BrettMadden's Guide to Better FIFA Online

[BrettMadden]

Let me begin by stating I am an average FIFA player. I am not a Jedi Knight of the Skill Stick
by any means. My goal for FIFA 11 was to bypass a lot of the random online junk games that I
found to be a hindrance to fully enjoying the 2009 and 2010 FIFA games.

Manual Controls*
My first tip for a more rewarding footie experience is Play Manual. Go Cold Turkey**
But do not play on Manual during a Random Match where your Online Foe is set
to Chelsea and is playing on Fully Assisted Controls. Instead, go to the Match Lobbies
and create a Ranked Manual Match. I like to set the Game Speed to Slow.
* You may find 3-5 people quitting out of the match before it begins when they realize
it’s a manual controlled session; however be patient you will get a game in.
** I find that by playing on Manual, you are forced to play more of a team game, with
greater emphasis on possession, careful passing, as opposed to the ping-pong exploits
used by the turbo-charged Chelsea-type assisted players. When you master crossing
across the pitch, you will laugh when an assisted type player sends a ball past the goal
line, not even remotely close to a goal scoring opportunity.

Defense*
Do not forget to use your Tactical Slider on the D-Pad. If you are attacked in numbers,
defend in numbers. I really like to control a defender who is off the ball, avoid those
ill-timed slide tackles that takes one of your defenders right out of the play. Let your
CPU teammates harass the attacker while you oversee and anticipate your opponents
desired attack area and go for the steal.
*Paying attention to proper, sound defending, I have given up 2 goals in my last 13
online ranked matches.

Set Pieces
You can create these in the arena. Create a set piece for both sides of the corner kick,
and have a couple for free kicks as well. Last night I scored a terrific goal off of an
indirect free kick. It led to my typical 1-0 win.

That's my Basic Three Tips. You can play more games with Friends who are not
prone to exploits such as using CUSTOM ROSTERS. Pay attention to the team
used by your opponent. For example AC Milan as of today is a 4.5 star team.
Last evening I noticed my opponent selection of AC Milan produced a 5* team.
I backed out at that moment knowing that if I progressed, I would be facing
a ridiculous roster.

While I consider myself average overall, my increased focus on defense has
taken me to the mid-200's in the overall leader boards and 8th overall in
manual ranked games. Happy FIFA everyone, feel free to add me on the 360.

BrettMadden

[YNWA1892]

too bad you're on 360.

[darlon]

I just play manual online with randoms. It's a lot more gratifying when I beat someone who has fully assisted with manual controls. If I go down a goal or two at halftime, I'll switch to semi/assisted.