Can someone help? im on FM 2009 (will be getting 2011 when ive got some dough) i just cant seem to win no matter who i go or what tactic i pick which usally is a 442 ,i dont exspect to be winning every game but would like a easy tactic to set up which might bring a bit more sucess
Don't remember if the tactics creator was in there for '09 as i never played that, but here's a few rules i always use:
1- Use classic tactics. Period.
2- Keep it simple - don't play EVERYTHING at once. No offside trap + counter attack + free roaming strikers + attacking full backs crossing from byline + anchor man marking tightly & holding up ball & often through balls, etc.
3- Try to envision an idea before you create a tactic. Write down some bullet points for where you want your plays to go. Then try to put that together as if using photoshop, again, without overcomplicating it.
4- Moderation is key. Don't set the defender's mentality sliders to the lowest and the striker to the highest. Keep it flowing and coherent - a good rule is to do a "stepping" according to where the player plays, with most slider settings. Consider the slider goes from 0 to 20, and think like this: (for mentality here) Centre backs: 4. Full back 6. Attacking left back: 8. Defensive mids: 6. Regular mids: 10. Wingers: 12/14. Strikers: 14-18.
5- Put together 3 variations of the tactic. 1 - the standard. 2 - the ultradefensive shut-out version. 3 - the ultraoffensive need-a-goal version. You don't have to modify the formation in these variations, just adjust the sliders and critical moments (free-roaming, often through balls/long shots) to include less and more risks, respectably.
6- Make players gel and get used to the tactic. When starting a new game, the first thing you should do is make your tactic. This will guide your purchases better according to what area of the team should be strengthened and who you can sell. Schedule a LOT of friendlies - (and in team settings, have your assistant take care of them so it won't take forever to get to the fun games - maybe play one or two friendlies yourself just to check the efficiency of your tactic and tweak it up, if you have lots of time on your hands) this will both earn you more money, get the players gelling, learning the tactic (always allow 5-10 games for a tactic to prove itself)
7- A note on rarely-normal-often sliders: This is one of those definitive risk factors. You will see players attempting long shots even though they've been instructed not to, but they still do because their decision making factor and the creativity slider made them think it was too good a chance to turn down. This is what these sliders are all about - chances. If set to often, players will try their luck more often at worse odds, at rarely they'll only go for something like 80%+ chances in tackles, shots, etc. I have no exact numbers for how tactics work, noone does - these game mechanics are hidden from FM players on purpose, obviously. After risk, this accomodates skill. If someone is good at tackling/long shots, they will most often get better numbers and should allow themselves more chances. If you have a player with 20 on Long Shots, have him shoot often. Also, i always have my centre backs (who hopefully are good tacklers) on tackling hard. Strikers always on easy tackling, as they usually suck at that and will only end up getting needlessly carded. And so on.
ACTHUNG: Don't let skill-accomodating factors ruin your tactical consistency. If you totally want to restrict long shots for your whole team, let your 20 long shots-man (SIMON VUKCEVIC, MONTENEGRIN PLAYER, IS A TOTAL BEAST AT THIS!) shoot rarely. He'll still try occasionally if it's worth it, and your tactical consistency won't suffer, as long shots on often makes one prone to losing possession and conceding counter attacks.
Yeah, just off the top of the head. Any specific questions, feel free to ask.
See, you could easily download a great, fantastic, tactic off any FM website, but that is in my eyes, cheating. Gamebreaker, like. The whole point of the game is having fun, right, and the tactical aspect of FM is one of the most fun things indeed. Learn it, love it, watch in glee as you demolish Barcelona in a CL final, clawing on to a 2-1 victory in extra time with your 3-CB formation.
