jonathansmith
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- Nov 1, 2013
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343 Strikerless
Contents
Contents
[*=center]intro
[*=center]history
[*=center]the tactic
[*=center]positional breakdown
[*=center]key attributes per position
[*=center]general maintenance
[*=center]outro
**disclaimer – sorry for the state of the post, all the info is there and the pics are at the bottom to support the tactic along with the download
1. Introduction
this is my first venture into the world of uploading tactics this year… my other tactics from previous generations of the game have been a resounding success (just click on my name and see for yourself). I prefer unusual tactics not the boring 433 or 451 that you see day in day out on this site and many others as that doesn’t excite the imagination. This tactic is no different and it will not disappoint!!! Now this is going to be lengthy so for you impatient bunch my advice is to scroll to the bottom of the OP and look at the pretty pictures, download the tactic and off you go it is entirely plug and play…. The rest who are going to stick with me lets go for a ride shall we…
2. History
This tactic was developed from the start of a pentagon challenge… started with FC Chambely-oise (French 4th teir) they sacked their manager after first 3 games of the season and hired me (no qualifications and no experience) the team had 7 CB’s who were deemed first team starters and 1 notable ST (the transfer window had closed) so you can see why I had to produce a CB heavy tactic that still produced goals… the first draft was a 32221 with a box of 4 CM/AMC with WB bombing forward… the WB were isolated and the box of 4 in midfield played very narrow even with the width set to max… I then tried the AMC in wide positions and that left the ST isolated and no support through the middle…. After getting annoyed I threw 3 upfront all with the F9 role and instantly I was happier with the shape and the fact that the wider of the F9’s drifted wide to help the WBs but there was no penetration between any of the lines it was always a sideways or backwards pass yes possession was good but chances created was poor (can I hear a boring boring arsenal chant)… this is where the took its shape that you see today… I dropped all the STs to AMC with the shadow striker role I also dropped the BWM into the DMC position but with get further forward selected to create some penetration in the MC line and changed the WB to IWB to make sure that the ball comes inside and the WB don’t become isolated… as soon as these changes were made the football on show the one-twos and through balls into the channels for the onrushing SS is a delight to watch
3. The Tactic
View attachment 112548View attachment 112547View attachment 112538
The tactic sets up as a 3223 with WB’s and a DM and a CM combo… with 3 AMC with the shadow striker role set. I call it a 343 as the WB act as wide midfielders who are there for support but do find themselves on the end of chances from time to time as they sit narrow and want to cut inside… so if the game was paused in the final 3rd when we are attacking then the shape would look more like a 343… if the ball is lost as the BMW and WB are positionally set further back they will race back and not challenge the ball leaving the wall of 3 SS to swarm the ball like a pack of bees…. Due to the fact that the pressure is quite severe on the defensive back line when the opposition wins the ball back they can try and play out from the back which is risky as there isn’t many options or clear it long at this point the 3 CBs step in and win the ball or collect and being on BPD they look for a ball inside to the other CBs or the retreating WB or DM/CM with the 3 SS probing the back line.
The tactic works offensively by moving through the lines of the defence quickly from the GK to CB then to either wide to WB or through the middle to DM CM or AMC depending on who is free which there is always…. I have on the odd occasion seen that no shorter options available to the CB due to opposition high press he plays a ball over the top for one of the SS to chase… if he loses the race he will be close enough to challenge the defender and the entire team squeezes the pitch so this vastly limits the options that the covering player will have which will lead to the ball being pinched and a chance being created or worst case scenario they play it long which means we go back to square one but because we go through the lines quickly the defence doesn’t have enough time to reshuffle and re-organise before there is space for a SS to be flooding the space created which is an easy through ball to make for another chance
Once in a defensive phase of play (the opposition try to play through you) the CB leave no space for a through ball in behind along with the WB tucking in but first to break rank to challenge a winger… the DM/CM partnership pressure the ball once they step into the final 3rd forcing a mistake or at the vey least go backwards and that is where the true pressure comes in…. because the SS sit a touch deeper than a traditional ST and want to push onto the back line they are always looking to press if the ball goes back to a DM or CB or FB giving no time to build at the back and no space up top for a CCC to be given results in the opposition having long shots and having to play around the defensive line and get a cross in which as there are 3 CBs front centre and back post and the WB tucked in at the back its very difficult for the opposition to score.
