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**therizing02** · 09-24-2008, 02:36 PM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips....

First post/tip from the guide.....I'm certain there will be many others to follow.

Shooting<O></O>
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This is one of the most dynamic aspects of the game, and understanding how it works in FIFA 09 can determine just how much success you will have. Many factors determine the accuracy of the shot such as player momentum, speed, rating, and of course how far you power up the shot meter. In the “Shot Power/Elevation Chart,” you can clearly see there is a direct correlation between shot speed and ball elevation based just on the how much you power up the shot meter. Also keep in mind that your player’s accuracy is greatly diminished if he is on a full sprint while shooting, as well as his lateral momentum at the time. A really good tip here is to let go of the sprint button, control your pace to gain composure, get the ball on your player’s preferred foot, and then let it rip. This is not always possible and sometimes you just have to wing it!

<O></O>However, this would be a good place to also use the various “Face the Goal” options mentioned in the dribbling section. The shot can be very frustrating if not practiced, so take some time in the arena to get it down from various locations. When you get comfortable with it, you can create some great highlight reels.<O></O>
Oone tip that works very well if your player is right footed, is to head directly at the goal about 5 yards off of dead center and as soon as you see the keeper, start to move left. Flick the left stick and just barely tap the
shot button, and sit back and watch the ball rip into the opposite side netting for a goalaso! Obviously, the opposite movement should be done if your player’s favoured foot is left.<O></O>>

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Shot<O></O>
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This refers to the out and out strike on goal with maximum speed, also known as a “driven shot.” This is what puts fans in the stands and makes this game so much fun to play. Refer to the “Shot Power/Elevation Chart” to see what factors come in to play to make the shot go where you want it to. You can greatly control the rise of the ball and speed based on what is shown in the chart.<O></O>
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Finesse Shot<O></O>
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This is a very effective tool to help assist your player in gaining composure while striking the shot. A direct shot is hit with the boot laces, whereas the finesse shot is usually taken with the side of the foot. This is a placement shot versus a driven shot. You get much more accuracy in putting the ball in the net where the keeper least expects it. If you have to approach the goal at pace due to pressure and/or slightly off balance, then just get in the habit of hitting a finesse shot and your chances will be pretty good to get the shot on net.<O></O>

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Chip Shot<O></O>
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The chip is a cheeky little shot that totally fools and humiliates the keeper in one simple lofted scoop shot. Much like the same term in golf, it basically is a shot hit under the ball with the foot stopping upon impact to loft the ball with a high trajectory in the air for a short distance. Usually this is right out of the keeper’s full stretch, and is best performed the second you see the keeper start off his line. Practice this in the arena as it is very effective when coming at the keeper one- on-one. And remember, timing is indeed everything with this one.

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**therizing02** · 09-24-2008, 03:00 PM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips....

Trapping<o></o>
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There is a popular saying that is so true in FIFA 09: “First touch will kill you.” Control over the ball when receiving is crucial to being successful. Trapping is the skill where you collect the ball instead of it merely hitting you and hoping for the best. How the player first touches the ball when it comes in his direction can make all the difference between handing it over to your opponent and maintaining possession. There are three fundamental concepts used in FIFA 09 for trapping.<o></o>
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Trap<o></o>
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Trapping is the art of receiving the ball and bringing it under control. This is a very basic concept but can be used to gain quick control over the ball and be ready for what you do next. Whether standing in a crowded space or on a full sprint down the wing, a good trap is essential to gaining and maintaining possession. There are several types, all with various parts of your player’s body, from the chest to the thigh to the foot and even the head. All of them accomplish the same thing: to get the ball with any momentum it might be traveling in immediately into your possession so that you can be effective with your next move.<o></o>

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First Touch<o></o>
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There is no more effective moment in the game than when your player first touches the ball. If not controlled, it can be a quick turnover leading to disaster, or give your player a huge advantage to move into open space. Use the right stick and bump it away from your opponent and sprint onto the ball. It is a simple quick moment, but can be a key to successful possession. In a crowd of players, use this to avoid having the opponent make a quick steal by giving yourself some room to work.<o></o>

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Cancel Trap

Cancel Trap is a very effective way to take a player off of this default run and redirect him to intercept a pass. A good example of this is if your team mate attempts to hit you on a through ball and an opponent looks like he is going to cut off the pass if the target player stays on the default run. This function allows you to cancel out of the run and cut in front of the opponent and collect the ball before he intercepts it. This is a great function to adjust your player off of the default path and adjust the path a more strategic path. You can also use it to cancel a shot attempt or cross as long as you hit the buttons before the shooting animation starts.

**therizing02** · 09-24-2008, 03:09 PM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips....

Dribbling <o></o>
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Controlling your player’s possession of the ball is a key component to success in FIFA 09. Dribbling is basically the set up for everything else you do in the game. If you are on a full sprint down the field, the ball will tend to be pushed out in front of you a little further and you basically run onto it each time. In a jog, it is a little closer and at a walk it is right at your player’s feet. Take careful note of the opponents around you to know which pace you should be at so as not to give the ball away.<o></o>
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A good tip is to remember not to be predictable to your opponent. Change directions, stop the ball and then immediately continue; change your pace from a walk to a sprint instantly, knock the ball upon receiving it away from your opponent, and of course spend time in the arena polishing your tricks! <o></o>
<o></o>FIFA 09 has a ton of signature tricks your player can do and each has the ability to leave your opponent wondering where you went. For a complete breakdown of the tricks, see our sections devoted specifically to skill moves. Below is a quick breakdown of the dribbling techniques available to you and some tips on how to use them to your advantage.<o></o>
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Stop the Ball<o></o>
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A great tip is to use this skill in combination with an explosive exit move. It can really give you an advantage to shake loose from an opponent. You can make a hard stop anywhere on the field. If you hold on to the R2/RT as you stop, your player will transition into a shield move.<o></o>

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<o></o>Stop the Ball – Facing Goal<o></o>
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This is a great little skill that can really shake your opponent and give you a good look at the goal or just give you some space to work in. Not many are aware of the advantage you can gain by simply stopping and squaring your shoulders towards the goal. In the arena, work on this skill before taking a finishing touch and watch your accuracy greatly improve. In the passing section, a graphic shows how you can increase your when passing in the 10 to 2 o’clock position of the direction you are facing. The shooting accuracy is heavily dependent on your player’s motion and direction, so if you are coming in off balance at full pace and more than likely feel you will just launch the ball over the net, use this skill to increase your chances of getting the ball on goal.<o></o>

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Pace Control<o></o>
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Pace control basically does just what it says. It gives you the ability to have a much more managed movement velocity for your player with the ball. This function does slow down your player, but gives them a bit more control over the ball. The dribbling rating of your player does affect his ability to control the ball effectively.

Pace Control – Facing Goal<o></o>
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The same basic concept but turns your player to face the goal. So now not only is your player moving at a good pace to maintain control of the ball, but is also positioned to greatly increase the accuracy of his next movement.

Sprinting<o></o>
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This sounds obvious, but when in possession of the ball you really have to think about how to elude your opponent. Besides always moving in a sprint, be sure to mix it up, from jog to quick burst of speed. Remember that on a sprint you have the ball further away from you, and when shooting, your accuracy is greatly diminished. A good rule of thumb is to let go of the button to break out of a sprint and into a jog to really increase your accuracy for shooting and other skill moves. Do not forget to mix up your movement; the less predictable you are, the tougher it is for your opponent to get possession.

Knock On<o></o>
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The Knock on is very simple but also very effective. It gives you just enough advantage that makes a big difference in your ability to maintain possession. When moving with the ball, instead of just using the default dribble (which can be easily read by your opponent), be creative and knock the ball in a direction and then change your player’s pace and move quickly in that direction. It is very tough for a player to get back in front of you once you have moved beyond them. Use this to set yourself up for other things to transition into like that big shot (or fake shot), a skill move, or a great pass.

Tricks<o></o>
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Refer to our Skill Moves section for details on each and every trick in the game. Fundamentally, it is an awesome tool to not only create that highlight reel to send to your friend, but also is designed to really get you by your opponent. The key to successful tricks is to always keep your player unpredictable to the opponent. A little body feint, or even small gestures might just give you enough advantage to get beyond him and through to your next task at hand. Of course it is even more fun to humiliate your opponent and watch it in slow motion on the instant replay screen. With practice, every gamer has the potential to throw down Ronaldinho-type skills on the ball.

