retired_lehigh

I have some serious problems retaining possession. I usually win games, and have most chances, but I still usually only get possession at about 45% or lower.

Example
Example 2
Example 3

Now, I'll probably get "It's your tactic", but I have based my tacic on Cleons "The Sheffield United Project", making some tweaks to suit my players. I usually play a slow, medium width direct tactic. I watch extended highlights and I mostly see that my players have the ball, but I still get the short end of the possession rating. Anyone with any bright ideas?

retired_gwenlyn

Cleon's probably best placed to help, but I'll have a bash anyway.

I see you have a direct passing style which could be a source of some of the possession issues. Hae you tried reducing this a little to see what impact it makes?

The direct tactic will get you lost of shots at goal and no doubt help you wins lots of games, but I wouldn't expect this tactic to get you a high possession rate. I don't think it's designed to do that.

Also, you'll notice that your passess completed rate is 60% or less. This is a good indication of where the problem lies, so I would try to shorten the passing style - not much, but perhaps a notch or two to see how much of a difference this makes. But remember the AI will make changes to address the changes you make so don't expect a massive change in possession, but a small increase will suggest it is working.

egg64

Hi XAW

Have you tried short passing with narrow width & slow tempo?

It gives the players more time to concentrate to keep possession rather than hurry the pass to get rid of it (I THINK!!!!)

retired_elpata

Cleon's probably best placed to help, but I'll have a bash anyway.

I see you have a direct passing style which could be a source of some of the possession issues. Hae you tried reducing this a little to see what impact it makes?

The direct tactic will get you lost of shots at goal and no doubt help you wins lots of games, but I wouldn't expect this tactic to get you a high possession rate. I don't think it's designed to do that.

Also, you'll notice that your passess completed rate is 60% or less. This is a good indication of where the problem lies, so I would try to shorten the passing style - not much, but perhaps a notch or two to see how much of a difference this makes. But remember the AI will make changes to address the changes you make so don't expect a massive change in possession, but a small increase will suggest it is working. </BLOCKQUOTE>

Pretty much what Hawshiels says really.

The more direct the passing the less % you'll keep.

retired_lehigh

Hawshiels - Thanks for the input, I'll try that.

Rob123 - I tried to narrow down the width, but that didn't do any good, but short passing will probably do the trick.

Cleon - Maybe I just misunderstood something in there, but I though you recommended "smaller" teams to go for direct rather than short, because of the lack of skills down the divisions...?

retired_lehigh

Allthough I though it was pretty funny to win a game 3-1 with 43% possession. :cool:

retired_maggie92

Possession isn't what wins you the game. It is what you do with that possession that will give you the wins.

Don't worry about the low possession. If you're winning, then surely that is what counts.

retired_elpata

Yes but your on about keeping possession not winning.

retired_lehigh

hmm....I guess that didn't do much for me....

Stats

I still won, but still low possession...