View attachment 112544View attachment 112546View attachment 112545View attachment 112543
View attachment 112539View attachment 112540View attachment 112542View attachment 112541
4. positional breakdown
Now time to analyse each position and see what each role and how it links to the team…
GK – keeps it simple playing the ball through to the CBs but has the freedom if that option isn’t on to play it to the WB or DM/CM or to the feet of the SS if required… defensively he will come and collect loose balls over the top that are too far for the defenders to get but will only do so when its risk free and tends to kick the ball long if pressured rather than taking an unnecessary risk
CB – this is the wall… all given the freedom to challenge the ball if in their “zone” and the other 2 will drop back to cover and provide a safe passing option if the ball is retrieved
WB – these link everything together, the tactic is set to go through the middle and these guys act like a bouncing surface… the ball is played to them and they will either play it back to the same player who has made a move or chip it into the channel for the invading SS… the left side tends to sit in the hole for the DM to get further forward and the right side tends to get to the byline for a cross… the left will get better ratings on average but the right will get more assists... defensively they keep it simple block the cross or win the challenge and play it forward towards the SS.
DM – this guy is a hybrid role I call it a “deep lying box to box midfielder” he does the role of 2 men he will provide cover at the back and be a late arrival in the opposition box… in possession he looks for the one two with the WB to get forward and generally keeps it very simple playing “crab football” just simple sideways passes to keep the ball moving but if a SS has dropped deeper he will play it into feet and look for the return
CM – this guy is the puppet master… links all of the play together doesn’t venture too far forward but keeps the ball rolling by playing in the WB or the SS or if nothing is on back to the CBs or the DM… depending on the player he will get good assist rate and get a good rating that way or if more defensively minded (my preference) will generally be the holding player and will break play up and have a very high pass completion %age…
SS – all 3 of the SS work together to create space for the others and will look for that killer ball in the spaces created for a CCC or a half chance depending on when the trigger is pulled… they will drop deep during both transitional phases and look to burst past the defensive line early once attacking depending on who has the ball. As they start deeper than the CBs they will be at full speed when the defender is still on the half turn so the player who is attempting the through ball has some wiggle room as to how accurate it needs to be
In defence these three work like the CBs in the sense that they move from side to side when defending closing down every short option that a CB or FB or DM has and if they try to play short there is a chance that we steal in and are one on one from the half way line (it happened more often than you think)
5. key attributes (my opinion)
GK – just a good shot stopper nothing fancy doesn’t need to do anything but keep the ball from going in; reflexes, one on ones, handling, positioning
CB – i prefer them quick tall and good in the air passing ability is a bonus; acceleration, jumping reach, tackling, marking, positioning
WB – they are up and down all day (its tiring to watch) but never at full speed don’t need to be the quickest and the more creative the better and defensively sound; acceleration, stamina, work rate, tackling, passing, off the ball, dribbling
DM – similar to the WB in the sense that he will be up and down and cover more ground than any other player in the team, I prefer quicker players in the position able to breeze past a player (think dembele for spurs) and if the ground covered is done in a shorter time that is always a bonus, this player is generally more of a box to box type to give you an idea; acceleration, stamina, workrate, first touch, tackling, composure
CM – the puppet master is a holding player for the most part so must be able to defend and the better the passing skills the more assists they will get… I prefer mine tall to win an areal duel and help with defending freekicks and corners especially if all 3 SS are short and quick; tackling, marking positioning, stamina, work rate, first touch, passing and vision
SS – these guys work better when quick and great off the ball…. They don’t need to run past players with the ball but be able to get past and create some distance between themselves and the covering defender… they have to be good in tight spaces be able to receive the ball get it under control and either turn and run with the ball or lay it off and spin the defender to be in on goal… I have found that the slower the player the more likely they are to show for the ball rather than be rushing the last defender. I do prefer a target man style in the centre of the 3 as they are more prone to hold up the ball and be better in both boxes for both defending and attacking not essential; acceleration, first touch, off the ball, composure, anticipation, finishing, agility and balance
6. General maintenance
Training –
Pre-season match tactics on full with this tactic set to all 3 slots, with team cohesion set to very high with the slider all the way to the left and a day off after match.
