retired_josapa

I have developed a simple but un-tested theory about closing down throughout the team. Im thinking of employing progressively higher closing down further up the pitch.

e.g. defenders 4-5, midfielders 10-11,
strikers 15-16

I figured this would work in tandem with mentality, creative freedom etc. the defenders holding position and discipline, while the midfield balance this out with winning the ball and the strikers just chase the the the opposition defence round like billio! Want to know what others think of this theory...

retired_janae55

You know, I like making my own tactics and I always put my Team Closing Down to max (something which I notice a lot of people don't do). I reckon a max team closing down really does wonders because a team effort to close down always means that more players run for the ball, and the end results is that your team normally wins the ball back. Besides the defenders (whom I tweak CD individually), I leave the rest on team mentality for CD.

retired_mminor

But isnt everyone going for the ball a bad thing, wont they all run into each other

retired_amy66new

I've done the same ubos - I've got one CB who has slightly less closing down, and one cm who has slightly less. Other than that every one has 100% closing down and it has worked wonders as you say.

retired_mminor

Im not a big tactics person but the first time I used man marking I got whipped, have you got any advice

retired_janae55

No, they won't run into each other as only the players nearest to the ball tend to go for the ball, restricting the opponent player's passes and thus winning the ball back easily.

Have always used zonal marking. Imo, man marking for defenders is not very ideal because good teams especially can tear your defence apart and pull all your defenders out of positions with man marking. I usually employ zonal marking but set Opposition Instructions for tight marking for the opposition's good strikers.

retired_josapa

hmmm interesting. I do think that high closing down all over is not massively effective though. You don't need to win the ball back immediately. Think about this, you back off to keep your shape and let the opposition have a little possession, then when you win the ball in a vital area (outside your box) wooops, they have all charged forward and you have gaps to counter attack into. Thats my view.

retired_BrownVanilla

very similar to what i use it works very well making sure their defence is pressured, the midfield restricted and the strikers blocked

I figured this would work in tandem with mentality, creative freedom etc. the defenders holding position and discipline, while the midfield balance this out with winning the ball and the strikers just chase the the the opposition defence round like billio! Want to know what others think of this theory...[/QUOTE]

retired_BrownVanilla

right, that went wrong.

very similar to what i use it works very well making sure their defence is pressured, the midfield restricted and the strikers blocked

retired_ecdonnovan

The bigger teams just pass around closing down,
players get caught out of position and then BOOM!
you've conceded