Here it goes my contribution to this topic.
First of all, I am still learning and it seems that this year, PES 2012 has a steep learning curve. So don’t give up and have a lot of patient…
Second, I play on Professional level. I don’t know whether my tips work on higher levels.
At least for me, my problem was to beat weaker teams. I was struggling even when I picked Barcelona against, let’s say, River Plate (I have nothing against River Plate, but in the game their players are much weaker than others from “big teams” such as Barcelona, for instance). There was a day that I won 2-1, and I had two more players (River had 2 red cards). I, with Barcelona, had to struggle to beat a weaker team that did not have 2 players!!! Well, I thought to myself, “or I improve, or I will stop playing”. It was really frustrating. Then I started to practice and get some tips in the forums. After a while I was able to beat weaker teams at ease. After this long introduction, here my tips.
1) “Try playing with a high line on possession game with offside trap set to ON” (by Abu97: see
this thread). This is a very important tip. The other team will not have many chances, and you will stay longer in their field with more chances. When COM takes the ball, try to keep one of you players in front of the opponent who carries the ball to make long passes more difficult. Don’t control the last man, or there is the risk of the offside trap fails because of you!
2) Master the first touch. Here an
introductory video on YouTube. This is also very important because sometimes your CF or SS are deep in the box surrounded by defenders. When he receives the ball, he can also, using the first touch, escape from the defenders and be in position for a good shot. Very useful to escape from man marking.
3) Learn “the Bergkamp Flick”.
Tutorial video. For the same reason above, this dribble can put your player in 1-on-1 situations with the keeper. Besides, it is really cool.
4) Through ball. Read the posts of this topic. Griciu, Abu97, Lee and others have given very good tips.
5) Learn how to win headers. This is very important to have the control of the game.
Tutorial video.
6) Don’t let the “momentum” in the COM’s hands. There are some critical moments in the game, that the “momentum” is clearly for the COM. Its players seem to be faster, with precise passes and shoots. Because of that, a weaker team can play like Barcelona and they will score! I have identified at least four critical periods when the momentum goes to COM and it is more dangerous: a) beginning of the game, b) end of each half and c) after you score. So, if you have just scored for example, be careful. Don’t expose yourself too much trying to tackle or get the ball. Be patient and cover all spaces. As soon as you get the possession, spend some time passing the ball. Yes, just wait a little. After some “10 minutes” (in the game), the momentum goes back to you and COM will not have the “God mode”. The same in the end of each half. The same if you realize you are missing easy passes or your players are “strangely weak”.
7) Learn how to shoot. Read
this topic.
If you don’t know how to shoot, you will miss many important opportunities.
Only with those tips and a bit of practice, you will be able to beat weaker teams comfortably. Stronger teams are different, but in certain way, easier because they often don’t “park the bus” (this should be another thread…)
Of course, learning some dribbles (and they are very effective if done with the correct timing) will help you to create more opportunities and enjoy more the game.
Changing formations and tactics, also.
Well, I hope you enjoyed the tips. Have a good game!