Through season have defending set pieces selected (once tactic fluid) and have attacking for the other set to high/very high the slider should be 2 clicks from the left again with rest after match not before
Pitch size – max allowed usually but works on league average too
Opposition instructions – none everyone set individually to mark/cover areas of the pitch not the specific man
Ten men? – remove the left sided or centre SS and move the BWM up to CM
Corners – have the left SS take left corner and vice versa
General tips –
1. Introduction
this is my first venture into the world of uploading tactics this year… my other tactics from previous generations of the game have been a resounding success (just click on my name and see for yourself). I prefer unusual tactics not the boring 433 or 451 that you see day in day out on this site and many others as that doesn’t excite the imagination. This tactic is no different and it will not disappoint!!! Now this is going to be lengthy so for you impatient bunch my advice is to scroll to the bottom of the OP and look at the pretty pictures, download the tactic and off you go it is entirely plug and play…. The rest who are going to stick with me lets go for a ride shall we…
2. History
This tactic was developed from the start of a pentagon challenge… started with FC Chambely-oise (French 4th teir) they sacked their manager after first 3 games of the season and hired me (no qualifications and no experience) the team had 7 CB’s who were deemed first team starters and 1 notable ST (the transfer window had closed) so you can see why I had to produce a CB heavy tactic that still produced goals… the first draft was a 32221 with a box of 4 CM/AMC with WB bombing forward… the WB were isolated and the box of 4 in midfield played very narrow even with the width set to max… I then tried the AMC in wide positions and that left the ST isolated and no support through the middle…. After getting annoyed I threw 3 upfront all with the F9 role and instantly I was happier with the shape and the fact that the wider of the F9’s drifted wide to help the WBs but there was no penetration between any of the lines it was always a sideways or backwards pass yes possession was good but chances created was poor (can I hear a boring boring arsenal chant)… this is where the took its shape that you see today… I dropped all the STs to AMC with the shadow striker role I also dropped the BWM into the DMC position but with get further forward selected to create some penetration in the MC line and changed the WB to IWB to make sure that the ball comes inside and the WB don’t become isolated… as soon as these changes were made the football on show the one-twos and through balls into the channels for the onrushing SS is a delight to watch
3. The Tactic
View attachment 112548View attachment 112547View attachment 112538
The tactic sets up as a 3223 with WB’s and a DM and a CM combo… with 3 AMC with the shadow striker role set. I call it a 343 as the WB act as wide midfielders who are there for support but do find themselves on the end of chances from time to time as they sit narrow and want to cut inside… so if the game was paused in the final 3rd when we are attacking then the shape would look more like a 343… if the ball is lost as the BMW and WB are positionally set further back they will race back and not challenge the ball leaving the wall of 3 SS to swarm the ball like a pack of bees…. Due to the fact that the pressure is quite severe on the defensive back line when the opposition wins the ball back they can try and play out from the back which is risky as there isn’t many options or clear it long at this point the 3 CBs step in and win the ball or collect and being on BPD they look for a ball inside to the other CBs or the retreating WB or DM/CM with the 3 SS probing the back line.
The tactic works offensively by moving through the lines of the defence quickly from the GK to CB then to either wide to WB or through the middle to DM CM or AMC depending on who is free which there is always…. I have on the odd occasion seen that no shorter options available to the CB due to opposition high press he plays a ball over the top for one of the SS to chase… if he loses the race he will be close enough to challenge the defender and the entire team squeezes the pitch so this vastly limits the options that the covering player will have which will lead to the ball being pinched and a chance being created or worst case scenario they play it long which means we go back to square one but because we go through the lines quickly the defence doesn’t have enough time to reshuffle and re-organise before there is space for a SS to be flooding the space created which is an easy through ball to make for another chance
Once in a defensive phase of play (the opposition try to play through you) the CB leave no space for a through ball in behind along with the WB tucking in but first to break rank to challenge a winger… the DM/CM partnership pressure the ball once they step into the final 3rd forcing a mistake or at the vey least go backwards and that is where the true pressure comes in…. because the SS sit a touch deeper than a traditional ST and want to push onto the back line they are always looking to press if the ball goes back to a DM or CB or FB giving no time to build at the back and no space up top for a CCC to be given results in the opposition having long shots and having to play around the defensive line and get a cross in which as there are 3 CBs front centre and back post and the WB tucked in at the back its very difficult for the opposition to score.
View attachment 112544View attachment 112546View attachment 112545View attachment 112543
View attachment 112539View attachment 112540View attachment 112542View attachment 112541
4. positional breakdown
Now time to analyse each position and see what each role and how it links to the team…
GK – keeps it simple playing the ball through to the CBs but has the freedom if that option isn’t on to play it to the WB or DM/CM or to the feet of the SS if required… defensively he will come and collect loose balls over the top that are too far for the defenders to get but will only do so when its risk free and tends to kick the ball long if pressured rather than taking an unnecessary risk
CB – this is the wall… all given the freedom to challenge the ball if in their “zone” and the other 2 will drop back to cover and provide a safe passing option if the ball is retrieved
WB – these link everything together, the tactic is set to go through the middle and these guys act like a bouncing surface… the ball is played to them and they will either play it back to the same player who has made a move or chip it into the channel for the invading SS… the left side tends to sit in the hole for the DM to get further forward and the right side tends to get to the byline for a cross… the left will get better ratings on average but the right will get more assists... defensively they keep it simple block the cross or win the challenge and play it forward towards the SS.
DM – this guy is a hybrid role I call it a “deep lying box to box midfielder” he does the role of 2 men he will provide cover at the back and be a late arrival in the opposition box… in possession he looks for the one two with the WB to get forward and generally keeps it very simple playing “crab football” just simple sideways passes to keep the ball moving but if a SS has dropped deeper he will play it into feet and look for the return
CM – this guy is the puppet master… links all of the play together doesn’t venture too far forward but keeps the ball rolling by playing in the WB or the SS or if nothing is on back to the CBs or the DM… depending on the player he will get good assist rate and get a good rating that way or if more defensively minded (my preference) will generally be the holding player and will break play up and have a very high pass completion %age…
SS – all 3 of the SS work together to create space for the others and will look for that killer ball in the spaces created for a CCC or a half chance depending on when the trigger is pulled… they will drop deep during both transitional phases and look to burst past the defensive line early once attacking depending on who has the ball. As they start deeper than the CBs they will be at full speed when the defender is still on the half turn so the player who is attempting the through ball has some wiggle room as to how accurate it needs to be
In defence these three work like the CBs in the sense that they move from side to side when defending closing down every short option that a CB or FB or DM has and if they try to play short there is a chance that we steal in and are one on one from the half way line (it happened more often than you think)
5. key attributes (my opinion)
GK – just a good shot stopper nothing fancy doesn’t need to do anything but keep the ball from going in; reflexes, one on ones, handling, positioning
CB – i prefer them quick tall and good in the air passing ability is a bonus; acceleration, jumping reach, tackling, marking, positioning
