retired_kellyk

Introduction

Haven't really posted my thoughts for a while, cos I haven't really had that much time. Seeing that there are still quite a few people out there who can't seem to come to terms with the defensive end, here's another approach, something that I personally prefer cos its based on the same principles of some of my more attacking 343 formations.

The Defense
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> DMC&lt;------DC DC--------&gt; SW</pre>

Personally I have always like the idea of having a backline shaped like this. The reasons:

1. If I were to use an orthodox 442 for a defensive match, I'd have to give instructions for my fullbacks not to wander too much. Fullbacks aren't nearly as good as DCs.

2. When defending, having 2 DCs is not nearly as effective as 3 DCs and to make things even better is putting a DMC in front.

3. When used with a high Defensive Line, there are more attackisng options as well, if the DCs possess good passing skills, having them on direct passing, replaces the need for FBs to make deep crosses.

4. Having a SW and a DMC placed such, allows you to mop up balls in the centre.

5. When players maraud the flanks, DCs are more defensively orientated then FBs, furthermore, they nearly always win each header.

6. The SW is lethal, if your DL is pushed up, he can even become a playmaker, orchestrating attacks from the back.

7. Closing down instructions need to be moderately high depending on your player attributes. Personally mine are set on 12 slightly lower for the SW and the rest are on 20.

The engine room

The midfield has to work very hard, they need to harrass, and win the ball the wingers in my formation have been short farrowed. They provide the thrust from midfield, and are expected to take their man on. They are not expected to run to the byeline, that is the job of the strikers who are set on freeroles.


The central midfield in such a formation can do a similar role to any 442 you have used previously.

Attack
Personally variety is the spice of life, so my attackers are actually forwards who can dribble cross and score. That gives me options. I think everyone already knows how to do that..the emphasis of this thread was not on scoring goals but providing an added dimension on how a 442 can be designed to provide more potency at the back. At least for me.

In one game, my Merthyr Tydfil side were written off as no-hopers which prompted me to design this formation. In the end our opponents Inter had 17 shots on our goal, with only 1 being on target. The rest were either wide cos there was usually one free defender and no passing options for them in my third.

Hope this helps...and sorry for not being too detailed. Work committments are huge nowadays.

R

retired_e_fores

I'm interested in the defensive setup. I've always wanted something similar as it offers more attacking options. How would you set up the defenders, particularly regarding closing down and marking. Would you want wingers to be too attacing or would they be expected to give cover on the wings? Ronaldo or Robben hardly ever defend do they?

retired_chick

Rashidi - Will you be posting your tactic(s) on here for others to try? I am very intrigued by your idea of SW and DMC, and would love to try your tactic.

kdunn

Has anyone actually tried this? Or are they too afraid to lose hehe

If it works it would free up a lot of players for the attack.

If it doesnt you might lose 20-0!

Good idea though, well done

retired_chadwella

I have been using this set up and it is very frustrating. Rashidi is right, the DCs do win most of the headers and posession is often kept as the DMC collects the loose ball.

I often have the the DCs on high closing down and the DMC and SW maintaining their position but I still find it difficult when facing a team that deploys AMR/Ls as your defence can get pulled apart as your DC is pulled wide and your SW is overrun in the centre.

What set up have you got your quartet on?

kdunn

What about setting the DC on low closing down so they dont get pulled wide?

I think this is potentialy a really god idea though, risky, but a fresh idea worth exploring.

retired_FaultyFate

I had played like this for about 10 matches (until the only player good for the SW in my squad got injured for 2 or 3 months):

------FC---FC-----

AML-------------AMR

--------MC--------

WBL-------------WBR

------DC---DC-----

--------SW--------

--------GK--------

SW had low closing down, zonal marking, def mentality 7 (I wanted him to think about starting attack once he gets ball). Both DCs were on low CD, Man Marking insructions with def. mentality (about 5),
WBs on High closing down (~15), man marking, mentality about 9. MC (I actually used my best DM there) on CD about 13, mentality 10, zonal marking, and when I played counter attack against strong teams I gave him barrow to DMC position. Wingers had CD ~12, zonal marking, mentality 12. FCs with mentality 14 for TM and 16 for the fast stricker.

I focused passing down both flanks, asked WB to cross from deep, but not often (mixed), and wingers mixed , but often. And I tweaked tempo and passsing style from time to time.

The system looked promising at least on the defense side, though it seemed a little vulnerable against teams playing with 3 AMCs and 2 FCs (not surprise as i did not have many players in the middle). I believe to employ something like this one should have very good DMC, who has high stats in work rate, team work, positioning, anticipation, marking, tackling, passing, decision, and creativity (i.e. can play both as a DMC and MC or even AMC). SW should be also very good (high anticipation, positioning, pace, acceleration and decision are must, jumping and heading are above average).

Unfortunately, I had to switch from this system and I decided to test it later once I start a new game (now testing different approach).

retired_amgine

Tbh Rashidi has given a basic outline of his formation and the instructions. It would be quite interesting to produce, Rashidi you wouldn't be so kind to send me a pkm of the Inter game? my emails address is jordanayres@btinternet.com.

retired_B-Scott

I havent had any luck at all with wing backs formations, every trial Ive made has been a disaster, even with 3 central midfielders, Im intersted if anyone manages to crack this nut.

Frag

I too like ntfc would love to see a pkm of the Inter game.

I love the idea of the 4 man set-up at the back. :thup: