Hobbies And Interests
Attacking the Goal
Decide on a strategy for attacking the goal as soon as you gain possession of the ball. One of the most effective strategies is to have your attackers run in crossing patterns through the defense. This lets you get ahead of the defenders by passing the ball to a teammate as he crosses. The shooting range of each of your players will vary, so check their stats to find out who the best long-range scorers are. When you are just starting your season, experiment with shots from different distances. This will help you later in the season when you have to make an important shot when time is running out.
Defending Your Goal
Try to press the offense as they attack your goal, especially when they are still back in their own end of the field. This cuts off the passing lanes and increases the chances that the offensive player will lose control of the ball on his way up the field. When you regain possession of the ball, clear it out if you are deep in your own end. Do not be tempted to set up an attack near your own goal because you will not have time to recover if you are stripped of the ball.
Specialty Kicks
You can also score from corner kick or free kick situations. On a corner kick, use a left-footed kicker from the left side of the opponent's goal and a right-footed kicker from the right side of the goal. Place a tall striker in front of the goal and kick toward him so he can head the ball into the goal. For a free kick, select only one player instead of two. It will be easier to control the direction of the ball when only using one player. An effective strategy for scoring on a free kick is to aim right at the goalkeeper, expecting him to anticipate the shot and move either left or right.