackingplayerwhoserole is tosupport the forwardswhen the teamhaspossession. He canbeplayed in theAMCposition,butdoesnothave tobe. Hewillbemoreattacking,will tend tomake forward runsand commonlyassumesaplaymaking role in the centreofthefield.Havingbothtypesofcentralmidfielderinasidemeansthemidfielddoesn’tgetvacatedwhenateamareontheattackwhileensuringthereareenoughpeopleattackingtooffersupport.Itprovidesdefensivestabilityandattackingmuscle.

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TheFCdandtheFCaThis is a slightly harder distinction to recognise at first glance. It is best toexplainthesystemwithregardtoformationsemployingtwostrikers,suchastheclassic4‐4‐2.TheFCdisthelinkplayer.Hedropsintheholebehindthemainstrikertoactasabridgebetweenthemidfieldandtheattack.Withouthim,itispossibletoleavethetwostrikerscompletelyisolatedfromtherestoftheteam.Withhim,thereisastaggeredstageofattack.Themainstrikerand,formationallowing,acoupleofmidfielders run beyond himwhile he holds up the ball and looks for passingoptions,givingtheattacktimetotakeshape. This iscrucial inallsystems,butespeciallysoforthoseemployingacounterattackingstrategy.Havinghimhangslightly further back offers passing options to the other forwards andmidfielders,andthereforekeepstheplayimaginative,flowingandeffective.TheFCaishisstrikepartner.Toldtostayforwardatalltimes,heistheprimaryend‐targetoftheattackingplay(butnotnecessarilythetargetman).Heplaysofftheshoulderofthelastdefender,triestolatchontolongballsandthroughballsand moves around as much as possible to create space for himself. Beingfurthest forward, he always offers an attacking pass option, especially for theFCd. Hecan,ifneeded,laytheballofftodeeperpositionedteammates,buthisprimaryfunctionisattemptingtofinishoffattackingmoves.However,thisdefinitionblursslightlyinformationshavingfewerormorethantwoforwards:LoneStrikerFormations: Inalonestrikerformation,oneoftheMCsorAMCsplaystheroleofFCa.Theideahereisthatthelonestriker’sroleismoresimilartoanFCdthantoatrueFCa.Hewillaimtoholdtheballupandlayitofftootherpeople.Hewilllooktokeeptheballlongenoughforhissupporttoarriveintheformofmidfieldersandwingers.Inordertonotleavehimisolated,herequiresalower mentality. In order to ensure support arrives quickly the attackingmidfielderthusrequiresamuchhighermentality.Innearlyallformationswithalonestriker,youwillbeabletoplayaplayerwithFCamentalityinstructionsinmidfieldandstillemployamorestandardMCaalongsidehim.ThreeStrikerFormations: Informationswiththreestrikers, it isbeneficialtomakethecentralstrikertheFCaandhavebothhissupportstrikersFCds. Thismeansthathehastwopeoplesupportinghimandlookingtofeedhimthroughballs.Thisshouldenableallthreeplayerstostayincontactwiththerestoftheteam,providingattackingpresenceandmultiplepassingoptions.Four Striker Formations: This is not an issue with a four‐man strike force,whichsimplyemployspushedupML/RsasFL/Rs.Withthosetermsclarified,wecancontinuewiththeframeworks.

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ManagerialType&MentalitySystemsThe twoprimary tactical instructions (mentalityandcreative freedom)are themostdifficult to translate into realworld footballing language. It isdifficult toimagine amanager specifying exactly how attacking each player should be orhowmuchhe isallowed todeviate frommanagerial instructions to thedegreetheslidersallow.Suchlevelsofprecisionhavetraditionallycausedmuchangstand argument among FMmanagers and have often been heavily criticised asbeing too complex. In attempting to unravel these complexities, we’d like tooffer a new conceptualisation of these sliders as determiningmanager type asmuchasthetacticsoftheteam.ThetwopolaritiesofmanagerialtypearetheAuthoritarianandtheLibertarianmanager. The Authoritarian determines every aspect of the team’s play andexpectseachplayer to followhis instructions to the letter. Mentalitystructurewillbeindividuallytailoredtotheplayersandcreativefreedomwillbeclosetonon‐existent.Theteamwillplayveryprecise,controlledfootballwithlittleflairorcreativityandheavilyrelyonsetpiecesandsetmovestoscore.Ontheotherhand,theLibertarianmanagerhasaroughideaofhowattackingordefensivehisteam should be for eachmatch and gives players their heads. The mentalitystructurewillbeverygenericandcreativefreedomwillbehigh. Theteamwillplayfree‐flowingfootballandgoalswillcomefromalltypesofopen‐playmoves.Asinreallife,thesetwomanagerialstereotypes,althoughpotentiallysuccessfulshort‐term,are likely to fail in the longrunas theyare tooone‐dimensional inapproach.Theoverlystructuredmanagercantakehishighlycontrolledstyleoffootball to the top level but is often too regimented to remain there, with histeams failing to offer enough flair and creativity to break down high‐classdefences.However,heshouldbeabletokeepapoorsquadupsimplybyplayingpercentage football. The flairandcreativity focusedmanagerwilldoverywellwithasquadfullofplayerswhocanoperateatthehigherendofthedivisionallevelbutwill fail tobringenoughtacticalacumentothetable towinreallybigmatchesandtitles.Withapoorsquad,heislikelytobeanunmitigateddisaster,ashewillaskhisplayerstodothingsofwhichtheyarenotcapable.Aswithreallifemanagers,thesuccessfulFM09managerwillneedtolearnhowto balance a systematic approach to formation structurewith a trust inwhichplayers can be allowed the creative freedom to express themselves withoutdisruptinghisoverall tactical vision. Knowingwhich typeofmanager youarewillthenenableyoutochooseordesignamentalitysystemthatbestsuitsyourstyle.SomesystemsbettersuitamanagerattheAuthoritarianendofthescale,as they can do well with restricted creative freedom, whereas others arefriendliertotheLibertarianaxis,requiringalotofcreativityandflairtoflourish.Nomatterwhichoneyou choose it is likely that theywill need tobe tweakedfurthertosuityourownplayingpreference,managerialstyleandtheabilityoftheindividualplayersatyourdisposal.Youmightbeanaggressivemanagerthattries to impose his particular style of play on the opposition and thus veertowardsanattackingframeworkwithlowcreativefreedom.Youmightexamine

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your opponent's strategy in fine detail and assign the majority of players tocounteritwhilstrelyingonanelitefewtodothecreativestuff.Thereisno'bestway'toplayormanage. However,somewheretherewillbeastyleofplaythatbest suits your temperament and vision. The following section outlines anumber ofmentality approaches that haveworked over the last few versions,alongsidetheirrelativesuitabilitytomanagerialtype.The mentality systems will be presented in order, ranging from the mostAuthoritarian approaches at the top to the most Libertarian at the bottom.Authoritarianmentalitysystemsassignspecifiedmentalitiesandinstructionstoeveryplayer,whereasLibertarianones aremore simple and team‐based. Thementality structures illustrated indicate how a standardmatch strategywouldlook.However,theactualplayermentalityvaluesshownarejusttoillustratethesettingsanddon'thavetobefollowedprecisely.Ifyouareacautiousmanager,yourstartingmentality(DCs)candroptofive. Ifyouaremoreaggressive,youcould have a lowest startingmentality of eleven. To design a complementaryattackingstrategy,simplyraiseeachvaluebyfourtoeightnotches,dependingonyourstandardsettings.Foradefensivestrategy,lowerbyfourtoeight.NB:We recommend amaximum of eight notches between themost attackinganddefensiveoutfieldplayersforallmentalitysystems.Greatermentalitygapsriskisolatingthedefencefromthemidfieldandthemidfieldfromtheattack.

TheNikeDefenceManagerType:JoséMourinhoAlthoughthismentalitystructureisbasicallyanadaptionoftheRuleofOne(seepage14), it is ideallysuitedto thosethatwishtoplay theMourinhoway. It isexceedinglycontrol‐orientatedandspecifiesmore individualmentality settingsthananyothersystem.ItcloselymirrorsMourinho'stacticsintwoways.Firstly,it employs an athletic covering DC to support a powerful destroyer in themanner of the Carvalho/Terry Chelsea partnership. Secondly, the MCd sitsslightly deeper than he would in the Rule of One, which equates to howMourinhoemployedMakélélé.LikeallRuleofOnetactics,itsuitstheMourinho‐typemanagerasitcandowellwithoutexcessivecreativefreedom.GK:7DCd:6DC:8FB:10MCd:9ML/R:11MCa:12FCs:13Credit:Justified

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TheLiberoDefenceManagerType:FabioCapelloAswiththeNikeDefence,theLiberoDefenceisareworkingoftheRuleofOne.LikeMourinho,Capelloisveryspecificabouthowhewisheseachofhisplayersto perform and always employs a deep holding midfielder. However, unlikeMourinhoheencouragesoneofhisDCstoadvanceforwardwiththeballinthemanner of a classic Libero, as seen by Rio Ferdinand's performances underCapelloforEngland.AllowingadeeperdefensivelinethantheNikeDefence,theLibero Defence better suits the type of controlled, possession football CapelloprefersincontrasttoMourinho'sdirect,muscularapproach.GK:8DC:8DCa:13FB:9MCd:8MR/L:11MCa:13FCs:14Credit:Jaswarbrick

RuleofOne(RoO)ManagerType:MartinO'NeillTheRuleofOneplaysroughlyinthesamemannerasaMartinO'Neilltactic.LikeMourinhoandCapello,O'Neillisveryfastidiousabouttacticsandexpectseachofhisplayerstofulfilaspecificfunction.However,hehashadmuchlesschancetoworkwithgenuinelyworld‐classplayers,whichhasledtohimemployingamoregeneric system into which players of lesser quality are able to operate. Inapplying detailed specific mentality and player instructions, O'Neill canoverachievewithouttheneedforhighlycreativeorflairplayersinhisattackingline. Relyingondetailedtacticalstructureenableshimtoemploylowishlevelsofcreativefreedomwithoutadropinperformance.GK:7DC:8FB:9MCd:10ML/R:11MCa:12FCs:13Credit:wwfan

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BandsofTwoManagerType:AlexFergusonSirAlexisthefirstmanagerthatdeviatesfromaverytightcontrolmethodology.ManchesterUtd'ssystem,mostespeciallyintheQueirozyears,operatesthroughfourbandsofplay.Whilethecentraldefendersarepredominantlyinstructedtodefend (unlikewhen playing for Capello, Ferdinand stays back) the full backsand defensive midfielder offer deep support for the front line alongside theirdefensive duties. The attackingmidfielder andwingers have become virtuallyinterchangeable, switching roles in the high support band, and are usuallyallowedtheircreativeheads.Thefinalbandisthespearheadforward,ideallyacompleteplayerwhoiscomfortableplayingwiththeballathisfeetorintheair.GK:8DC:8FB:10MCd:10ML/R:12MCa:12FCs:14Credit:wwfan&Millie