Instigate a Forward Run<o></o>
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This is a very effective tool to open up a target man for a pass, or even just to draw an opponent out of some very attractive looking field space to set up for an attack. One trick is to trigger your teammate on a run and then immediately sprint to the space they just left (which usually is wide open since the attention was on the man making the run). You have to get in the habit of using this to make it effective, so experiment with it in your practice games and see how you can best use it to your advantage. Watch how the opponent reacts to the run and use that against him.<o></o>

**therizing02** · 09-24-2008, 03:14 PM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips....

PASSING<O></O>
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“The Beautiful Game” is only as beautiful as your skill mastery of the passing game FIFA 09 offers. The right choice at the right time and there you have it, Joga Bonita! To be successful, the best tip is to keep one eye on the game and another on your radar. Sometimes the best pass is to the player just outside of your vision on the screen, so using the radar will really help you in finding that target player. There are five basic types of passes you can use to successfully create a scoring opportunity, get out of severe pressure in the back, or just plain frustrate your opponent.<O></O>
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Short Pass

The short pass is a successful method that really makes this sport beautiful. Brazil is the first team that comes to mind when discussing the short pass. This is a very effective pass that can be done in very tight traffic to find a way through your opponent. When a teammate is in front of your player it is extremely accurate, and as the player moves around your periphery the accuracy drops. Try to adjust your player’s body position to give him the most accurate attempt to be successful. The diagram below clearly shows how the direction your player is facing affects the accuracy of the pass. Assume the direction you are always facing is true 12 o’clock on a typical clock. Everything from 10 – 2 o’clock is pretty accurate, but from 2-5 & from 7-10 accuracy is diminished greatly. From 5-7, you better be Ronaldinho to attempt that pass, and only after you make sure your radar is clear!

Long Pass<O></O>
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The long pass is a favourite weapon of David Beckham, as we all know. It can turn a minor attacking threat into a goal scoring opportunity in the blink of an eye. Having your players make great runs off the ball is the key. Watch the radar for that target player heading to open space, and then judge the power you strike the ball with carefully: too hard and it’s an easy ball for the keeper, too light and you might find yourself defending a quick counter attack. Use this when you want to “open up the play.” The further away the player gets, the less accurate your pass. The amount of time you hold down the pass button will determine the length of the pass. For best results, make sure you attempt to lead your player and not fire the pass at him. Allowing him to run onto the pass in stride could give him all the distance he needs to get a chance on goal.

Through Pass<O></O>
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This is one of the most deadly weapons in the game, and when done correctly, can rival the beauty of any goal. The key to being successful is your ability to look beyond your player to the space your teammates can hit quickly. You have to think one step ahead. This pass is typically used to get a player threaded through the defence and in on goal. Once again, how long you hold the pass button will determine the strength and distance of your pass. On Manual Through ball Assistance you are in charge of both direction and power. Be sure to play the ball to the space ahead of your player and let him run onto it. Some high level rated players can also perform a swerving through ball that makes it very tough for a defender to judge. Often times he will find himself diving in and leaving the striker with nothing left to do but test his finishing skills.

Lobbed Through Pass<O></O>
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The Lobbed Through Pass takes the beauty of the through ball and forces your opponent’s defenders to think three dimensionally. The angles are endless to feed a teammate. This is a very effective tool on an attack or counter attack when used to completely switch fields to the opposite side. Use this pass to hit a teammate who is making diagonal run, as it can really get you some great opportunities to get in on your opponent’s goal.

One-Two Pass<O></O>
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Also known as the wall pass, this is used to create space to shake a defender with the assistance of another team member. Upon approaching an opponent, time the pass so the defender commits to you, and then pass the ball to a team member while holding the L1/LB button. Your player will immediately sprint beyond your opponent to get a one touch pass back. It can quickly provide some open space in front of you. Be careful of using it too many times in a row as you will create holes in your defence.

**therizing02** · 09-24-2008, 03:18 PM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips....

Crossing<o></o>
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Crossing can be used either to switch the field of play into a more open field to start the attack again, or to launch a ball into the middle of the field to create a goal scoring opportunity. Many factors play into how accurate the cross is, such as body position, speed, and player rating. This can be a deadly aerial assault in your opponent’s third of the field leading to a goal scoring opportunity. The other use for switching field of play can be to get the ball out of a congested area to an open player that can build an attack much more effectively at that moment.<o></o>

You can also have some control over the curve put on a cross with the right stick. Just lean the stick in the direction you want to curve the ball when the meter is powering up. When they hear the term “cross,” most players think of a high arcing ball into the opposing team’s box, when in fact that is just the tip of the iceberg. The basics of what type of cross to hit is realizing whether you are in the crossing zone or not (area from the top of the 18 yard box to the end line and from the 18 yard box to the side touchline). If not, then the arsenal of early crosses listed below is your best option. This section covers five other types of crosses in FIFA 09 that can be used to best your opponent.

