Playing against a team which is more skilled than yours will often result in a more defensive strategy where counter attacks can be the key to beating your opponent. When it comes to defending here are a few tips you should consider applying to your game. First of all you should reduce all risks. Play a safe and simple game. That means:
Standing low on the pitch is a good starting point. That means selecting a more defensive position.
Don’t commit your defender to early in a tackle unless you have another defender covering him up
Clear the ball in the penalty box if there is no player available in open space
Use the call 2nd defender button when the opponent comes near the penalty box
Use jockeying to counter your opponent if he is trying to use skill moves
A lot of people tend to hold the run button while attempting to dribble. However the responsiveness of your player decreases significantly which is exactly what you need in order to break away from the defense. This also applies when changing direction with the ball. In general it’s best to use the speed/run button when you have plenty of room in front of you and you are going in straight direction. A very efficient strategy is to switch between the run / walk (fast / slow) button to slow down a direct run then make a turn breaking away from the defense.
In Fifa 10 a great way to score lots of goals being 1on1 against the keeper is the chip shot. This is particular the case when playing online against aggressive human players who will tend to rush out their keeper early. A good trick is to use the radar/map to check in order to execute the chip shot at the right timing. Another useful strategy is to try to keep a straight line running directly towards goal (if you have room to center the run directly outside the goal). Facing the goal directly when using the chip shot will significantly increase your chance of scoring.
Finally you need to make sure the keeper is actually far out the goal in order for the chip shot to in and a good benchmark is past the 18 yard box. If he is on the move (moving towards you and away from the goal) he will have a harder time turning around too.
There are 3 things which can help you score more goals on headers in Fifa 10
1) As the striker (or the player who is the header) is lining up for the cross use the jostle fight off your opponent and create space setting up with the best position for the header. Remember the most important thing is positioning when jostling. That is getting in front of your opponent.
2) Hold down the header button filling up the power bar to about 1/3 – ½ when heading on goal. Using more power and the ball is very likely to go over the cross bar.
3) While powering up aim at the direction you want to head the goal. Remember not to overcook the angle as you only need to direct the ball very little.
It can be quite hard to score goals on crosses in compared to some of the earlier Fifa games. Here are a few tips on how to deliver those crosses which result in great scoring chances.
To set up a cross you need to build up from your opponent’s sideline from where you deliver the cross while keeping an eye out for your attacker. Using forward runs and through passes to for your wingers is often the best way to break free. You need some space in order to do the best crosses so breaking away is important. Second you should use the radar to watch for the attackers run and power the cross perfectly. If you have broke away with your winger you will have more time focus on both (not having to deal with the defender from your winger).
The powering up should be from 1/3 of the power bar (near post) to ¾ (for the fast post). An accurate cross is obviously vital and if you able to curve the ball away from the goalkeeper you chances of landing it perfectly to your striker is also increased.
Check out our other post on heading for tips on how to score on the chances created from crosses using headers.
When creating your virtual pro there are some basic accomplishments you should consider doing right away in arena earning easy points and improving your stats.
These accomplishments include:
Ball Skills
1. Score a volley in the Arena (Ball Control +1).
3. Score a chipped penalty in the Arena (Ball Control +1).
5. Juggle the ball 5 times in the Arena (unlocks 2 Star Moves).
6. Score a finesse shot in the Arena (Curve +4).
11. Perform all 2 star skill moves in the Arena (unlocks 3 Star Skill Moves).
17. Master all the 3 star skill moves in the Arena (unlocks 4 Star Skill Moves).
24. Perform all 4 star skill moves in the Arena. (unlocks 5 Star Skill Moves).
Physical
5. Score 5 goals with your weak foot in the Arena (Weak Foot Ability +1 Star).
Shooting
3. Score a laces shot in the Arena (Shot Power +1).
6. Tuck home a penalty in the Arena (Penalties +2).
11. Curl in a free kick in the Arena (Free Kick Accuracy +2).
20. Bang one in from 30 yards or further in the Arena (Long Shots +2).
21. Score a driven free kick in the Arena (Shot Power +2).
42. Get 6 consecutive penalties in the Arena (Penalties +5).
An efficient formation to earn a lot of the shooting achievements for your virtual pro is 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-3 with your player being either the striker or center forward. Besides obviously being very offensive the formations are suitable for putting in a lot of crosses and thus giving your player a lot of headers from the wings.
Try to a lot of counter attack pushing the ball out the flanks using lobbed and through passes, then get wings to sent in a lot of early crosses aiming at your forward. The crosses will be most efficient “running in the field” as the defenders will provide more space to get in the header. Running into the crosses will also provide you the diving header which can be tricky if you don’t catch your opponent in open space.