RoleTheoryManagerType:ArseneWengerMoving towards the more expressive mentality systems, in which controlstructuremeets individual responsibility, we find ArseneWenger. Unlike theother systems, here the mentality matches the player role within the team'soverallmatch strategy and thus changes depending on howmany players areassignedtospecificroles(seepages18­19).Whenplayinganattackingstrategy(seepage32),thefiveattackingrolesareonthesamementality,whereaswhenplaying a defensive system (see page 33), five roles are assigned defensivementalities. The player's role rather than his individual skills or team systembecomesthemostimportantaspectofplay.Wheneverythingfitsintoplaceandalltherolesinteractperfectly,thefootballismagical.DefensiveRoles:8SupportingRoles:11AttackingRoles:14Credit:wwfan&Millie

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2‐6‐2MentalityManagerType:MarceloLippiLippi's teams have traditionally been some of the more expressive in Italianfootball, partly to do with his charismatic manner generating team spirit, butmainly due to his flexible approach to tactics. The 2‐6‐2 system allowsconsiderableflexibilityinthemiddleofthepark,withsixplayersinterlinkingassupportgroupfortheattackanddefence.AswithmostItalianapproaches,thissystemcanfrustrateopponentsbydominatingpossessiondeeponthepitchasthebacktwointeractwiththemidfieldinaneightplayerpassingsystempriortoinstantaneously turning defence into attack as one of the front players issuddenlypickedoutinspace.GK:8DCs:8FBs:11MCd:11ML/R:11MCa:11FCs:14Credit:zagallo

5x5TheoryManagerType:RafaBenitezAlthough Benitez doesn't come immediately to mind as a Libertarian, hisstructuralapproachto tactics isasimpleone, relyingon fiveplayers todefendand five to attack. Although he has transformed Liverpool into a team that isvery difficult to break down, criticisms remain with regard to his attackingintentionsandlackofwidth.IntypicalSpanishmanner,Benitezwantshisfrontfivetoplaywithcreativityandflair,unlockingopposingdefencesviaquick‐firepassinginterchanges.Withoutplayerswhohavethevisionandtouchtounlockdefences in tight areas this translates into many efficient but dour matches.However, with the right players and creative freedom allowances up front,scintillatingattackingplaywillcomplementresolutedefence.GK:8DC:8FB:8MCd:8ML/R:12MCa:12FCs:12Credit:Asmodeus

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GlobalMentalityManagerType:KevinKeeganGlobalmentalitysuitsamanagerwhoiswillingtogiveplayerstheirheadsandreliesheavilyonmotivation techniques toget thebestoutof them. When theteam is playing well, the global system is capable of outstanding football.However, its relative lackofdefensivecoveranda tendency tobe compressedmeansthat,whenthingsaregoinglesswell,itcanbeoutflankedonthecounterand squeezed outwhen attacking. To combat that it requires heavy levels ofcreativefreedomandplayerswhocanmakethebestuseofitalongsideexcellentteamdiscipline and determination. For amanager confident of his team‐talksandmediainteractionitcanbeagreatsystem.AllPlayers:11

EffectiveStrikePartnershipsAlthoughwehavespecifiedtwotypesofforward,thementalityframeworksonlyspecifyoneFCsetting,despitetherequirementfortheFCatoplayhigherupthepitchthantheFCd.ThereasonfortheomissionisthedifferenceininstructionsforAttacking,StandardandDefensivementalitysystems.In all systems, it is important that there is a reasonably large mentality splitbetweenthetwoforwards. Thisstopstheopposingdefencefrombeingabletoholdasinglelinethatdeniesbothforwardsspace.OneFCdropsdeepertofindspace in frontof the line,whereas theotherplayshigher to tryandmove intospacebeyondit.Inadefensivesystem,thementalityframeworkdirectlylinkstothelowerFCdsettings,withtheFCabeingassignedahighermentalitytoensurehe isplayingon the shoulderof the lastdefender. In anattacking system, thementalityframeworkdirectlylinkstothehigherFCasettings,withtheFCdbeingassignedalowermentalitytoensurehedropsdeepintospace.UsingthesuggestedmentalitysettingoftheDCasabase(x)werecommendthefollowingsettingsasaroughguideforaneffectivestrikepartnership.Defensive:FCd(x+5);FCa(x+8)Standard:FCd(x+3);FCa(x+7)Attacking:FCd(x+1);FCa(x+6)However,foraGlobalMentalitySystemtheformulaisslightlydifferent:Defensive:FCd(x);FCa(x+4)Standard:FCd(x‐2);FCa(x+2)Attacking:FCd(x‐4);FCa(x)Thesesettingscanbealtereddependingontheabilityandspeedoftheforwards,thestartingmentalityofeachsystemandthespecificmanagerialvision.

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PlayerRoles&ForwardRuns(FWRs)Whenassigning forwardrunstoyourplayers, it is important thatyouareveryclearastotheirroleintheteam.Playerrolesaredefinedinthefollowingway:Defend:TheplayerwillfocusheavilyondefensivedutiesSupport:TheplayerwillperformbothdefensiveandattackingdutiesAttack:TheplayerwillfocusheavilyonattackingdutiesAskingyourplayerstomakeforwardrunsdefineshowoftenandbyhowfartheywill deviate from the assigned formation position. If a player is told tomakeForwardRunsRarely,thistranslates intothematchengineasaninstructiontoholdhisformationpositionandbereadytocoveranycounter‐attacks.AssigningForwardRunsMixed translatesas instructinghim tohelpoutwithattacksbutnot tostray too far fromhis formationpositionsohecanquicklygetbackandhelpoutthedefenceasandwhenneeded.ForwardRunsOftentellstheplayertomoveintoattackingpositionsassoonastheteamhastheball.Withtheaboveinmind,forwardrunsshouldbeappliedinthefollowingmanner:

• Defend:FWRsRarely• Support:FWRsMixed• Attack:FWRsOften

To keep things simple, we will restrict early discussion of player roles to thethreemostbasicmatchstrategies,Defensive,StandardandAttacking(seepages32­33). Every tactic requires enough people defending and enough peopleattacking to be stable, but attacking flavours require more attackers and,conversely, defensive tactics need more bodies in defence. Hence, roles areassignedinthefollowingmanner:

• Defensive:5defend,2support,3attack• Standard:3defend,4support,3attack• Attacking:3defend,2support,5attack

Such a system assigns player roles into a basic configuration of 3 Defend, 2Support and 3 Attack, which repeats through all the match strategies. Themanager then decides on which two players he wishes to ‘float’ between thethree. These‘floaters’willbeclassedasDefendsinDefensivematchstrategies,Supports in Standard match strategies and Attackers in Attacking matchstrategies. For most formations (including 5‐3‐2, 4‐4‐2, 4‐3‐3, 4‐5‐1 etc.) thelikelihoodisthattheseplayerswillbethefullbacksorwingbacks.Forsystemswithout full backs, the manager needs to be more creative. Once you’veidentifiedwhichplayers you are going to ‘float’ it becomes simple to scale theinstructionsandcreateallthreestrategicflavoursofanytactic.

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Whenassigningtheseroles,itisimportanttorecognisetheforwardpositionsasbeing attacking by nature. As such, they do not require having FWRsOften/Mixed to be classified as an Attacker/Support. Indeed, assigning FWRsOften to both FCs in a two‐forward formation will often lead to their beingisolatedfromthemidfieldanduninvolvedwithplay.Asspecifiedearlier,oneFC(FCd)willneed tooperate inadeeper,supportrole to link theattackwith themidfield,whereas theother(FCa)shouldbe looking toplayon theshoulderofthe last defender. Correctly assigning their forward runs is fundamental tohavingyourattackoperateasaunit:

• TheFCdcanbeclassedasattack/supportwithno/mixedFWRs• TheFCacanbeclassedasattackwithmixed/oftenFWRs

To evaluate whether you have the correct FWRs instruction assigned to yourFCs, use theMatch Stats to check on the offside count and FC involvement inplay.Iftheoffsidecountishigh,thenitislikelythatyourFCaismakingrunstooearlyandhisFWRsshouldbeMixed. If theFCdisn’tseeingmuchball, it is foroneoftworeasons. Hemaynotbedroppingintospacetopickupeasypassesfrommidfield,or thepitchmightbesosmall that this space isbeingsqueezedandhecan’tget into thegame. For the former,youwillneed to reduceFWRsfromMixedtoRarely.Forthelatter,youwillneedtohavehimoperatinghigherupthepitch,soincreaseFWRsfromRarelytoMixed.

TheArrowlessMatchEngineWith the removalof arrows, theForwardRuns sliderhasbecome significantlymoreimportant. Incombinationwithmentality, it isnowthemajormethodofinstructing a player to advance from his formation position and move intoattackingareasofthepitch.Itisimportanttoclarifythebenefitsofthischange.Thereisacommonmisperceptionastothefunctionalityofarrows.Arrowswerenotplayerruns.Nordidtheyspecifyexactlywhereaplayershouldberunning,either with or without the ball. What they did was specify two possession‐related static positions. As soon as a team won possession, a player wouldroboticallyfollowhisarrowtomoveintohisassignedattackingposition. Oncethere,hewouldmakeaplayrelatedmove.Whentheteamlosttheballthesamewouldhappeninreverse.Duringthismovement,theplayerwasfollowingapre‐setinstructionthatkickedinnomatterwhatwashappeningonthepitch,takingtheplayeroutofthegameandimpairinghisabilitytoreacttotheaction.Replacingarrowswithforwardrunsensuresthatplayermovementis farmoredynamicanddirectlyrelatedtoon‐pitchevents.Despiteaseeminglossoflateralcontrol,which,aswithmostarrow‐relatedmoves,waslargelyillusory,thenewsystemensuresdynamicplayermovement,fluidfootballandrealistictransitionsfromdefencetoattack.Awellthought‐throughforwardrunspatternwillleadtosome truly excellent passing combinations and quality attacking play.

