PES Long Ball Counter: Best Formations To Dominate

by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Hey guys! Ready to dominate the pitch with some killer long ball counter strategies in PES? You've come to the right place. We're diving deep into the best formations to maximize your long ball game and leave your opponents in the dust. Let's get started!

Understanding the Long Ball Counter Style

Before we jump into formations, let's break down what makes the Long Ball Counter style so effective in PES. This playstyle is all about quickly transitioning from defense to attack with long, accurate passes that catch the opposition off guard. It relies on having players with excellent passing stats, speed, and positioning to make the most of these opportunities. When executed well, it's a potent weapon against teams that play a high defensive line or press aggressively.

The beauty of the Long Ball Counter lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. Instead of intricate passing sequences in midfield, you're looking to bypass the crowded areas and launch the ball into space for your attackers to chase. This can be particularly effective against opponents who are slow to react or have defenders who are not particularly fast. The element of surprise is key. Your opponent may expect a slow build-up, but suddenly, they find themselves scrambling to defend a rapid counter-attack.

To truly master this style, you need players who can deliver accurate long passes. Midfielders with high passing stats, especially 'Long Passing' and 'Through Passing', are essential. Strikers and wingers with good speed, acceleration, and finishing are also crucial, as they need to be able to latch onto those long balls and convert them into goals. Don't forget about your defenders! Center-backs with decent pace and tackling ability are needed to win the ball back and initiate the counter-attack. In essence, you need a well-rounded team with specific attributes tailored to this particular playstyle.

Top Formations for Long Ball Counter

Alright, let’s get into the juicy stuff – the best formations to use for a Long Ball Counter style in PES. These formations are designed to provide a solid defensive base while also offering plenty of attacking options when you win the ball back.

4-3-3: The Classic Choice

The 4-3-3 is a classic formation that offers a great balance between attack and defense. It's a versatile formation that can be adapted to various playstyles, but it's particularly well-suited for the Long Ball Counter. Here's why:

  • Solid Defensive Base: The four defenders provide a strong barrier against opposing attacks.
  • Midfield Support: The three midfielders can help win back possession and distribute the ball effectively. One midfielder can sit deep as a defensive anchor, while the other two can push forward to support the attack.
  • Attacking Threat: The three forwards provide plenty of options for long balls. You can have two fast wingers who can run onto through balls and a strong center-forward who can hold up the ball and bring others into play.

When using the 4-3-3, it’s important to have midfielders who are good passers and can pick out the right ball. Your wingers should be quick and have good dribbling skills to take on defenders. The center-forward should be strong in the air and a good finisher.

4-2-3-1: The Tactical Masterpiece

The 4-2-3-1 is a more tactical formation that provides excellent defensive cover while still offering plenty of attacking options. It’s a great choice for those who like to control the game and pick their moments to counter-attack.

  • Double Pivot: The two defensive midfielders provide excellent protection for the back four. They can win back possession, break up attacks, and distribute the ball to the more creative players.
  • Creative Midfield: The three attacking midfielders can create chances and support the lone striker. They should be good passers, dribblers, and have an eye for goal.
  • Lone Striker: The lone striker needs to be a good finisher and able to hold up the ball. They should also be quick enough to run onto long balls.

With the 4-2-3-1, it’s crucial to have defensive midfielders who are disciplined and good tacklers. The attacking midfielders should be creative and able to unlock defenses. The lone striker needs to be clinical in front of goal.

3-4-3: The Bold Choice

For those who like to live on the edge, the 3-4-3 can be an exciting option. This formation is very attacking-minded and can overwhelm opponents with its sheer number of forwards. However, it does leave you a bit more vulnerable defensively, so it’s important to have players who can track back and defend.

  • Attacking Power: The three forwards can stretch the defense and create plenty of opportunities. They should be quick, skillful, and good finishers.
  • Midfield Support: The four midfielders need to work hard and cover a lot of ground. The two central midfielders should be good passers and able to control the tempo of the game. The wing-backs need to be able to defend and attack.
  • Defensive Risk: The three defenders need to be strong and good in the air. They should also be quick enough to cover the space behind the wing-backs.

When using the 3-4-3, it’s essential to have midfielders who are good passers and able to switch the play quickly. The forwards need to be clinical in front of goal, and the defenders need to be solid and reliable.

Player Roles and Instructions

Choosing the right formation is only half the battle. You also need to assign the right roles and instructions to your players to maximize their effectiveness. Here are some key roles and instructions to consider for a Long Ball Counter style:

  • Deep-Lying Playmaker (DMF/CMF): This player should have excellent passing stats and be able to dictate the tempo of the game. Instruct them to 'Drop Deep' to provide extra cover for the defense and initiate long passes.
  • Hole Player (AMF/CMF): This player should be creative and able to find space between the lines. Instruct them to 'Roam Freely' to create passing opportunities and support the attack.
  • Fox in the Box (CF): This player should be a clinical finisher and able to make runs in behind the defense. Instruct them to 'Target Man' to hold up the ball and bring others into play.
  • Wingers (LWF/RWF): These players should be quick and able to take on defenders. Instruct them to 'Cut Inside' to create shooting opportunities or 'Stay Wide' to stretch the defense.
  • Full-backs (LB/RB): These players should be able to defend and attack. Instruct them to 'Stay Back While Attacking' to provide defensive cover or 'Join the Attack' to provide width.

Key Player Attributes

To truly excel with a Long Ball Counter style, you need players with specific attributes that complement this approach. Here are some key attributes to look for when scouting or training your players:

  • Passing: This is arguably the most important attribute for a Long Ball Counter style. Look for players with high 'Long Passing', 'Through Passing', and 'Lofted Pass' stats.
  • Speed and Acceleration: These attributes are crucial for your attackers, as they need to be able to run onto long balls and beat defenders for pace.
  • Finishing: This attribute is essential for your strikers, as they need to be able to convert those long balls into goals.
  • Physical Strength: This attribute is important for your center-forward, as they need to be able to hold up the ball and win aerial duels.
  • Defensive Prowess: Don't neglect your defenders! Look for players with good 'Tackling', 'Interception', and 'Defensive Awareness' stats.

Tips and Tricks for Long Ball Counter

Here are some extra tips and tricks to help you master the Long Ball Counter style in PES:

  • Practice your passing: Accurate long passes are the foundation of this playstyle. Spend time in training mode practicing your long passing technique.
  • Exploit the flanks: Use your wingers to stretch the defense and create space for long balls into the box.
  • Be patient: Don't force the long ball. Wait for the right opportunity and make sure your players are in the right positions.
  • Mix it up: Don't rely solely on long balls. Mix in some short passes and dribbling to keep your opponents guessing.
  • Adapt to your opponent: If your opponent is defending deep, you may need to switch to a more patient build-up playstyle. If they are pressing high, the long ball can be even more effective.

Conclusion

The Long Ball Counter style can be a highly effective way to win games in PES. By choosing the right formation, assigning the right roles and instructions, and focusing on key player attributes, you can create a team that is capable of launching devastating counter-attacks. So, get out there and start practicing! With a bit of patience and dedication, you'll be dominating the pitch in no time. Good luck, and have fun!