Low Cross<o></o>
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The low cross is a very effective tool to catch your opponent off guard. The low cross is more of a driven cross that is usually one touched on for a shot or to another player for an attacking opportunity. This cross is usually whipped in with a lot more pace than the typical high arcing cross and can really catch your adversary by surprise. A good tip to remember if you are on the receiving end of this is to lookaround as you see it coming in, and if you do not have a strike at goal, then look to one touch or “flick” the ball onto another play. Use the receiver to change the direction of the ball and set up some interesting opportunities.

Ground Cross<o></o>
Much like the low cross but is passed in with pace along the ground. This is not to be confused with the through ball. The through ball is designed to lead a teammate on to goal, threading the ball through the defenders; the ground cross is used to deceptively feed a team member outside the expected target area of your opponent. The ground cross is extremely effective in setting up for a one time strike. It also catches your opposition off guard when you hit the crossing zone and they prepare to see a long high ball, but then have to scramble when the target player is running up from the back for a strike.

Early Cross / Early Low Cross / Early Ground Cross<o></o>
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The term “early” refers directly to striking in the cross outside the crossing zone (area from the top of the 18 yard box to the end line and from the 18 yard box to the side touchline). Simply refer to the descriptions of what the cross is used for mentioned above and just know it is hit prior to entering that zone. This is a great tool that can really surprise the teams you are playing since they think they still have time to set up for the big cross, when in fact the threat is coming much sooner for them!<o></o>

**therizing02** · 09-24-2008, 03:25 PM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips....

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Defending Controls<o></o>
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Your best offence is a great defence! Since the only way to win is to prevent more goals from going in your own net than your opponent’s, a great defensive understanding is crucial. Discipline is the key to great defence; don’t panic and use common sense. Knowing your attackers and their tendencies is very helpful in planning your defence. <o></o>
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The defending controls work a lot like the sport in real life, so get to know when to “jockey” and not “stab in” and you will find your keeper getting a lot of “clean sheets.” Once possession is lost, all team members are now defenders, starting with the forwards to do their best to prevent the ball even getting into their own half. The first line of defence are not the stoppers; they are the forwards and midfielders. Listed in this section are nine types of basic defending controls as well as how to best use them.
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Jockey<o></o>
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The jockey is a technique of “containment” rather than actually taking the ball back. This works well when the attacker is especially good with his feet. Usually, the jockey is used to allow you to size up your opponent’s skill and allow reinforcements to arrive if need be. This can be done running right next to the attacker, corralling him where you want him to go or running backwards (or back pedaling) with the attacker coming right at you. Like in other aspects of this game, timing is everything. You cannot wait too long to step in or your opponent might get a look at goal or shake you loose; likewise, you cannot go in too early or he will leave you in the dust. A good tip is to watch the ball and see if it gets slightly ahead of your opponent and go in then. You will get a good feel for this the more you play.<o></o>

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<o></o>Running Jockey<o></o>
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Much like the jockey, only performed at high speeds. Rather than just sizing him up, this technique allows you to stay on the attacker and contain him at a full sprint if need be. This can be very effective to slow down a quick counter attack and give your team time to get back into position.<o></o>

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<o></o>Switch Players
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This is a very basic part of the game but really makes you successful if you learn when to switch to the right player. It is usually helpful to leave the “automatic switching” in the game set up just a couple notches, since it really assists you in taking control of the right player at the right time. It is also useful if you like to play a very quick possession game. It does some of the thinking for you and allows you to focus on other tasks at hand.