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ClosingDownClosing down translates as how quickly and how far a player will leave hisdefensive position to deal with an attacking threat. Setting it too highthroughout the teamwill lead to defensive structure disintegrating as playerschasetheiropponentsalloverthepitch. Itwillalsoresult ina lotoftiredlegsanddefensiveerrorsduringthelatterstagesofamatch. Settingittoolowwillseeplayersbackingoffandbackingoff,allowingtheoppositiontimeandspacetomakethroughpassesandsetupforshotsindangerouspositions.Generally,closingdownwillworkbest ifplayersperformit inrelationto theirposition.Forwardsarepositionedhighupthepitch,soneedtoclosedownmoreaggressivelythantheirdefensivecounter‐parts.Midfielderswillbesomewherebetweenthetwo. Withthis inmind, it isadvisabletouseyourgoalkeeperandcentral defensive pairing as a base and grade upwards from there. For lowerlevel,poorlyconditionedandill‐disciplinedsquadsyoushouldveertowardsthelower end of the closing down spectrum. For quality, hard working, fit anddisciplinedsides,youshouldveertowardsmaximumsettings.UsingtheDC’smentalityasabase(x),closingdownshouldroughlyconformtothefollowingminimumtomaximumsettings:

• GK/DC:x• FB/WB:x+1tox+4• DMC/MCd:x+2tox+6• MCa/AMC/Wingers:x+3tox+8• FCs:x+4tox+10

As highlighted above, when choosing the correct settings for your team, it isimportanttorecognisewhethertheclosingdownstructureistooaggressiveforthe type of football your players, in terms of fitness, tactical discipline andtechnique,arecapableofplaying.Akeyindicatorthatclosingdownistoohighisseeingyourplayersrunningaroundlikeheadlesschickensandfinishinggamesinastateofsemi‐exhaustion.Thisislikelytobequitecommonforhighpressingtacticsinlowerlevelfootball.Ifyounoticeyourplayers,eitherindividuallyorasaunit, closingdown to theextent thatyourdefensive formation shape suffers,reduce individualclosingdownsettingsuntilyouarehappywithperformance.Alternatively,youmightdecidetoplayamorecautiousgameorconserveplayerenergy ineasymatches,whichwill also require the reductionof closingdown.The indicator that youhavegone too low is seeing theoppositionhaving timeand space in front of the back line to pick their through balls and composethemselves tomake consistentlyeffective long range shots. Inmoredefensivesystems,youmighthavetoapplymoreclosingdownthantheguidelinessuggest,especiallyforcentralmidfielderswithalowworkrate.It isalso important to recognise thedistinct closingdownpatterns indifferentfootballing cultures, with sides from hotter countries more focused on

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conserving energy than pressing the opposition at pace. In contrast, coldercountriesgenerallyemployfarhigherlevelsofclosingdown.Pitchsizewillalsoplayafactor.Onahugepitch,playerswillhavetorunmuchfurthertoclosedowntheopposition,soarelesslikelytogetthereintimefortheinstruction to be effective. They will also tire rapidly. On such a pitch, theclosing down gradient needs to be gradual, with the whole team having verysimilar settings and targeting a certain area of the pitch to try and win backpossession.Onasmallpitch,highclosingdownsettingscanmajorlyrestricttheopposition's chances of playing possession‐orientated football. The closingdowngradientwillbesteep,withtheforwardshavingfargreatersettingsthanthecentraldefenders,withattemptstoregainpossessionhappeningalloverthepitch. Think about what level of closing down best suits your players whendecidinguponpitchsize.However,whereveryouplayandatwhateverlevel,itisimportanttomaintainsomedegreeofgrading.

PassingPatternsThereare twomajorareas tobe thinkingaboutwhensettingpassingpatterns.Thefirstistomakesureeachplayerhasplentyofpassingoptionswhenheisinpossession. The second is to thinkaboutwhat typeof football youwould likeyourteamtoplay.

PassingOptionsPassinglengthdeterminestheoptionsthataplayerwilllookfor.Tooshort,andplayers won't have enough free options within range, leading to the playergettingconfusedandhoofingtheballclear.Toolongandtheplayerwilltendtoplay too many speculative, Hollywood balls, making it difficult to hold ontopossession.Atthebareminimum,aplayershouldalwaysbeabletolookupandsee two easy passing options. Ideally, there will be three but this might bedifficulttoachieveonsmallpitches,againstentrencheddefencesorunderheavypressure. A common error is to allow a player no obvious forward passingoptionsatall. Ifyouaska fullback toplayveryshortpasses toanaggressivemidfield, all of whom are looking to get forward at every opportunity, thechancesarehewill lookupandfail toseeanobviouspass. Hewillbeabletopassitinside,butthatwillnotinitiateanattackandoftenleadstothebackfourbeingdispossessedbyapressingfrontlineorpuntingadirectionlesslongballupfield toavoidbeingcaught inadangerousposition. Commonsigns that this ishappeningareplayersdawdlingontheballwhenunderlittlepressureorplayerswithshortpassinginstructionsbangingitlong.Makesurethateachdefensiveplayercanlookupandhitalateralball,forwardball and a diagonal ballwithout toomuch difficulty. For a player high up thepitch,theforwardballmightbeverydifficulttopickagainstapackeddefence,soheneedstohavelateral,diagonalandbackwardsoptions,whichenabletheteamto retain possession and look for a new opening. Check on the positioning

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settings of the players around the passer (mentality and forward runs) andadjusthispassinginstructionssohecanhitpassestoanyoftherequiredlengths.Thatmightmean giving him longer passing instructions than youwould havefirst expected. Individual player attributes are influential when assigningpassinginstructions. Aplayerofgreatpassingabilityshouldfindsomekindofpassingoptionnomatterhisinstructions,aslongashistemperamentisuptohisbeingable toplayhiswayoutofdanger. However, someonewhostruggles tocontrolhispassingmightbebettersuitedtolonger'cleartheball'instructionssothathedoesn'tmakepoor,hurriedpassesfromdangerouspositions.

PassingSystemsAlthoughallpassingsystemscanandshouldbetweakedtobestsuittheplayersatyourdisposal,therearetwobasicpassingstrategiesfromwhichyoucanbuild.Oneisfocusedonkeepingpossession,controllingtheballandbreakingdowntheoppositioninthefinalthird.Theotherismorecounter‐attackingorientatedandlookstoclearthe linesbeforecatchingaretreatingdefenceoutofpositionandvulnerabletothequickbreak.Possession/Breaking Down the Opposition: Such a system requires a solidbase from which to launch attacks. It is the job of the defenders to ensurepossession is retained until a chance opens. Hence, defenders and moredefensively minded midfielders should be looking to play possession‐friendlyshortpasses.Themorecreativeplayerswillbelookingtomovetheoppositionaboutandopenupspaceinthefinalthird.Hence,theywillbeplayingafarmoredirectgame.Iftheylosetheballanditiscleared,thedefencereorganize,resetthebaseandthemovecanstartagain.Counter­Attacking:Thissystemrequirestheoppositeapproach.Thedefenceisexpected to be under pressure and its main aim is to clear the lines and,hopefully, initiateacounterwhiledoingso. Hence,defenders’passingsettingswillbedirect, looking tobypass themidfieldand feed the forwards,asa shortpasstoadeep‐lyingmidfieldercanbeextremelydangerousifheisimmediatelycloseddownandlosespossession.Directpassinginstructionsensuresthewholeteam is in passing range for an under pressure defender, offering multipleclearanceoptions.Theforwards’jobistotryandcounterbeforetheoppositiongets its defence back into position. Hence, they will be looking to play shortpassestotheirstrikepartnerandsupportingmidfieldersinthehopeofquicklyworkingagoodthroughballopportunity.Theabovesystemswillneedtobeadaptedtopitchsizeandmatchstrategy.Forexample,onasmallerpitch, thedirectpassesoftheattackingplayersmightbeoverhit toooften andneed tobe adjusted accordingly. Likewise, to seeout amatch with a possession mindset might lead to a manager asking a secondcentralmidfieldertoplayshortpassestohelpwithballretentiondutiesandonlyhavingfourplayersprobingforspace inthefinal third. Withapoorside,bothsystemsmayneedtobebasedonlongerpassinginstructionstoensureplayersaren'tmakingfoolishandeasilyinterceptedpassesindangerouspositions.

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FrameworkAdaptationAlthoughthissectionlinksverycloselytotheframeworkssection,italsoreferstoMatchStrategyTheories(pages32­34).Togetthemostoutofthissection,itmightbebesttofamiliariseyourselfwiththebasicsofthesestrategicideas.

DefensiveLineGetting the defensive line right is fundamental to a teambeing able to defendeffectively. This section discusses the various elements a manager needs toconsiderwhensettinguphisbackline.

RelationtoMentalitySystemThemostimportantsettingforthedefensivelinerelatestothementalitysystem.The back line must be in contact with its midfield at all times. If it isn’t,opposition forwards will constantly exploit the gap between the deepestmidfielderandthecentraldefenders.Thiswillleadtotheteambeingvulnerabletolongshots(astheforwardshaveplentyoftimeandspacetosetthemselves)plusaseriesofdesperatelast‐ditchtacklesresultinginbookingsanddangerousfreekicks.Asoliddefenceneedstohaveatleastonedefensivelymindedcentralmidfielderharassingattackingmovesbeforetheyreachthedefensiveline.To ensure the above doesn’t happen, the defensive linemust be linked to thementality structure. As a rough guide, the non‐floating Support players’mentality instructions determine the most desirable setting for the defensiveline. Linking thedefensive line to thementality systemensures theback fourremains in contactwith themidfield and the teamplays as a unit rather thanseparateattackinganddefensiveforces.

RelationtoOppositionFormationWhilst it isalways important tokeeptheabove inmindwhensettingadefaultdefensive line, a good manager will also take into account the opposingformationheisfacing.Aformationthatisnarrowandmulti‐strata(e.g.wingless4‐1‐2‐1‐2, wingless 4‐3‐1‐2) generates a lot of chances through the AMC.Increasingthed‐linereducesthespaceinwhichtheopposingAMCcanoperateand limits his effectiveness. As there are nowingers, it is difficult for such aformationtospreadtheplaywideintospace,soutilisingthehighd‐lineagainstthis type of formation often results in passing chances drying up and loss ofpossessionfortheopposition.If the opposing side is playing with a very defensive formation, it is oftenworthwhiledeepeningthedefensiveline.Defensivelystructuredformations(4‐

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1‐4‐1,4‐5‐1) typicallyhavenomidfielders supporting the forwardand relyondirect/long balls down the flanks/over the top to create counter‐attackingchances.Adeeperdefensivelinelimitsthechancesofsuchballsbeingsuccessfuland often isolates the forwards when they do get possession, as they havenobody supporting the move and quickly find themselves surrounded byopposing defenders andmidfielders. This often results in the defending teamwinningpossessionbackinadangerousareaandbeingabletolaunchacounterattackbeforetheopposingdefencehashadtimetoregroup.

RelationtoPlayerAttributesIt is important to be aware of both your own and opposing player attributeswhensettingyourdefensivelinepriortoeachmatch.Ifyourcentraldefendersareontheslowsideadeeperdefensivelineisgoingtobeasaferbet.Thiswillneed tobeprotectedwith amoredefensivementality system,which collapsesthecentralmidfieldintothepocketandmakesitdifficultforfastforwardstorunat or behind the back line. In contrast, if the back line is very athletic then ahigher defensive line with more aggressive closing down will put oppositionstrikers under pressure the instant they get the ball. Learning how high adefensive line your starting defenders can copewithwill be hugely beneficialwhensettingdefensivestrategiesfordifferentopponents.