WB – they are up and down all day (its tiring to watch) but never at full speed don’t need to be the quickest and the more creative the better and defensively sound; acceleration, stamina, work rate, tackling, passing, off the ball, dribbling
DM – similar to the WB in the sense that he will be up and down and cover more ground than any other player in the team, I prefer quicker players in the position able to breeze past a player (think dembele for spurs) and if the ground covered is done in a shorter time that is always a bonus, this player is generally more of a box to box type to give you an idea; acceleration, stamina, workrate, first touch, tackling, composure
CM – the puppet master is a holding player for the most part so must be able to defend and the better the passing skills the more assists they will get… I prefer mine tall to win an areal duel and help with defending freekicks and corners especially if all 3 SS are short and quick; tackling, marking positioning, stamina, work rate, first touch, passing and vision
SS – these guys work better when quick and great off the ball…. They don’t need to run past players with the ball but be able to get past and create some distance between themselves and the covering defender… they have to be good in tight spaces be able to receive the ball get it under control and either turn and run with the ball or lay it off and spin the defender to be in on goal… I have found that the slower the player the more likely they are to show for the ball rather than be rushing the last defender. I do prefer a target man style in the centre of the 3 as they are more prone to hold up the ball and be better in both boxes for both defending and attacking not essential; acceleration, first touch, off the ball, composure, anticipation, finishing, agility and balance
6. General maintenance
Training –
Pre-season match tactics on full with this tactic set to all 3 slots, with team cohesion set to very high with the slider all the way to the left and a day off after match.
Through season have defending set pieces selected (once tactic fluid) and have attacking for the other set to high/very high the slider should be 2 clicks from the left again with rest after match not before
Pitch size – max allowed usually but works on league average too
Opposition instructions – none everyone set individually to mark/cover areas of the pitch not the specific man
Ten men? – remove the left sided or centre SS and move the BWM up to CM
Corners – have the left SS take left corner and vice versa
General tips –
[*=center]if you feel the balance isn’t right or the PPMs are going against you i.e. DLP with trait to get further forward set the DLP to defend he will then hold more but not as effective going forward
[*=center]if WB are too far forward or not quick enough to cover the ground required then take off get further forward
[*=center]if possession too high and the opposition playing very deep and defensive change WB to support and switch to exploit both flanks to get around it, this also will make the SS move into wider positions and able to cross
[*=center]make sure that left SS is right footed and vice versa… if not rating well switch of a better match up, if trying to use no3 make sure that left SS is left footed and vice versa.
[*=center]If central CB, DM or CM are on a yellow wait until 60 mins and sub off as will more than likely get a second yellow and ruin your day!!!
[*=center]Retrain your wingers with good finishing and your quick strikers to be AMC on the SS role (cheapest and easiest option)
7. Outro
Well there we have it, its finally over you can now go and download the tactic and the real fun begins, if anything has been missed or you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask I’m usually hovering around the internet somewhere…
sorry again for the poor quality of the post I could never figure out how to do this **** thing… all the pic are at the bottom for you to scan through and the tactic is there too!!!!
**** TESTIMONIALS ****
FROM HUDS
Hi mate,
Long time forum lurker here. Usually just nick the great tactics without replying, but thought I'd contribute something on this one.
Testing your tactic on my Partick Thistle save for a couple of seasons. Not sure how useful this will be as it's now just finished season 32/33 and I'm using mostly regens from the youth team, just the way I like to play.
However, my team is fairly ****, struggling financially, and it's not like I can blag the best players like in previous versions, so a decent test maybe?
Anyway, here's some screenies...
1st season...
View attachment 1096173
2nd season...
View attachment 1096174
final table 32/33...
View attachment 1096175
3 best players...
View attachment 1096176
Think I'm gonna stick with your tactic. It plays some lovely football with average players, and so far has been more consistent than anything else I have tried. Maybe my players just fit well to it or something.
You might notice a lot of defeats in the results, but I do tend to play a lot of hot prospects to give them game time so it's not as bad as it looks!
Summary over the 2 seasons
=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
* 2 league wins! 1st year went right to the wire
* champions league quarter final in 1st season!
