I agree with the simple passes. We seem to be pressing triangle more than x which shouldn't happen. A lot of the through balls are just going straight to the oppositions feet.
Plus, I think we need to make the short pass when we see it, instead of holding the ball too long. However, it has to be when your player is settled. Lots of times I try to pass the ball right as I receive it, but because my player positioning is not settled, it just goes stray.
But keeping the ball rolling is the way to go. Just need to make the right decisions.
CPU chips the ball when someone calls the ball in a really bad position. They will still try to find the player. If you're right next to them (or in the clear), they'll make a normal pass.