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Switch Players Manual<o></o>
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Unlike the simple “switch players” function above, this tool allows you to press the right stick in the direction of the player you want to take over. The best time to use it is when you see a player on a run that is unmarked. For example, you are covering out on the wing when you see a striker move into the box and look for a cross. My performing a manual switch, you can take control of a defender in the box and move in better position to defend the cross. <o></o>
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Press<o></o>
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A press is a very aggressive attempt at getting the ball back ASAP. Usually done in very close proximity, it involves your players using every tool at their disposal to dispossess the opponent. Your player will only perform a standing tackle with the press, not a sliding tackle. The goal is to restrict the opponent from any further threat to your half of the field and try to regain possession for your team. <o></o>
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Because it is so aggressive, failure can result in your player getting beaten if you make a mistake or are up against a stronger jostling player. FIFA 09 is very specific in using the player’s strength and balance ratings to determine who would comes out on the winning end of the battle. If you commit to a hard challenge and come away without the ball, the opposing team suddenly has the advantage in the attack. Because of this it is best that the hard press is performed with your midfield if at all possible so the next layer (the defenders) can be used as a back up. Remember to use layers of players when defending. If the opponent gets by one of your guys, quickly survey the next closest man and start again!<o></o>

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Jockey Press
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This move will allow you to contain your opponent and then quickly transition into a tackle. Release the LT/L2 button to initiate the challenge. This tool is a great diversion to prevent your opponent from getting the ball into an even more threatening position. Be careful, because as we all know, the referee can lose his mind at any minute and call you for too strong a challenge if you end up tackling the opponent.

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Teammate Press<o></o>
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Very simply, “Secondary Pressing” will call a nearby teammate in assist your player in dispossessing an attacker. Now two players work in tandem to box in the attacker by both watching him and performing standing tackles to really get his attention. Usually this is done on a player who is a serious threat for creating opportunities for his team, so watch the game and look for your opponent’s playmaker. When you are able to pick him out, use the teammate press to help shut him down.

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Slide Tackle<o></o>
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A very dynamic aspect to defending that can either send you to the showers early or put you on a highlight reel. The two keys you need to remember with slide tackles are to make sure you do not attempt it from behind and make sure you touch the ball as much as possible. If you get the player and the ball, you will more than likely get a yellow card. If you miss the ball and just get the player, we hope you enjoyed your game, because your day is done! <o></o>
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Try to watch the player you are coming in to attack and time it so the ball is out in front of him on a sprint as much as possible. Try to avoid a slide tackle on a player in a jog or moving slowly, as it will be seen as aggressive by the referee and can very quickly get you a card. However, when performed correctly and cleanly, it can win you the ball, stop the attacker, and just make you feel warm and fuzzy inside as you see your player sprints away in possession.<o></o>

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Clearance<o></o>
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This one pretty much speaks for itself. Sometimes you just have to hit the panic button and get the ball out of any immediate danger, no matter what. A good tip for this is to glance at your radar right before you clear the ball and see if there happens to be a teammate further up field that you might be able to target, rather than just potentially giving the ball away. If time is of the essence, then just knock it into next week and regroup! If you have a lot of players out of position, then a good solution sometimes is to clear the ball out of bounds and let the game reset your players for a throw in.<o></o>

**therizing02** · 09-24-2008, 03:51 PM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips....

Standard Skill Moves <o></o>
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All players in Fifa 09 can perform skill moves. The type of skill a player can execute depends on his skill level. A player with the highest level of skill can perform the most fancy and effective skills in the game, whereas a player with a lower skill level will attempt a simpler version of a trick or may altogether fail in his attempt of that skill. <o></o>
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Players like Ronaldinho and Franck Ribery can perform the full arsenal of tricks and skills in the game. <o></o>
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Each player in the game can perform all of the skills on this page. In order to best explain how the moves work, we use a numbering system corresponding with the directions on the Right Thumbstick. <o></o>
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These instructions assume that you are facing forward (like in the Arena) and that you have held down the Skill modifier button (L2 on PS3 or LT on Xbox 360).<o></o>