RelationtoPitchSizeIfthepitchisontheshortside,averyhighdefensivelinemightbeproblematicforyourteam,nomatterhowathleticyourbackfour.Withlessgroundtocover,abreakingforwardmightwellbeabletostayaheadofachasingdefenderlongenough to get a clear shot on goal. On a longerpitch, thedefenderswill havemore time to cover the break and snuff out the chance. In contrast, a highdefensivelineonashortpitchmayincreasethechancesofyourdefendersbeingcaughtinpossessionbyaheavilypressingfrontline,especiallyifyouareplayingalowtempo,shortpassinggame.Onalongerpitch,theoppositeapplies.Alowdefensive line offers an increased amount of exploitable space in front of thebackfour,whichcouldcauseproblemsagainstquickandskilfulattacks. Italsorequiresdefenderstohavebetterpassingattributesaslongerpassesmoreeasilygo astray, leading to intercepted balls in dangerous positions. Taking carefulconsideration of your defenders’ attributeswhen deciding your pitch size is amajorsteptowardsbuildingadefensivehomefortress.

AdditionalSettingsTheNikeDefence: relies on an athletic player sweeping balls behind amoredestructiveblockerandthusrequiresahigherd‐line.TheLiberoDefence:reliesonaworld‐classballplayingdefenderbeingabletostepoutofthelineandjoinattacks,leavingadefensivelymindedmidfielderand

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centraldefenderascover.Todothiseffectivelyyouwillhavetoplayalowerd‐linetoopenupthespacefortheLiberotomoveinto.

Width

RelationtoMatchStrategyIn general, aggressive strategies require width. Attacking and controllingstrategies need to open up space in the final third in order for their creativeplayers to do damage. If the opposition is trying to shut‐up shop, maximisewidthtotryandbreakdownthepackeddefence. If theopposition is tryingtocounter,thenaslightlynarrowerformationpreventsyourdefencefromhavingto cover too much ground when the opposition does manage to break. Astandardmatchstrategyoffersdefensivesoliditywithsomeattackingflairandisbestemployedwithmediumwidth.Adefensivestrategyaimstoreducespaceinthe defensive third and is narrower. A shut‐up shop strategy aims to put asmanybodiesbetweenthegoalandballaspossibleandisverynarrow(seepages32­34forfurtherinformationontheabovematchstrategies).

RelationtoPitchSizeAlthough the above is very important in managing an overall match strategy,pitch size also needs to be taken into consideration. With a very wide pitch,playerscaneasilyfindspaceanddefendingisgenerallytougher.Narrowingtheformation ensures that the defence has less ground to cover when defendingquickbreakswithoutundulycompromisingattackingoptions.Whenplayingonaverysmallpitch,spaceisatapremiumandthereforeyouwillneedyourteamto playwider than usual to have any hope of capitalising on attacks. Awell‐designed defence is still effective on a small pitch even when playing on thecounterwithmaximumwidth. Think aboutwhat type of football youwant toplayathomepriortosettingyourpitchdimensions.

Tempo

RelationtoMatchStrategyAnattackingstrategyaimstokeepconstantpressureontheoppositioninordertostopthemhavingtimetobreakforwardandcounter.Assuch,itisgenerallyprettyfastpaced.Ontheotherhand,acontrolstrategyworksontheassumptiontheoppositionwon’t even try to attack soaims tokeeppossessionand slowlyprise open gaps in the defence. Thus, a slower tempo is more suitable. Forstandardtactics,themanagercanusethetempoinstructionfarmoreintuitively,crankingitupwhentheteamseemstobeontopandslowingitdownwhentheyarestrugglingtokeepholdoftheball. Defensivestrategiesareverydependentonplayerquality. If youhavea side that canplaykeepballprior to releasing

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quickcounters,thenaslowtempoisfine.If,however,yourplayersarepronetolosingpossessioneasily,playataquickerpacetotryanddisrupttheoppositionandtakeadvantageoftheirmistakes.Quicktempowithadefensivestrategywillresult in a lot of ball for your opposition, but less likelihood of one of yourplayersbeingcaughtinpossessioninadangerousposition.You’llneedtohavegood defenders to pull this off. Slowing it down can often lead to a lot ofpossession,butyouwillneedtohaveplayersyoucantrusttokeeptheballunderpressure.

RelationtoPitchSizePitchsizeisveryimportantwhenitcomestodeterminingtempo. Afastpacedstrategyisexcellentforasmallpitchwhereasaslowertempoisbetterforlargeones.Passingandclosingdownatpaceonasmallpitchreducesthechanceofaplayerlosingtheball inatightspotwhilst increasestheopportunitiesforyourmidfieldersandattackerswinningballsindangerousareas.Asthepitchissmall,players have to cover less ground and are therefore less likely to run out ofsteam. Fast tempoplayonahugepitch leads toagreaterchanceofahurried,misplaced and intercepted pass. Furthermore, the team will tire and makemistakesduringthelatterstagesofamatch.Looktoslowthingsdown,keeptheball and force the opposition to do all the chasing. Think aboutwhat type offootballyouwanttoplayathomepriortosettingyourpitchdimensions.

MatchStrategyTheoriesThis section explains the assumptions behind the Defensive, Standard andAttacking match strategies and details how to translate them into the slidersystem. Italso looksathowyoucantransformthesethreestrategies intofive,addingtheShutUpShopandControloptionstothemanager’sarmoury.

StrategyAssumptions

MentalitySystemAssumptions

• For Attacking systems it is assumed that all the Attacking/Supportplayersshouldbeonanattackingmentality,withtheDefendplayersonattacking/normal.

• For Standard systems the DCs and FCs can, but don't have to, be ondefensiveorattackingmentalitiesrespectively,withtherestoftheteamonnormal.

• For Defensive systems, it is assumed that all the Defend and Supportplayers should be on defensive mentalities, with Attacking players ondefensive/normal.

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PassingAssumptionsPassinghastobebalancedsothatitgetsanidealmixofthreeproperties.Agoodpassing framework should: a) take pressure off the defence; b) retain ballpossession;c)creategoodgoalscoringopportunities.Fordefensiveteams,playingdeeperandmorecautiouslythanattackingteams,itis important to make sure the ball is removed from the danger zone quickly.Theywill usually beweaker than their opposition, or certainly not pushing ashardforagoal,andthereforewillwanttheirpassingtobeincisiveinwhatcouldbea shortamountof time. Attackingsideswillwant toget theballdownandplay it, keep hold of possession and look for the best opportunities to play inteammatesforagoal.Becauseofthis,TT&F’09advocatesthefollowingframeworksforpassing:DefensiveDefend‐directSupport‐mixedAttack‐shortStandardDefend‐lowdirectSupport‐mixedAttack‐lowmixedAttackingDefend‐shortSupport‐mixedAttack‐directThelogicbehindthisisthatdefensiveteamswilllooktogettheballawayfromgoal,butwillthenwanttoconcentrateonkeepingtheballwhentheyreachthemidfield. Because of the narrower width, players should be close enoughtogethertohavepassingoptions.Thereforethesupportplayerscanbeonmixedandtheattackcanuseshortpassing.Theteamshouldbeabletoholdontotheball,butwillonlyaimtooncetheyhavemovedoutofthedefensivethird.Sinceattack is not the prime aim of the game plan, it is assumed that the team canconcedealittleincisivenessinthefinalthirdinordertotryandkeeptheball.Ifyouhavepossession,theoppositiondonotand,therefore,cannotscore.Attacking teams will, on the other hand, need to get the ball and play it wellbetweeneachother.Thedefendersaresettoshortpassingsotheycanlookforagoodpassingoptiontostartanattack.Sincetheyshouldbeunderlesspressure,theyshouldhavethetimeandthementalitytobeabletodothis.Theattackingplayers are on direct passing for two reasons. Firstly, it allows much moreincisive passing leading to good opportunities to play in players in advancedpositions. Secondly, since the players should be more spaced out, a directpassinggamegivesplayersmoreoptionsandallowspassestomoreeasilyreach

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teammates. In most formations the Attack players will be wing players (fullbacksandwingers),sothisallowsthemtolookforoptionsinthecentreofthefieldwithouttheneedtoalwayscrosstheball. TheSupportplayerssitdeeperandplaydangerousthroughballstoattackingplayers,trytorevitaliseattacksindangerofpeteringoutandaimatquicklyrecyclinghalf‐clearedballs.Standard tactics’ passing instructions are similar to defensive tactics, but thepassingsettingsaremuchclosertogethersincethereismoreneutralityinplayerroles. Itkeepstheballmovinginthemannerofanattackingtactic,buttriestoavoidputtingtheteamunderunduepressurewithinappropriateshortdefensivepassing.

TempoAssumptionsFast tempoisgenerallyabetterbet forattackingsidesasthemorequicklytheballismovedaround,thegreaterthelikelihoodofspaceopeningupinthefinalthird. A slower tempomeans lessmisplaced passes but enables the opposingteam to havemore time to get back into position to cover attacks. It is thusbetterformoredefensivelymindedformations.There are cultural and weather differences to take into consideration whenthinkingabouttheabove.Nationsincolderclimatestendtoplayafastertempogamethanthoseinwarmerregions.Thereareafewreasonsforthis.Firstly,theballtravelsmoreslowlyinheavyconditionssoalowtempo,shortpassinggameis often unsuitable. Although the ball can zip off a damppitch, it slows downsignificantlyonasoakingwetone,bothofwhichhaveledtothedevelopmentofa direct, fast‐paced game in Northern Europe. Secondly, hot and humidconditionswill sap player energy, so teams from such climates tend to play aslower tempo, possession‐orientated game, leading to the highly technicalfootball of South America, Southern Europe and the better African nations.Thinkingabouttheculturalfootballingpreferencesofthecountryheisworkinginwillhelpamanagertoquicklyfindhistacticalfeet.NB:Checkpitchsizesbeforedecidingonidealtempo

WidthAssumptionsTobreakadefencedowntheattackingteamneedstouseasmuchofthepitchaspossibletoopenspace.Incontrast,adefensiveteamwilllooktoreducespaceateveryavailableopportunity.Althoughateam’sdefensivewidthwillnaturallybenarrowerthantheattackingone,itwillberiskyforweakerteamstospreadtoowideasoncetheylosepossessiontheywillbecomevulnerabletoquickpassingmovementsthatexploitspacebeforetheformationcanregaindefensiveshape.Therearealsoculturaldifferences.NorthernEuropeanteamstendtospreadtheball to thewingswithgreat regularityandexpect thewingersand fullbacks toworktogethertoprovideplentyofcrossesfromstandardpositions.Teamsfrom

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moretechnicallyorientatednationstendtoplayconsiderablynarrower,aimtocontrol possession in the middle of the park and use rampaging fullbacks ordriftingmidfielders/attackerstoprovidewidthasandwhennecessary.NBCheckpitchsizesbeforedecidingonidealwidth

TimeWastingAssumptionsAn attacking teamwill be looking to score goals andwon’twant towaste anytime. Adefensiveteamwillbehopingnottoconcedeandwillthereforeaimtotake advantage of any stops in play to further wind down the clock. Timewastingalsohasafewculturalvariations.Somenations/leagueshaveagreatertendencytowardsdefensiveplayandwillemploytimewastingfarearlierinthegamethanothers.Otherculturesbelievethatattackisthebestformofdefenceandwill go forwardalmost to the finalwhistle. Both strategieshavepotentialweaknesses. Sittingonanarrowleadfor80minscancauseateamtocollapseunder theweight of attacking pressurewhilst pushing for the killer goal risksconceding on the counter. Ultimately, the type of time wasting strategy youchoose to employwill dependonyour trust in your team. Arguably, it is bestemployedasadynamicinstructionthatchangesrelativetothematchsituation.

