retired_kristileigh12

I would be grateful if someone could clarify a question for me. I'm trying to figure out what is the best passing settings for defenders who have passing stats around 11 or 12.

With passing stats that low, does it mean that they should focus on "short, simple" passes that shouldn't be hard to pull off? Or does it mean that they can't be trusted with even that, and should focus primarily on clearing the box with direct balls?

I would think that they should be able to do short, simple passes without trouble...but this doesn't seem to be the case (although their decision making stats aren't the best, either).

Thanks!

retired_rjw13838

I would go for direct.

Short isnt just playing short, easy, simple passes. Its a actual short passing style. (type of play). You need players with decent passing and composure to be able to keep possesion of the ball.

retired_redhotxpress

I second that. the worse a player's passing, the more direct you go.

Even in my ManU side I give my DCs slightly direct passing instructions, to make sure they don't screw up

This does not mean though that short passing will always work better with a top notch side, keep that in mind.

retired_janearific

I have reduced my defenders creative freedom and their pass completion has improved greatly - they now play sensible passes instead of attempting hollywood passes that they simply don't have the ability to pull off :thup:

retired_janearific

retired_rjw13838

What level are you talking about? Conference? Premiership?

retired_pennyyoung

i think that you'll find that DC's with direct passing are completely uber on this game, especially with a good target man.

short passing just means that the player will look to the nearest option to pass to, so really DC's short of Terry have no business doing this.

retired_janearific

What level are you talking about? Conference? Premiership? </BLOCKQUOTE>

I use it at all levels

retired_kristileigh12

Thanks for the replies.

I've used direct passing successfully with a good targetman at lower league clubs and for Liverpool, but I've been trying to replicate the real life Barca passing game.

If any one is interested in generating a short passing game offense, I've had some very good success (games with 80% passing completion and roughly 60% possession). This was accomplished with DCs with less than ideal passing stats.

For Barca,I put the back four on tight marking, with the DCs on ultra-defensive and the fullbacks on defensive. Give the back four creativity levels of the back four on mid-low (maybe notch 4 or 6?) and give them short passing. Jep is right here--killing the creative freedom of your defenders makes them play sensibly.

I also have my keeper distribute via defender collect to a defender with good first touch, passing, and decent dribbling.

retired_kristileigh12

I should comment that the above tactical settings will simply get your GK and back line to feed/pass the ball to your midfield regularly.

Full implementation of a successful short passing game requires your midfield to have **excellent** passing ratings. The midfielders will probably get closed down a lot, so it's best to have midfielders with very good dribbling, flair, and/or creativity.