I'm only getting the hang of this game on pro of late. I don't see a lot of good tips in here, so I'm offering a few of my non-brilliant observations. Please note, I don't play online so this is relevant to vs. the computer only (on Xbox 360). Share the love!
So ...
Do not allow the opposition a goal attempt during the 10 minutes at the game’s start or the conclusion of the first half or match. Chances are, it’s going in.
Don’t overuse the sprint or knock on features while in possession.
When defending, don’t run at the opposition with the sprint button deployed unless you have a strong angle or the computer is sprinting.
When the computer sends in a high lob and you defender is under pressure, don’t try and trap or chest the ball.
For whatever reason, sometimes a ground pass is more effective than a through ball when trying to slip attackers through on the top of the 18.
When crossing from the wings, I find its sometimes better to take the ball all the way to the touchline and cross it back into the center of the box, and have the attacker control it and shoot rather than head it. I am lousy at headers.
Get yourself a strong box-to-box ballwinner who can play a holding-type role. My suggestions Tymoshuk (on Ukraine national team), Phil Jagielka (Everton, very versatile) or, if you want a young player to groom, Cameroonian Alexander Song from Arsenal.
Given the difficult involved in defending, get yourself a good keeper. Akinfeev (Russian national team) is hard to beat and his growth is phenomenal.
When trying to release you wingers, wait until the defender watching them releases moves forward and then power up your pass.
Speed is the most valuable quality in a winger.
Learning to use the first touch around the top of the box effectively can create a lot of scoring opportunities.
If you’re racing to the flag while in possession and being defended, knock the ball backward to create a better cross opportunity.
Freekicks, heading, using skill moves effectively ... I have no sweet clue.
So ...
Do not allow the opposition a goal attempt during the 10 minutes at the game’s start or the conclusion of the first half or match. Chances are, it’s going in.
Don’t overuse the sprint or knock on features while in possession.
When defending, don’t run at the opposition with the sprint button deployed unless you have a strong angle or the computer is sprinting.
When the computer sends in a high lob and you defender is under pressure, don’t try and trap or chest the ball.
For whatever reason, sometimes a ground pass is more effective than a through ball when trying to slip attackers through on the top of the 18.
When crossing from the wings, I find its sometimes better to take the ball all the way to the touchline and cross it back into the center of the box, and have the attacker control it and shoot rather than head it. I am lousy at headers.
Get yourself a strong box-to-box ballwinner who can play a holding-type role. My suggestions Tymoshuk (on Ukraine national team), Phil Jagielka (Everton, very versatile) or, if you want a young player to groom, Cameroonian Alexander Song from Arsenal.
Given the difficult involved in defending, get yourself a good keeper. Akinfeev (Russian national team) is hard to beat and his growth is phenomenal.
When trying to release you wingers, wait until the defender watching them releases moves forward and then power up your pass.
Speed is the most valuable quality in a winger.
Learning to use the first touch around the top of the box effectively can create a lot of scoring opportunities.
If you’re racing to the flag while in possession and being defended, knock the ball backward to create a better cross opportunity.
Freekicks, heading, using skill moves effectively ... I have no sweet clue.
I use this alot cos you can get some fantastic looking goals..