TacklingAssumptionsAn attacking teamwill be looking towin quick ball high up the pitch andwillthus throwthemselves into tackles. As themajorityof tackleswillbemade intheopposinghalfitdoesn’tmatteriftheyresultinafreekick,asitwon’tbeinadangerousposition.Tacklesinsuchareasarealsolesslikelytogetacard.Thus,tacklingwillbeheavy.Adefensiveteamaimstokeepplayersbehindtheballandnottomakeanytacklingerrors.Theywillalsobepinnedbackintheirownhalfso can’t afford to give awayasmany free‐kicks, as theywill bedangerousandmorelikelyresultinacard.Playerswillonlychoosetomaketackleswhentheyaresureofgettingtheballorhavenootherchoice.Thus,tacklingwillbeeasy.

MarkingAssumptionsLooseandzonalmarkinggenerallymeansaplayerwon’tbeclosetoanopponentwhen possession changes. These playerswill immediately be available for anattackingpass. It is thepreferredmarking instructions forAttacking roles. Incontrast,tightandmanmarkingensuresthattheplayerisascloseaspossibletohisopposingmanwhennotinpossession.Suchplayersaimtowintheballbackandlaunchpassestothemoreopen,Attackingplayerstostartacounter.ItisthepreferredinstructionforSupportandDefendplayers.NB:Itismorethanpossibletoplayzonalandtight,whichisoftenthepreferredoptionforplayerswhohavenoobviousopponenttomark.

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FocusPassingAssumptionsAnattackingteamwilllooktoexploitthespaceontheflanksandregularlyworkthe ball into those areas. Thus, for attacking formations, focus passing downflanks.Incontrast,adefensiveteamaimstohitdirectballsandthustendtohittheballsthatcentrallypositionedforwardshaveachanceofreaching.Thus,fordefensiveformations,focuspassingthroughthemiddle.Formation shape, which is often determined by cultural preferences, impactsupon the best choice of focus passing instructions. A team without wingersmightnotgetthebestoutofthedowntheflanksinstructionandmixedislikelyto be the better option. Likewise, a defensive formation employing a lone FCrunstheriskofhisbeingoverpoweredbythedefencebeforehecanlayitofftothemidfielders. Mixedwill directmore balls into channels for thewingers tochaseandmightbeabetteroption.The left/right flanks focus passing options are best employedwhen you haveidentifiedoneofyouropponent’s flanksasbeing significantlyweaker than theotherandwishtotakeadvantageofthatweakness.

CreativeFreedomAssumptionsCreativefreedom,whichencouragesplayerstobreakfromthetacticalplanandtake risks, isofgreat importance foranattackingstrategybutdangerous foradefensive one. Themore aggressive the strategy, themore players should begivenhighcreativefreedominstructions.PlayersassignedtoAttackrolesshouldbe allowed higher creative freedom, Support roles normal and Defend roleslower.However,asdetailedintheFrameworkssection(pages12­13)assigninglevelsofCreativeFreedomisasmuchdowntomanagertypeasplayerroles.

FreeRoleAssumptionsAfreeroleencouragesaplayertolargelyabandondefensivedutiesandfocusonfinding attacking space. Aswith creative freedom, this is highly advantageousforattackingsystemsbutpotentiallydangerousfordefensiveones.However,foreverysystemitisimportantthatoneplayerislookingtocreatespaceatalltimesinordertoprovideapassingoutletforplayersunderpressure.Foreachsystem,atleastoneAttackingrolesneedtooperatewithintheformationstructureoritwilllosedefensivestabilityandattackingorganization.However,theotherscanbegivenfreeroles. Hence,Attackingstrategieshavethree freeroles,StandardtwoandDefendone. For thedefault tacticsaccompanying thisguide,wehavemadetheFCathestandardfreeroleplayer.ThiswillbefineifheisdescribesasanFCinthegame.ForSTs,itisbesttoapplyfreeroleselsewhere,astheydonotmakebestuseoftheinstruction.NB:With top‐classplayers, orwhenemployingaplaymakeror libero, you canincreasefreeroles.However,doingsowithapoorteamwillbedisastrous.

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MatchStrategies

TheStandardMatchStrategyThis is arguably the most important of all match strategies as, by carefullybalancing risk and reward, it enables amanager to assess thematch situationandhowwellhisteamisplayingpriortoswitchingtoamorespecialisedtacticalplan. It is an ideal starting strategy for all short‐odds matches. By carefullywatching the match the manager can then decide to be more aggressive orcautiousortostickwiththestandardapproachifthingsaregoingwell.TacticalInstructions

• MentalitySystem:UpperDefensive–LowerAttacking(min5playersonNormal)

• PlayerRoles:3Defend,4Support,3Attack• ClosingDown:LowNormal‐HighNormal• PassingPattern:Defend(lowdirect),Support(mixed),Attack(lowmixed)• Tempo:Normal• Width:Normal• TimeWasting:Normal• Tackling:Normal• FocusPassing:Mixed• Marking:Defend&Support(Tight/Man),Attack(Loose/Zonal)• CreativeFreedom:Defend(Low),Support(Normal),Attack(High)• FreeRoles:Attack(one)• CounterAttack:Optional• PlayOffside:Optional

TheAttackingMatchStrategyThis strategy is best employed formatches that you are favourites towin andexpecttodominatepossessioninyouropponent'shalf. Itaimstoexploitspacein the final thirdby employing fast tempo, direct, attacking orientatedpassingsupported by a defensive strategy aimed at recycling possession. It focusesheavilyongettingplayersforwardandintospaceandallowsthemthecreativefreedomtoexpressthemselves.TacticalInstructions

• Mentality System: High Normal – Upper Attacking (min 5 players onAttacking)

• PlayerRoles:3Defend,2Support,5Attack• ClosingDown:MidNormal–HighOften• PassingPattern:Defend(short),Support(mixed),Attack(direct)• Tempo:Fast• Width:Wide

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• TimeWasting:Low• Tackling:Hard• FocusPassing:DownBothFlanks• Marking:Defend&Support(Tight/Man),Attack(Loose/Zonal)• CreativeFreedom:Defend(Low),Support(Normal),Attack(High)• FreeRoles:Attack(three)• CounterAttack:No• PlayOffside:Yes

TheDefensiveMatchStrategyThisstrategyisbestemployedformatchesthatyouarefavouredtoloseandinwhichyouexpectyouropponenttoputyouunderextendedpressure.Itaimstokeepmenbehindtheball,torestrictspaceinyourhalf,toslowthingsdownandtofrustratetheopposition. Itreliesondirectballstotheforwardsfollowedbysharpandquickpassinginterchangestoscoregoalsonthecounter.TacticalInstructions

• MentalitySystem:Defensive–MidNormal(min5playersonDefensive)• PlayerRoles:5Defend,2Support,3Attack• ClosingDown:Low–MidNormal• PassingPattern:Defend(direct),Support(mixed),Attack(short)• Tempo:Slow• Width:Narrow• TimeWasting:High• Tackling:Easy• FocusPassing:ThroughtheMiddle• Marking:Defend&Support(Tight/Man),Attack(Loose/Zonal)• CreativeFreedom:Defend(Low),Support(Normal),Attack(High)• FreeRoles:Attack(one)• CounterAttack:Yes• PlayOffside:No

Althoughtheabovethreestrategiesshouldbeenoughtoperformwellovera fullseason, themore sophisticatedmanagerhasacouplemoreoptionsuphis sleeve,ControlandShut­up­Shop.

TheControlMatchStrategyTheControlMatchStrategysitsbetween theStandardandAttackingmentalitysystemsandhastwooptionsfordeployment.Thefirstistoslowdownamatchthatshouldalreadybewon,generallyplayingkeepballwhilststillbeingabletogentlyprobeinthefinalthirdwhenspaceopensup.Thesecondiswhenamorepatientapproach isdeemed tobenecessaryagainst a team that is sittingback

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and trying to frustrate. Closing down is more cautious than in Attackingstrategies inorder toentice theoppositionoutof theirdefensivecomfortzoneandfreeupsomespace.Forbothoptions,themanagerhastobestdecidehowtoemployDefend,SupportandAttackroles.Asmidfieldpossessionisthepriority,sixplayerscanbegivensupportroles ina2‐6‐2pattern. However,shouldthemanagerpreferamoreaggressiveControlStrategy,a2‐5‐3,2‐4‐4,or3‐3‐4splitshouldbeused.Foramorecautiousapproach,employa3‐5‐2or3‐6‐1split.TacticalInstructions

• MentalitySystem:Normal–MidAttacking• PlayerRoles:2‐3Defend,3‐6Support,2‐4Attack• ClosingDown:Normal–LowOften• Passing Pattern: Defend (low‐mixed), Support (mixed), Attack (low‐

direct)• Tempo:Normal• Width:Wide• TimeWasting:Low• Tackling:Normal• FocusPassing:Mixed/DowntheFlanks• Marking:Defend&Support(Tight/Man),Attack(Loose/Zonal)• CreativeFreedom:Defend(Low),Support(Normal),Attack(High)• FreeRoles:Attack(one‐two)• CounterAttack:No• PlayOffside:Optional

TheShut‐up‐ShopMatchStrategyAlthough the Shut‐Up‐Shop Strategy is themost defensive of the systems, onemust guard against dropping its mentality system too low, which will invitepressure,andshoulduseDefensiveandStandardstrategiesasguidingbookends.The aim of the tactic is to frustrate the opposition by reducing space, slowingthingsdown,keepingtheball,wastingtimeasmuchaspossibleandtocleartheballlongwhenoutofrisk‐freeoptions.UnliketheDefensiveMatchStrategy,itisnot looking to score on the counter, just not to concede. As possession andfrustrationisthepriority,moreplayersthanusualwillbekeptbehindtheball.Closingdownwillbeaggressiveup front,butcautious inmidfieldanddefence.Defenders and support players will be looking to clear the ball, whereasAttackerswillaimtomaintainpossessionanddrawfoulsratherthanmakeriskyattackingpasses.IntermsofDefend,SupportandAttackroles,themanagercanchoose todeploya6‐3‐1,6‐2‐2,5‐4‐1or5‐3‐2split. Due to itsverydefensivenature,thisstrategymightnotsuitallformations,especiallythosewithmultipleattackingmidfieldersandforwards.TacticalInstructions

• MentalitySystem:Defensive–MidNormal(min5playersonDefensive)

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• PlayerRoles:5‐6Defend,2‐4Support,1‐2Attack• ClosingDown:Low–LowNormal• PassingPattern:Defend(verydirect/long),Support(mixed),Attack(very

short)• Tempo:VerySlow• Width:Narrow• TimeWasting:VeryHigh• Tackling:Easy• FocusPassing:ThroughtheMiddle• Marking:Defend&Support(Tight/Man),Attack(Loose/Zonal)• CreativeFreedom:Defend(Low),Support(Normal),Attack(High)• FreeRoles:Attack(one)• CounterAttack:Yes• PlayOffside:Optional

IndividualPlayerTheoriesMostmanagersareforcedtocuttheirtacticalteethatclubswithsomewhatlessthanworld‐classsquads.Priortotakingonthecreamofthefootballworld,itisimportant for any manager to understand how to get the best out of basicfootballpositions.Failuretodosowillleadtoincoherentanddisjointedplay,nomatterhowgoodtheoveralltacticalvision.Thefollowingsectionexplainshowto shape a generic tactic and then beginmoulding it to the specific players atyourdisposal.

