Detail…. This is what is needed to become an absolute boss at this game. Now, there are indeed some instructional pieces within SM23, but they simply don’t do it with as much sauce as we do don’t they? That is why we’ll be going over EVERYTHING! So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for lift-off because we are not leaving anything behind.
A quick note before we start! All of these strategies MUST be compatible with your other tactical set up which includes your Style of play, Personnel, and the roles you’ve given to each player within your X1. These are not to be looked at as shortcuts to for better playtime, but rather as extensions to your already customized set up
CUSTOM STRATEGY
Here is where you get to display your tactical prowess by simply sticking to your set up without actually looking for any assistnace from the other strategies that we will be getting into shortly. It is important that you choose this option when you are first managing a team or have decided to completely change your tactics up in order to try a new system if things are going badly or if you’re simply getting bored
PLAY THE CHANNELS
Each strategy has it’s own mini description that we will be skipping past for now. ‘Playing the channel’ is a great way to get the ball outwide as much as a team can, utilizing Explosive Wingers, Wingbacks and Wide Forwards who are extremley quick and skillfull in order to cause chaos in the opposition’s defence. The best way to implement this will be to set up your instructions in a manner that gets the most width out of the X1.
FROM THE BACK
Here lies the current methodology that almost every top team likes to implement these days. Teams are now starting each attacking play from the back via a short passing style in order to force their opposition into pressing upon them which could potentially leave their defensive players isolated against your attackers. The best way to utilize this strategy will be to play a more shorter passing style whilst using a slower tempo but take into considertion that you MUST have an X1 filled with players capable on the ball because even having one player who isn’t good with the ball at their feet can mess up the enitre build up play (unless that one player is so good that it dosent really matter like a Haaland for example)
HIGH PRESS
Another type of strategy that has been modernized in today’s game since majority of teams are seeking to press their opposition from the front since it allows your team the option of winning the ball back high up the pitch which leads to a better opportunity to get into more dangerous goal scoring opportunities
HOLD THE BALL
Also known as ‘Systematic time wasting’, this strategy is all about implementing different tactics within the middle of a game to do as much as you can to waste as much time as possible in order to infuriate the opponent and run down the clock. This is one of the strategies available that should only be used in-game rather than at the start of match since it would simply be foolish to waste time from minute 1 of a match.
COUNTER ATTACK
One of my favorite strategies, Counter attacking is all about bursting forward in numbers in order to create a potential goal scoring opportunity. It requires that the ball gets from defence to attack in a very swift manner. Counter Attcking has a pretty bad rep since it is considered to be only used by defensive type managers, but that can’t be further from the truth. A counter attack can be used at any time during a match and with any type of philisophy (also known as mentality in SM). You will need some quick, powerful and intelligent players to get the best out of this strategy.
PARK THE BUS
Now, do I really need to explain this one? 🤣 Often regarded as the ‘Jose Mourinho’ tactic, this is a strategy used in order to completely set up shop within your defensive third. It is an ultra defensive tactic used to prevent the opposition from having any form of space within the most dangerous areas around your 18 yard box. This is another strategy that should only be used in-game and preferably at the latter stages of a match. You should also consider going V.Defensive with your mentality.
ALL OUT ATTACK
We finish off with the complete opposite of a ‘park the bus’ strategy as we take a look at the ‘ALL or nothing’ type of strategy. The objective here is to get almost the entire team cramped within your opposition’s defensive third in a last ditch effort to score what could be a match saving goal. It’s called all or nothing down to the fact that you are leaving your team absolutely open in the pursuit of a goal which could lead to you conceding one all together. It’s a very high risk- high reward type of situation.
Before I go, I would just like to note that each strategy has a meter next to it showcasing the level of attacking or defensive approach that every strategy has to offer. Be aware that these cannot be changed and must be taken into consideration before sending your lads out onto the pitch or using it in the midst of a match.
We’ll be skipping the ‘Instructions’ area and heading straight to the ‘General’ area tomorrow as we continue our look at the tactics page within SM23. ADIOS! 🤟
The Soccermanager Experience 