Tristan_Nieve

Hi people, I'm implementing my ideas of football in a new tactic but I don't know what to say about one team instruction: the defensive line. I play with a 442, slow tempo, wide with, direct passing, attacking fullbacks, lot of creative freedom and closing down and slightly attacking mentality but I just don't know what kind of defensive line use. Does it work to push up the defensive line and play offside? What about putting it just in normal? And below normal? What notch should put it? What are the effects in my temas game? What defensive line should I use with the instructions I described below?

Tezread

What are the pace and acceleration settings for your centre backs. if they are below 15 then I would urge towards a deeper defensive line. For instance my cack Wolves has Jody Craddock and Gary Breen as well as that muppet of a player Darren Ward. All have pace below 10 so I opt for a deeper defensive line. What you are looking to avoid having along ball over your head that a slow defender cannot catch up with a fast striker. Read the pre match scout carefully and they will tell you. I am still learning about how to set individual and team mentality. I think a deep defensive line should equate to counter attacking defensive formations and the oppostite if you are pushing up. I stand corrected if Cleon says so :-)

kolobok

I think this is the most important part when you decide on the def. line. If you play attacking football but opt for deep def line, you open up too much space in the middle of the pitch. Yes, you defense may not be too exploded by long ball counter attacks, but imo giving opposition space between your defs and midfielders is even worse. All opposition needs to have is fast AMC and you are in big trouble.

To me there is nothing wrong to be normal You just need to make sure that your DCs are in their positions, and it's more to mentality -closing down settings. If defs are not too slow (look at league standard, in Championship I have defs with pace around 11-13) you can even push def line a bit up.