GenericInstructionsAt the very basic level, an ideal starting point for your tactics would be toinstructyourplayerstofollowinstructionsaccordingtotheirassignedroles.

DefendRolePlayersinthisrolemustbelookingtoplayriskfree,simplefootball.Incautioustactics, thiswillmean looking to get theball highup thepitch and away fromdanger. In aggressive tactics, itwillmeanplaying simplepossessionpasses tomoreskilfulandcreativeplayers.

• RunWithBall:Rarely• LongShots:Rarely• ThroughBalls:Rarely• CrossBall:Rarely• CrossFrom:Deep

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SupportRolePlayersinthisrolewillbelookingtosupporttheattackwhilstnotwanderingtoofarfromtheirdefensivepositions.Theyshouldthusbeaimingtoplayballsintoattackingareasratherthanoperatinginthoseareasthemselves. Thefollowinginstructionswillaidtheminthatdirection.

• RunWithBall:Mixed• LongShots:Often• ThroughBalls:Often• CrossBall:Mixed• CrossFrom:Mixed

AttackRolePlayers in this role will be looking to attack the final third and do as muchdamageinthatareaaspossible. Theywillgenerallybe lookingtogetontotheendofthroughballsratherthanplayingthem.Oncetheyhavetheballtheywillbelookingtoquicklyshapeopportunitiesforthemselvesorothers.

• RunWithBall:Often• LongShots:Mixed• ThroughBalls:Mixed• CrossBall:Often• CrossFrom:Byline

PlayerAbilitiesThe above generic instructions might not suit the players you have at yourdisposal. Forexample,youmighthaveahighlycreativedefenderwhocanplaypinpointpasseswhomyouenvisagesprayingballstotheflankstostartcounterattacks, inwhich case youwill increasehisThroughBalls settings. Youmighthave a side‐midfielder who has no pace and average crossing but excellentpassing,inwhichcaselowerhisCrossinginstructions(bothamountandpositionfrom) and increase his passing options. Youmight have a Forwardwith poordribblingandpace,butgreatpassingandlongshots, inwhichcasereduceRunWithBallandForwardRunsandincreasehisopportunitiestotakepotshotsorplayothersin.Takingintoaccounttheattributesofyourplayerswillenableyoutomouldthetactical instructionstomakebestuseof theirspecificabilities. Itwill be extremely counter‐productive to ask players to regularly do things ofwhichtheyarenotcapable.

PositionalInstructionsToget thebestoutofhissquadandformationofchoice,amanagermightalsowant to tailor thegeneric instructionstobetter fit thespecificpositionswithin

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hispreferred formation. Thissectionprovidesabriefguide inhowamanagermightgoaboutdoingthat.Pleasenote, this is a guideonly andmust be consideredalongside the genericinstructionsandplayerabilitiesinordertogetthebestoutofanysquad.

GoalkeeperKeyAttributes:AerialAbility,CommandofArea,Handling,Reflexes,OneonOnesThe goalkeeper is very much part of the Defensive Roles framework and histacticalinstructionsreflectthoseofthecentraldefenders,focusingonsimpleandrisk free use of the ball. The major difference between strategies is in hisdistributioninstructions.Formorecautioustactics,hewillaimtocleartheballdeepwhereasformoreaggressiveoneshewillfeedthedefenceinordertostartoffpassingmoves.

• PlayerRole:Defend• RunWithBall:Rarely• LongShots:Rarely• ThroughBalls:Rarely• CrossBall:Rarely• CrossFrom:Deep• HoldUpBall:No• Distribution: Long Kick (Defensive), Quick Throw (Standard), Defender

Collect(Attacking)• DistributeTo:FC/TM(Defensive),ML/R(Standard),DL/R(Attacking)

CentralDefendersKeyAttributes:Jumping,Marking,Tackling,Positioning,StrengthThe main job of a central defender in all the match strategies is to stop theopposing attackers from playing and to clear the ball from danger whenrequired.Whenplayinginanattackingmatchstrategy,theymustalsobeabletohelp the teammaintain possession and lay off simple passes tomore creativeplayers. To ensure they remain focused on defensive duties, keep theirindividualinstructionsassimpleaspossible.Fordefenderswhogoforwardforset pieces, it can be advantageous setting their long shots tomixed, as it willenablethemtofireoffpotshotsiftheypickupahalf‐clearancewhenretreating.This is a far better option than their looking for a pass and getting caught inpossessionandoutofpositiontocoverabreak.

• PlayerRole:Defend• RunWithBall:Rarely• LongShots:Rarely• ThroughBalls:Rarely

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• CrossBall:Rarely• CrossFrom:Deep• HoldUpBall:No

FullBacksKeyAttributes:Pace,Tackling,Positioning,WorkRate,StaminaThefullbackisbecomingakeyplayerinmodernfootball,havingtosupplementhistraditionaldefensivedutieswithoverlappingrunsdownthewingtosupportforward play and help attacks overload the final third. Although primarilyassigneddefensiveduties inmorecautioustactics,hehastoworkveryhardinaggressiveonestofulfilhisdefensiveandattackingresponsibilities.

• PlayerRole:Defend/Support/Attack• RunWithBall:Rarely/Mixed/Mixed• LongShots:Rarely/Mixed/Rarely• ThroughBalls:Rarely/Mixed/Rarely• CrossBall:Rarely/Mixed/Often• CrossFrom:Deep/Deep/Mixed• HoldUpBall:No

WingBacksKeyAttributes:Pace,Tackling,Crossing,WorkRate,StaminaAlthoughmost wing backs can also be employed as full backs, they generallyrequireslightlymoreattackingattributessotheycanfulfilwingerdutiesontheflanks. Thus, their tactical instructions are more aggressive. The followingsettings can be used forwing back formations, or for natural or accomplishedwingbacksoperatinginthefullbackposition.Attackingwingbackinstructionswillencourageoverlapsandshouldbeapplied toanywing/fullbackyouwantperformingthatfunction.

• PlayerRole:Defend/Support/Attack• RunWithBall:Rarely/Mixed/Often• LongShots:Rarely/Mixed/Rarely• ThroughBalls:Rarely/Often/Mixed• CrossBall:Rarely/Mixed/Often• CrossFrom:Deep/Mixed/Byline• HoldUpBall:No

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DefensiveMidfielderKeyAttributes:Marking,Tackling,Positioning,WorkRate,StrengthThe defensive midfielder’s main duties are to protect the defensive line frombreaking attackers and to support the more creative midfielders when inpossession.Akeyjobofthedefensivemidfielderistokeepholdoftheballwhilethedefenceandattackarereorganisingthemselvesafteraperiodofoppositionpressure.

• PlayerRole:Defend• RunWithBall:Rarely• LongShots:Rarely• ThroughBalls:Rarely• CrossBall:Rarely• CrossFrom:Deep• HoldUpBall:Yes

MidfielderwithDefensiveDuties(MCd)KeyAttributes:Marking,Positioning,Passing,Teamwork,StaminaThe midfielder with defensive duties performs roughly the same role as thedefensivemidfielder. However,while theDMCoperates between themidfieldanddefence, theMCd is verymuchpart of themidfield andneeds tohave thetechnical skills to fulfil that function. Operating slightly further up the pitchmeanshewillmoreopportunities toshoot fromrangeandagreaterchanceofpicking a through ball. Although primarily a defensive player, his tacticalinstructionsmustreflectthisgreaterattackingresponsibility.

• PlayerRole:Defend• RunWithBall:Rarely• LongShots:Mixed• ThroughBalls:Mixed• CrossBall:Mixed• CrossFrom:Deep• HoldUpBall:Yes

Side‐MidfieldersKeyAttributes:Passing,Crossing,Positioning,Teamwork,WorkRateA side‐midfielder performs defensive and attacking duties within the overallstructure of the team formation. Lacking either the explosivepace or excitingdribblingskillsofanout‐and‐outwinger,theside‐midfielderreliesonteamworkandworkratetoget intodangerousattackingpositionswithoutcompromisinghis defensive responsibilities. In attack, he focuses on working space on the

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flankstosupplykeycrossesandpassesintothefinalthird.Indefence,heplaysakeyroleindefendingtheflanks.

• PlayerRole:Support/Attack• RunWithBall:Mixed/Mixed• LongShots:Often/Mixed• ThroughBalls:Often/Mixed• CrossBall:Mixed/Often• CrossFrom:Mixed/Byline• HoldUpBall:No

WingersKeyAttributes:Pace,Acceleration,Technique,Flair,DribblingThewingerpossesses the technical andphysical skills tobeathismanandhistacticalinstructionsneedtomakethebestuseoftheseabilities.EmployedinaSupportRole thewinger’s job is to try to getpasthismanandget in an earlycross for the forwards. Employed in an Attack Role he will try to run at thedefenceinthefinalthird,aimingtocausepanicandindecisionpriortoshootingorattemptingtomakeathroughball/crosstoateammate.

• PlayerRole:Support/Attack• RunWithBall:Often/Often• LongShots:Mixed/Mixed• ThroughBalls:Often/Mixed• CrossBall:Often/Often• CrossFrom:Mixed/Byline• HoldUpBall:No

MidfielderwithAttackingDuties(MCa)KeyAttributes:Passing,Technique,LongShots,Teamwork,StaminaTheMCaoperatesasanattackingvariantoftheMCd,focusingmainlyonattackwhilst still performing key middle of the park duties. Although his mainresponsibilities are to help the team maintain possession and to fashion outchancesforplayerswithAttackingroles,hestillneedstotrackbackdefensively.In a Support role he will aim to combine attempts at through balls with theoccasionalpotshotatgoalifspaceopensup.InanAttackingrolehewillaimtodriftintospacearoundtheopposition’sdefensiveline.

• PlayerRole:Support/Attack• RunWithBall:Mixed/Mixed• LongShots:Often/Mixed• ThroughBalls:Often/Often• CrossBall:Mixed/Mixed

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• CrossFrom:Deep/Mixed• HoldUpBall:No

AttackingMidfielderKeyAttributes:FirstTouch,Technique,Creativity,Flair,DecisionsTheAMCoperateshigherupthepitchthanastandardmidfielder,sohecannotdrive into space from deep in the manner of the MCa. Requiring excellenttechnicalandmentalskills,hisdutyistofashionchancesforhimselfandothersinthefinalthirdbeforetheoppositiondefendersreducethetimeandspacehehas to make his play. He must be able to consistently make high qualitydecisionsatspeedforhimtomakebestuseofhistacticalinstructions.

• PlayerRole:Support/Attack• RunWithBall:Mixed/Often• LongShots:Mixed/Mixed• ThroughBalls:Often/Often• CrossBall:Mixed/Mixed• CrossFrom:Mixed/Byline• HoldUpBall:No

DeepLyingForward(FCd)KeyAttributes:Technique,Creativity,LongShots,Strength,FirstTouchThe FCd’smain function is to link the attack to themidfield. Operating on alowermentalitythanhisstrikepartner,oftenwithnoForwardRuns,heaimstodrop deep into space and hold up the ball before supplying linking passes toteammates. Ifhehastimetoturn,theselinkingpassesarelikelytobethroughballstohisstrikepartner.Otherpassingpossibilitiesarepossession‐orientatedballs to deep‐lyingmidfielders ormore aggressive passes in front of breakingwingersoradvancedmidfielders.InaSupportRolehewillbemainlylookingtoplayothersin.InanAttackrolehewillalsolooktofashionchancesforhimself.

• PlayerRole:Support/Attack• RunWithBall:Mixed/Mixed• LongShots:Often/Mixed• ThroughBalls:Often/Mixed• CrossBall:Mixed/Mixed• CrossFrom:Mixed/Mixed• HoldUpBall:Yes

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AdvancedForward(FCa)KeyAttributes:Acceleration,FirstTouch,OfftheBall,Finishing,ComposureThe Advanced Forward’s main duty is to hang on the shoulder of the lastdefenderandbreakthroughthedefensivelinetogetontheendofthroughballs.Possessing a good first touch and an innate ability to find space, he uses hisaccelerationtooutpacethedefenceandgetasclosetogoalbeforetakingashot.Hissecondaryroleistochasedownmisplacedthroughballsorclearancesfromdeepandturnthemintoscoringopportunitiesforhisteammates.

• PlayerRole:Attack• RunWithBall:Often• LongShots:Mixed• ThroughBalls:Mixed• CrossBall:Mixed• CrossFrom:Byline• HoldUpBall:No

SpecialistPositionTheoriesIngeneral, it is inadvisabletogivespecialist instructionsuntilyouhaveawell‐gelled and world‐class squad, the respect of your players plus enoughmanagerialexperiencetodesignatacticalsystemaroundcertaintypesofplayerandtheconfidencetochangetacticsasandwhennecessary.However,ifyouarealowerlevelmanagerluckyenoughtopossessaplayerwhosetechnicalskillsfarexceedthosecommontothedivision,youmaybeabletousesimilarsettingstomake him the key component of your team. It is also inadvisable to have toomanyspecialistroleswithinonetactic,asthennobodywillperformthewater‐carrying role, possession will be difficult to come by and play will becomedisjointed. Ifyouareconfidentthatyouhavetherightplayersandexperience,the following tactical instructions will enable you to get the best out of yourspecialistplayers.

SweeperKeeperKeyAttributes:AerialAbility,CommandofArea,Handling,Reflexes,OneonOnes,Communication, Eccentricity, Rushing Out, Acceleration, Pace, Anticipation,Positioning,Decisions,FirstTouch,OutfieldRatingFamousExamples:FabianBarthez,JorgeCampos,ReneHuiguitaThe Sweeper Keeper aims to perform two roles: a standard keeper and anoutfield sweeper. Operating behind a pushed up d‐line, hewill be assigned ahighermentalitythantheDCs,plusmixedcreativefreedom.Alongsidestandardgoalkeeping duties, hewill sweep up balls in front of andwide of the penalty

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areaandinitiatecounter‐attackingmoveswithdirectthroughballstobreakingplayers.Heneedstobehighlyathleticandextremelycomfortablewiththeballathisfeet.

• PlayerRole:Support• RunWithBall:Rarely• LongShots:Rarely• ThroughBalls:Mixed• CrossBall:Mixed• CrossFrom:Deep• HoldUpBall:No• Distribution: Long Kick (Defensive), Quick Throw (Standard), Defender

Collect(Attacking)• DistributeTo:FC/TM(Defensive),ML/R(Standard),DL/R(Attacking)

Sweeper/LiberoKey Attributes: Jumping, Marking, Tackling, Positioning, Strength, Pace,Acceleration, Decisions, Concentration, Anticipation, Passing, Creativity, Flair,Dribbling,TechniqueFamousExamples:FranzBeckenbauer,FrancoBaresiThere are two differentmethods of employing this type of player, either as apure Sweeper (DCd) or as a defender‐playmaker in the classical Libero style(DCa).Sweeper(DCd):TheSweeperoperatesonalowermentalitythantheotherDC/sinthedefensiveline.Hisexceptionalathleticismandreadingofthegameenablehimtocoverdefensiveerrors,sweepthemupfromadeeppositionandsecurepossession.Thiswilloftenbethepreferredoptionforthosewishingtoemployahighdefensiveline.

• PlayerRole:Defend• RunWithBall:Rarely• LongShots:Rarely• ThroughBalls:Mixed• CrossBall:Rarely• CrossFrom:Deep• HoldUpBall:No

Libero(DCa):TheLiberoalsosweepsbehindthebacklineinthesamemannerastheSweeper.ThekeydifferenceistheLiberowillroamforwardsinsupportof themidfieldwhen the teamhaspossessionandaim tobe theextrabody indefence. The attacking intent of the tactic, his assigned role andhismentalitysettingsdeterminetowhatextenthewillleavehisdefensiveposition.Itisalsouseful to assign high Creative Freedom settings, and possibly a free role. The

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Liberoworksbetterwitha lowerdefensive lineas thisallowshimtostep intothespaceinfrontoftheotherDC/s.

• PlayerRole:Support/Attack• RunWithBall:Mixed/Mixed• LongShots:Mixed/Often• ThroughBalls:Often/Often• CrossBall:Rarely/Rarely• CrossFrom:Deep/Deep• HoldUpBall:No

Deep‐LyingPlaymakerKey Attributes: Marking, Tackling, Positioning, Strength, Stamina, Passing,Technique,Creativity,FirstTouch,DecisionsFamousExamples:AndreaPirlo,CescFabregas,JuanRomanRiquelmeThe Deep‐Lying Playmaker operates in the space between his defence andmidfield and aims to initiate attacking moves via pinpoint passes to playerspositionedhigherup thepitch. Akeyelement to settingupaneffectiveDeep‐LyingPlaymakerisensuringhispassinginstructionsenablehimtohitfirsttimepassestoanypointonthepitch, thusrequiringmixed‐highmixedasminimumsettings. Althoughcreativefreedomisnotanecessity,especially intheDefendrole, assigning a free role will ensure he drifts into space and makes himselfavailablefortheeasypass.

• PlayerRole:Defend/Support• RunWithBall:Rarely/Mixed• LongShots:Rarely/Mixed• ThroughBalls:Often/Often• CrossBall:Rarely/Mixed• CrossFrom:Deep/Deep• HoldUpBall:Yes

Box‐to‐BoxMidfielderKey Attributes: Marking, Tackling, Positioning, Strength, Stamina, Passing,Technique, Acceleration, Long Shots, Decisions, Teamwork, Bravery,Determination,WorkRateFamousExamples:BrianRobson,RoyKeane,StevenGerrard,RedondoNowadays,thebox‐to‐boxmidfielderisathreatenedspeciestobefoundmainlyin theBritish Isles. The precise tactical plans ofmodern‐day football have noplace for the non‐stop dynamism of box‐to‐box midfielders, as seen by theproblems continental European managers have in working out how to best

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deploy Gerrard. In FM terms, it is best to allow the Box‐to‐Box MidfielderhighishmentalityandcreativefreedomalongsideafreeroletogethimforwardwhileassigninghimaSupportroleensureshewon’tneglecthisdefensiveduties.

• PlayerRole:Support• RunWithBall:Mixed• LongShots:Often• ThroughBalls:Mixed• CrossBall:Mixed• CrossFrom:Mixed• HoldUpBall:Yes

AdvancedPlaymakerKey Attributes: Passing, Technique, Creativity, Flair, Long Shots, Strength, FirstTouch,Anticipation,OfftheBall,Decisions,Dribbling,TeamworkFamous Examples:Maradona, Zinedine Zidane,Michel Platini, Dennis Bergkamp,ZicoThe Advanced Playmaker can operate in the MCa, AMC or FCd position.Requiring very high creative freedomand free role instructions, theAdvancedPlaymaker aims to drop into the hole between the opposition’s midfield andattack,making himself available for his teammates’ passes and aiming to turndefenceintoattackinaninstant.InaSupportrolehemainlyrestrictshimselftomaking chances for others. In an Attack role his flair, creativity and tacticalfreedommakehimadefensivenightmare.IfplayinghimasanAMCoranFCd,itis worth giving him lower than normal mentality settings and fewer forwardrunstoencouragehimtodropintospaceandlookforpassesintoallareasofthepitch. Similar instructions without selecting playmaker options will have theplayeroperatingasacreativeforward/midfielder.

• PlayerRole:Support/Attack• RunWithBall:Mixed/Often• LongShots:Often/Mixed• ThroughBalls:Often/Often• CrossBall:Mixed/Often• CrossFrom:Mixed/Byline• HoldUpBall:No

TargetManKey Attributes: Strength, Stamina, Jumping, Heading, First Touch, Long Shots,Anticipation,Bravery,Decisions,Teamwork,WorkRateFamousExamples:JanKoller,NikolaZigic,EmileHeskey,PeterCrouch

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Although the examples give above are all internationals, the Target Maninstructionisfarmoresuitedtolessgoodsidesthanleadingones,asitrestrictsthevariationofattackingplay.However,adominantTargetMancantransforman average team into a good one by using his sheer physicality to disrupt theopposition’s defence and open space for his strike partner and supportingmidfielders. Although thequality of opposingdefencesmeans theTargetManwon’tscoremanygoalsathigher levels, thusrestrictinghisroletoSupport,heshouldbaghatfulsinlowerleaguesandcanthusbedeployedinamoreAttackingrole.ForashorterbuttechnicallygiftedTargetManwhoishappyplayingwithhisbacktogoal(thinkMarkHughesandtheolderAlanShearer)employthe‘ToFeet’supplyinstruction.Foratall,lesstechnicalplayer,use‘ToHead’.Foratall,technicalgiftedplayer,thenthe‘Mixed’instructionisideal.