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<o></o>How to Execute<o></o>
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<table class="MsoNormalTable" style="border: medium none ; width: 396.9pt; border-collapse: collapse;" width="529" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr style="height: 13.05pt;"> <td style="border-style: solid none solid solid; border-color: gray -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: 1.5pt medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 13.05pt;" width="219"> Move<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: gray gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: 1.5pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 13.05pt;" width="310"> How to Execute<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Body Feint Right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Right (3,0)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Body Feint Left<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Left (7,0)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Body Feint Exits<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Hold Left Thumbstick in any direction after a Body Feint<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Step-over Right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Forward to Right (1,2,3)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Step-over Left<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Forward to Left (1,8,7)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Step-over Exits<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Hold Left Thumbstick in any direction after a Step-over<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Reverse Step-over Left<o></o>>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Right to Forward (3,2,1)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Reverse Step-over Right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Left to Forward (7,8,1)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Step-over Exits<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Hold Left Thumbstick in any direction after a Reverse Step-over<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> 360 Roulette Left<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Back to Left to Forward to Right (5,6,7,8,1,2,3)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> 360 Roulette Right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Back to Right to Forward to Left (5,4,3,2,1,8,7)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Drag Back<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Left Thumbstick Back (5,0) – Standing Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Drag Back Exits<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Hold Left Thumbstick in any direction after a Drag Back – Standing Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Flick Ball over Slide Tackle<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Triple Flick Forward<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Ball Roll Left<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Hold Left (7)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1.5pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Ball Roll Right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Hold Right (3)<o></o>
</td> </tr> </tbody></table> <o></o>
Body Feint Left/Right<o></o>
<o></o>
The Body Feint is one of the simplest moves to master, yet it can be quite effective. The objective of the Body Feint is to fool the defender into thinking your player is going to make a change of direction. If you get the defender leaning the wrong way, you can quickly exit in the opposite direction to gain space.<o></o>

Step-over Left/Right<o></o>
<o></o>
The Step-over or Scissor move fakes a change of direction using the outside of the foot. The foot is brought from inside to out around the front of the ball. This move requires a fair amount of space to perform effectively. Try it too close to the defender and it will be easily tackled away. The exit moves from the Step-over are pretty explosive and can get your player good separation.

<o></o>
Reverse Step-over Left/Right<o></o>
<o></o>
The Reverse Step-over fakes a change of direction or cut with the inside of the foot. The player moves their foot around the front of the ball from outside to inside. While this move can be performed while jogging, it is most effective from a standing position followed by an explosive exit move. You will need some distance between your player and the defender to execute this move.<o></o>

<o></o>
<o></o>360 Roulette Left/Right<o></o>
<o></o>
The 360 Roulette is a spin move used to shield the ball and manoeuvre around a defender. You don’t need as much space as the Step-over or Reverse Step-over to execute this move. It is a good choice when you want to make a quick move around the defender, but want to protect the ball at the same time.<o></o>

Drag Back<o></o>
<o></o>
This move can only be executed from a standing position. Your player puts his boot on the ball and drags it backwards. This can be useful to pull the ball away from a defender that is reaching for a tackle. Combine this move with different exits and you can pull off some nice combinations, including the Pull Behind the Standing Left and Pull to V.<o></o>

<o></o><o>
</o>Flick Ball Over Slide Tackle<o></o>
<o></o>
Use this move to flick the ball up and over an oncoming slide tackle. This move is very effective if you anticipate the slide tackle well. It is especially useful if you are playing a human opponent who has a tendency to slide a great deal. A second use skill move is to flick the ball up so you can rocket a thunderous volley.<o></o><o>

</o>Ball Roll Left/Right<o></o>
<o></o>
This is another simple move that is highly effective when timed properly. In this move, the player simply rolls the ball to one side with the sole of their foot. If your opponent is coming at you aggressively, a simple slap roll to take the ball out of their path can be all you need to break free. You will want to move the direction opposite that your opponent is shading you. So if the defender is coming straight on, but towards your right shoulder, roll it to the left side. You can also use this move down in the corner when you have squared up to cross. Defenders will often come at you full speed and a quick roll will give you all the room you need to get your cross in.<o></o><o>

</o>
FINAL THOUGHTS

It is important that you practice and master each of these Standard Skill moves, as you will use them the most often during games. Experiment with different types of exits and you will be surprised at how effective the moves become.<o></o>
<o>
</o>

**therizing02** · 09-24-2008, 04:01 PM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips....

Advanced Skill Moves<o></o>
<o></o>
Certain skill moves in Fifa 09 require players with a higher level of skill. It is a good idea to take players from your favourite team into Arena mode and put them through their paces. This way you will know which moves your players can perform. It’s not a good idea to get into the midst of a competitive game and have a trick fail because you used the wrong player.
<o></o>
Players like Ronaldinho and Franck Ribery can perform all of the tricks and skills in this section of the guide. Less Skilled players will perform simpler variations of some of the skills
<o></o>
In order to best explain how the moves work, we use a numbering system corresponding with the directions on the Right Thumbstick. <o></o>
<o></o>
These instructions assume that you are facing forward (like in the Arena) and that you have held down the Skill modifier button (L2 on PS3 or LT on Xbox 360).<o></o>
<o></o>