* currently in Europa semi final in 2nd
* best of all... lovely looking football! the players cover each other, fight for the team! pass to each other!
points of note
=-=-=-=-=-=
* it seems to work better for me with Teamwork rather than Defending set pieces - no idea why
* sometimes... just sometimes! it works better when set to Counter instead of Standard
* also seems to work better for me when putting right footer into RWB slot and vice versa
Anyway, cheers mate for a great tactic!
FROM WHITE EUROPE
View attachment 1095848View attachment 1095849View attachment 1095850
its great tactic all matches watched
instant result only the cup matches and i was holidaying between the league matches except transfer windows when its very easy to make the players unhappy and i use only commentary mode so is quite fast going I think i could won the league little bit easier but in some matches even when strongly dominating the opponent we couldnt score due to some unnatural golkipers ability.
Playing the matches Home is quite easy we score we dominating we get 3 points, playing away we winning 1-0, 2-0 after 60th minute i was always moving AMC down to DM(s) position and at 80th minute changing mentality to defensive, in matches when we was 0-0 or 0-1 changing mentality to attacking until we score.
the only minus of the tactic would be the fact is strikerless and you dont have that one main golscorer all the goals are nicely spread around the team.
In General if someone is looking for perfect at the back tactic this one is for You
Well there we have it, its finally over you can now go and download the tactic and the real fun begins, if anything has been missed or you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask I’m usually hovering around the internet somewhere…
sorry again for the poor quality of the post I could never figure out how to do this **** thing… all the pic are at the bottom for you to scan through and the tactic is there too!!!!
**** TESTIMONIALS ****
FROM HUDS
Hi mate,
Long time forum lurker here. Usually just nick the great tactics without replying, but thought I'd contribute something on this one.
Testing your tactic on my Partick Thistle save for a couple of seasons. Not sure how useful this will be as it's now just finished season 32/33 and I'm using mostly regens from the youth team, just the way I like to play.
However, my team is fairly ****, struggling financially, and it's not like I can blag the best players like in previous versions, so a decent test maybe?
Anyway, here's some screenies...
1st season...
View attachment 1096173
2nd season...
View attachment 1096174
final table 32/33...
View attachment 1096175
3 best players...
View attachment 1096176
Think I'm gonna stick with your tactic. It plays some lovely football with average players, and so far has been more consistent than anything else I have tried. Maybe my players just fit well to it or something.
You might notice a lot of defeats in the results, but I do tend to play a lot of hot prospects to give them game time so it's not as bad as it looks!
Summary over the 2 seasons
=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
* 2 league wins! 1st year went right to the wire
* champions league quarter final in 1st season!
* currently in Europa semi final in 2nd
* best of all... lovely looking football! the players cover each other, fight for the team! pass to each other!
points of note
=-=-=-=-=-=
* it seems to work better for me with Teamwork rather than Defending set pieces - no idea why
* sometimes... just sometimes! it works better when set to Counter instead of Standard
* also seems to work better for me when putting right footer into RWB slot and vice versa
Anyway, cheers mate for a great tactic!
FROM WHITE EUROPE
View attachment 1095848View attachment 1095849View attachment 1095850
its great tactic all matches watched
instant result only the cup matches and i was holidaying between the league matches except transfer windows when its very easy to make the players unhappy and i use only commentary mode so is quite fast going I think i could won the league little bit easier but in some matches even when strongly dominating the opponent we couldnt score due to some unnatural golkipers ability.
Playing the matches Home is quite easy we score we dominating we get 3 points, playing away we winning 1-0, 2-0 after 60th minute i was always moving AMC down to DM(s) position and at 80th minute changing mentality to defensive, in matches when we was 0-0 or 0-1 changing mentality to attacking until we score.
the only minus of the tactic would be the fact is strikerless and you dont have that one main golscorer all the goals are nicely spread around the team.
In General if someone is looking for perfect at the back tactic this one is for You
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