• PlayerRole:Support/Attack• RunWithBall:Rarely/Rarely• LongShots:Often/Mixed• ThroughBalls:Often/Often• CrossBall:Mixed/Mixed• CrossFrom:Mixed/Mixed• HoldUpBall:Yes

PoacherKeyAttributes:Pace,Acceleration,FirstTouch,OfftheBall,Finishing,Composure,Flair,Dribbling,Decisions,AnticipationFamous Examples: Michael Owen, Gabriel Batistuta, Filippo Inzaghi, Ruud vanNistelrooyThegoalpoacherisrapidlybeingphasedoutatthetoplevelasmodernfootballbegins to favour forwardswho offermore to the team than just being able toscore. However,outside the top level aqualitypoacher canguaranteeenoughgoals toensuretheteamispushing foragood leagueposition. Setting tacticalinstructionsthat forcethepoacher intoplayingaspartof theteamwillnotgetthebestoutofhim.Instead,playtohisstrengthsbygivinghimahighmentality,afreeroleandcreativefreedomtomakethebestuseofanyspacehefindsandsimpleinstructionsthatencouragehimtolookforfinalthirdopportunities.The‘TargetMan/RunontoBall’instructioncombinationcanoftengetthebestoutofa Poacher. Restricting his passing optionswill also encourage him tomake abeelineforgoaloverplayinginateammate.

• PlayerRole:Attack• RunWithBall:Often• LongShots:Rarely• ThroughBalls:Rarely• CrossBall:Mixed• CrossFrom:Byline• HoldUpBall:No

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CompleteForwardKeyAttributes:Acceleration,FirstTouch,OfftheBall,Finishing,Composure,Flair,Dribbling,Decisions,Technique,Creativity,LongShots,Strength,Heading,StaminaFamousExamples:Pele,JohanCruyff,ThierryHenry,RomarioShouldamanagerbeluckyenoughtoworkwithacompleteforward,heneedstoallowhimtomakeuseofthefullrangeofhisability.WhetheroperatingbehindanFCaasdeepsupportorspearheadingthestrike force, thecomplete forwardsimply needs to be given his head. Assigning him a free role and plenty ofcreative freedomwill ensure the opposing defence has a torrid time trying tocopewithhim,unsureofwhetherhe’llrun,shoot,playathroughball,dropdeep,stayhighandcentralordriftintothechannels.

• PlayerRole:Support/Attack• RunWithBall:Often/Often• LongShots:Often/Often• ThroughBalls:Often/Often• CrossBall:Often/Often• CrossFrom:Mixed/Byline• HoldUpBall:Yes

OppositionInstructionsTheoriesA thoughtful use ofOpposition Instructions can turn a good tactic into a greatonebytargetingopponentstrengthsandweaknessespriortoeverymatch.Theycanalsobeusedtocounterpotentialformationweaknessesinyourowntactic.

RelationtoWidth/PitchSizeAs discussed earlier, a narrowwidth setting is themost suitable option for awide pitch, as it ensures protection in central areas defensively whilstencouraging attacking players to fluidly move into space in the final third.However, this strategy leaves the wings open for exploitation. In order tominimise the opportunities for opposing wide players, use the ‘Close DownAlways’ OI to target the most advanced wide players in your opponent’sformation.

RelationtoPlayerStrata/ChannelsOn a smaller to medium sized pitch when playing against a formation thatroughly mirrors your own (i.e. 4‐4‐2 versus a 4‐4‐2 or 4‐2‐4) PlayerStrata/Channel Opposition Instructions are irrelevant. However, if the twoformationsdon’tmatch, thenOI becomes an important tool to combat playersoperatingindifferentchannelsand/orstratafromthoseinyourteam.

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TheAMCPositionPlayers in the AMC position are usually very technically skilled, whichmeansthat theClosingDownOI isaveryriskyoption. Firstly, there is the likelihoodthataDCwill leavethedefensivelinetoperformtheClosingDowninstruction,thusopeningadangerousgap. Secondly, the technical skill of theAMCmeansthereisahighpossibilityofhisevadingtheclosingdownplayerandcreatinganopportunity. If you are not using aDMC, consider the ‘TightMarkAlways’ OIwhenplayingagainstanAMC.AfurtheroptionistospecificmarktheAMCwithyourDMCorMCd.

TheDMCPositionPlayers intheDMCpositionoftenactas fulcrumsforplayandthusseea lotofthe ball. Failing to limit their influence may lead to poor possession and afrustratedteam.Usethe‘CloseDownAlways’OItoreducethetimetheDMChasontheballandforcehimintomakingmorehurriedpassesthanhewould like.The‘ShowontoWeakerFoot’OIcanalsoforcehimtomisplacepassesandaidinattempts toquickly regainpossession. A furtheroption is tospecificmark theDMCwithyourFCd,AMCorMCa.

TheLoneStrikerHow to handle a lone striker depends on how aggressively the opposition areplaying.Ifheisbeingusedinadefensiveformation,usethe‘CloseDownAlways’and‘HardTackle’OIstotryandlimithisinvolvementinthematchtopickingupballsdeeponthepitch.However,thesewillbepoorOIsiftheoppositionisusingan aggressive tactic and attacking through themidfield. In this case, the ‘TightMarkAlways’, ‘EasyTackleAlways’and‘ShowontoWeakerFoot’willbebetterOIs, as theywill focus on stopping him getting easy shots off or winning freekicksindangerouspositions.AfurtheroptionistospecificmarkthelonestrikerwithyouroneofyourDCs.

RelationtoSpecificPlayers

The‘ShowontoFoot’OIThisOIisanexcellenttoolforcombatingthreatsfromoutwide.Thekeythingtothinkaboutisthetypeofattacker/syouareplayingagainst.

• Tall&SlowAttackers:OIwingerstogoinside• Short&QuickAttackers:OIwingerstogooutside• Tall&QuickAttackers:OIwingersontowrongfoot

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Thereasonsforthisarethreefold.Iftheoppositionattackersareslow,thenthedefendersshouldeasilymopupa throughball. Incontrast, if theplayer is tallandgoodintheair,thenthedefencewillstruggletocopewithgoodcrosses.Iftheattackersarebothgoodwiththeballintheairandontheground,thenthebestoption is tomake thewingerstruggle togetagoodball inby forcinghimontohisweakerfoot.Beaware,ifthewingeristechnicallygoodandhasamajorpaceadvantageoverthedefendingfullback,showinghimontohisweakerfootinsidemayleadtothewingerhavingaclearrunongoal.The‘ShowontoWeakerFoot’OIcanalsobeveryusefulwhentryingtopressurisetheback lineand/orgoalkeeperintomakingdefensiveerrors.

The‘Tight/LooseMarking’OIThe‘TightMarking’OIisbestemployedtotargethighlyskilledopposingplayersinorder tomark themoutof thegame. For suchplayers, it is abetteroptionthan the ‘Close DownAlways’ OI, as it immediately reduces space rather thanwaitinguntil theplayer gets theball beforedoing so. If oneonly employs the‘ClosingDownAlways’OI,bythetimeadefenderreachesatechnicalplayerhewillhavealreadyhadtheopportunitytodosomethingdangerous.However,thetwoOIscanbeusedveryeffectivelyintandem.The‘LooseMarking’OIisbestemployedasamethodofchannellingopponent’splaythroughaplayeryoudon’tconsidertobemuchofadanger.Bymaintainingyourmarkingpatternonotherplayers,pluspossiblyaddinga few ‘TightMarkAlways’OIs,youcanforcetheoppositionintofeedingballstoaspecificplayerbyassigningthe ‘LooseMarkingAlways’OI tohim. Thebestplayerstotargetarethose thatare technicallypoor,meaning theirpassesandshotswillbeof littledanger,veryslowplayerswhoyoucanhurryintobaddecisionsbyclosingdownorplayers lacking in strength,braveryanddeterminationwhomyou canbullyofftheballviathe‘HardTackling’OI.

The‘ClosingDown’OIAsmentionedpreviously,thisisavitalOIforteamstryingtoprotecttheirflanksonawidepitch.Itisalsovitalintermsofputtingheavypressureonentrenched,backs to thewall defences. In terms of targeting other players, use the ‘CloseDown Always’ OI to target slow players of limited technical skill. The ‘CloseDownRarely’ OI should be employed against quick playerswho can use theirpace to outflank heavy closing down instructions but don’t have the technicalskills toposemuch threat in the final third. ClosingDownRarely forces theseplayers to use technical rather than physical strengths to get past their man,whichwillgenerallybebeyondthem.

The‘Heavy/EasyTackling’OIThe‘HeavyTackling’OIisbestemployedonplayerswhocombinelowphysicalpresencewithpoortechniqueandlackofbravery. Theywillbeintimidatedby

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the heavy challenges and, lacking the technical skills to play their way out oftrouble,willeasilygiveuppossession. Althoughthe‘HeavyTacklingOI’canbeemployedtotargetkeyoppositionplayersinordertokickthemoutofthegame,it is likely to give awaymany free kicks and attract cards when used againsttechnically gifted players. The ‘Easy Tackling’ OI is often the best bet againstplayers with great physical presence but limited technical ability, as it drawsattackingfouls,oragainstplayersofgreattechnicalabilitybutlimitedphysical,as it forces themtogopast theirmanrather thanallowinghim togetpasthismanordrawadangerousfreekickviaapieceofgreattechnicalplayleadingtoamissedorbadly‐timedtackle.

ConclusionTT&F is not intended to be the lastword in tactics, rather the first. Whatwehavetriedtodo isopentheboxof thetactical jigsawpuzzleandshowyouthesizeandshapeofallthepieces.Whatwedon’tknowishowthepicturewilllookwhen you put all the pieces together. Youmight decide you like some of ourdescriptionsandstickcloselytoourideas.However,youmightprefertousethisdocumentasa roughguide that canhelp towardsyoustampingyourpersonalauthorityona tactical set,making itwork in exactly themanner inwhichyouenvisionyourteamplaying.We hope that people reading this document will be inspired to extend itsframeworks and theories and contribute to amore sophisticated and intuitivemethod of visualising future virtual tactics. It would be great to see threadsdeveloping on the Ancelotti/Milan strategy, the concepts of Samba or Totalfootballandthedirect‐ballCrazyGangtacticsofthe80s. Likewise, itwouldbeinterestingtohearaboutcompetingorimprovedtheoriesthatcanofferdifferentplayingstrategies. We’dlovetohavecontributionsandfeedback,bothpositiveand negative, in order to improve the guide for future iterations of FM. Wecertainlyintendonopeningsomeresearchthreadsonspecifictacticalstylesanddifferent tactical assumptions and hope as many of you as possible cancontribute.Ourmainhopeisthattheguidehassucceededinopeninguptheworldofvirtualtactics to our readers and encouraged them to drift away from the fruitlesssearch forasuper‐tacticand towardsaplayingstrategy thatwebelievebringsconsiderablymoreenjoymentandimmersiontotheFMexperience.We’vebeenplaying FM in roughly this manner for three years, moving from our originalcrudeinterpretationsofthegametothelevelofsophisticationwehavereachedhere.Webelievethatwiththisguidewehavefinallybeenabletotranslateourideasintolayman’sandfootballlanguageandhopethatindoingsowecanbringtheenjoymentlevelsandsuccesswehavewhenplayingtoafarwideraudience.GoodluckandplaywellRichard(wwfan)andGareth(Millie)

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CreditsWritingwwfan&Millie

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