Part 34: Minilude: The 4-5-1 Counter

Minilude: The 4-5-1 Counter
October 18, 2015

In response to the comments about our tactics, I wanted to expand upon what we primarily use. Given the obvious problems of our other tactics this is what I plan to use for the remainder of the season.



This is the 4-5-1 Counter. As you can see, it's a counter-attacking strategy that should be well equipped for threats coming from the center of the pitch, especially with the "Drop Deeper" command, although the use of wingers means that opponents in the final third will be more capable of sitting out there and sending crosses into a crowded box. This is especially true with the "Stand Off" instruction, which orders players to close down their opponents less and maintain their defensive positioning. It's set for a more direct style of play, to get the ball up the pitch to the wingers who can send in crosses to the striker on the break.



Fullbacks are ordered to play it very safe, although they are still set as fullbacks rather than defense only limited fullbacks so they can come up the field when we have possession in the opponent's third.



Our centerbacks stay back, the Stopper does come out to challenge incoming opponents while the Covering centerback gives him a safety.



The defensive midfielder is an Anchor Man. His only job is to break up the opposition attack and get the ball back upfield.



The Advanced Playmaker is set to be the most forward central midfielder, he's the only player with a creative remit on the pitch.



His partner plays as a ball-winning midfielder, closing down opponents to prevent them from getting too comfortable in the midfield when preparing their attacks. When he wins the ball from them, he hoofs it upfield to the wingers.



The wingers jobs are to get the ball up the field and across to either their partner attacking the far post or our striker in the opponent's area.



Our strikers each have individualized instructions to play to their strengths. Bah, for example, is a Target Man and is additionally told to dribble more often. Harrison, on the other hand, is set as a poacher, due to his speed and lack of aerial skills.

And that is the 4-5-1.