retired_lachina

Hello all. Been reading many posts but I still have no idea of creating a tactic for fast but short players.

I am currently using a 4-2-2-2 tactic.
A flat 4 defence, a 2 man midfield, 2 AMC running to the wings and 2 strikers.

My idea was the 2 man midfield winning the ball in the midfield with the help of the AMC. Once the ball is won, it will be passed around quickly before releasing one of the fast strikers. The strikers would have a good chance to score since most of the chances would be 1 on 1s.

The defenders would provide the width with the AMC drifting to the wings to help out.

My Team instructions.
Mentality: 15
Creative Freedom: 8
Passing: 8
Tempo: 12
Width: 9
Timewasting: 8
Defensive line: 12
Closing down: 17
Passing throught the middle

However, I have noticed from the match stats that there are long balls still being hit to my strikers. As a result, they finish the game with at least 8-15 headers made.

My Strikers Instructions
Mentality:15
CF: 12
Forward Runs: Often
Run with ball: Mixed
Rest: Seldom

Questions:
1. How do i reduce the number of long balls made?
2. Are my team instructions right?
3. How can I identify the players who are making the long passes?

Thanks.

retired_lachina

Oops forgot to say that my 2 strikers are pacy but cannot jump and head the ball for nuts.

They are Jermaine Defoe and Daniel Sturridge. With Higuain as backup.

Sorry for the double post but I forgot to add in the strikers part.

retired_lachina

Sorry for another post, but I really need help on this one.
Is there any more info u experts out there need?

retired_jdienstag

I wanted the same thing so I had the passing fairly short and had a target man run onto ball. One striker was less mentality by a notch or two (the non t man) with fwrd runs mixed and through balls and crossing mixed. the tm had less creativity (simply due to the stats), fwd runs often (but I sometimes put it back to mixed because of the offsides) rwb often, and everything else rarely. It works well but you have to keep your eye on it and sometimes switch strikers and even put the non tm back to am if your losing the midfield battle. I never really have team mentality that high so I won't comment on it, I always venture 3 or so clicks either side of normal. Is your team stretched out too much- is that why the long balls are being hit?

retired_lachina

Tried reducing mentality but there are still long balls hit to my strikers.

Is creative freedom linked to this? I find most of the time it is the defence who clears the ball and it is a long ball. However, when the players are attacking, there are no long balls being made.

How do I change this?