<o></o>
How to Execute<o></o>
<o></o>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" style="border: medium none ; width: 396.9pt; border-collapse: collapse;" width="529" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr style="height: 13.05pt;"> <td style="border-style: solid none solid solid; border-color: gray -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: 1.5pt medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 13.05pt;" width="219"> Move<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: gray gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: 1.5pt 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 13.05pt;" width="310"> How to Execute<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Flip Flap/Elastico<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Right to Back to Left (3,4,5,6,7) <o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Feint Right & Exit Left<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Right to Back to Left (3,4,5,6,7) – Sprinting<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Fake Right and Go Left<o></o>>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Right to Back to Left (3,4,5,6,7) – Less Skilled Players<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Stanley Matthews Feint<o></o><o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Left to Back to Right (7,6,5,4,3)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="page-break-inside: avoid; height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Feint Left & Exit Right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Left to Back to Right (7,6,5,4,3) – Sprinting<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Fake Left and Go Right<o></o>>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Left to Back to Right (7,6,5,4,3) – Less Skilled Players<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Blanco Hop<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Tap R3 – Standing Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Flick Ball Over Slide Tackle<o>></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Tap R3 - Less Skilled Players<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Ronaldo Chop Left<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Diagonal Back/Left 2x (6,0,6,0) – Jogging Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Fake Kick Chop Right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Diagonal Back/Right 2x (4,0,4,0) – Less Skilled Players<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Ronaldo Chop right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Diagonal Back/Right 2x (4,0,4,0) – Jogging Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Fake Kick Chop Left<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Diagonal Back/Right 2x (4,0,4,0) – Less Skilled Players<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="page-break-inside: avoid; height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Scoop Turn Left<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Diagonal Back/Left 2x (6,0,6,0) – Standing Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Fake Kick Chop Left<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Diagonal Back/Left 2x (6,0,6,0) – Less Skilled Players<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Scoop Turn Right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Diagonal Back/Right 2x (4,0,4,0) – Standing Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Fake Kick Chop Right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Diagonal Back/Right 2x (4,0,4,0) – Less Skilled Players<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Rainbow Flick<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Back, Forward – Then Forward again with timing (5,1,0) – (0,1)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Rainbow Flick v. 2<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Back, Hold Forward – Then Forward again with timing (5,1) – (0,1)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Heel to Heel Flick<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Forward, Back (1,5)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Heel Flick<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Forward, Back (1,5) – Less Skilled Players<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Hocus Pocus<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Back to Left to Back to Right (5,6,7,6,5,4,3)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Triple Flip Flap<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Back to Right to Back to Left (5,4,3,4,5,6,7)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Ball Roll Flick Left<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Hold Right, Flick Diagonal Forward/Left (3,8) – Jogging Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Ball Roll Flick Right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Hold Left, Flick Diagonal Forward/Right (7,2) – Jogging Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Ronaldinho Sombrero Flick<o>></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Forward, Forward, Back (1,0,1,5) – Standing Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> McGeady Spin Left<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Forward, Flick Left (1,0,7)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> McGeady Spin Right<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Flick Forward, Flick Right (1,0,3)<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Rabona Fake<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Press Pass button while Shot/Lob power bar is ramping up + hold back on Left Thumbstick – Sprinting Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> <tr style="height: 18.1pt;"> <td style="border-style: none none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color gray gray; border-width: medium medium 1.5pt 1pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 164.1pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="219"> Scoop Pass<o></o>
</td> <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color gray gray -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 1pt 1.5pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 232.8pt; height: 18.1pt;" width="310"> Tap Lob Pass Button – Standing Only<o></o>
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <o></o>
Flip Flap/Elastico<o></o>
<o></o>
Ronaldinho has popularized this move, although he was not the inventor. The move begins with the player pushing the ball to the outside with the outside of his foot. He then snaps the ball back across his body with the inside of the same foot. The movement is quick and fluid with the ball moving like it is on a string or rubber band, hence the name Elastico. <o></o>

<o></o>
Fake Right & Go Left/Fake Right & Go Left (Less Skilled Players)<o></o>
<o></o>
When Less Skilled players attempt to use the Flip Flap move, they get a different variation. They perform a body fake to the right and then take the ball with an explosive step to the left using the outside of their left foot. Not as flashy as the Elastico, but still effective. If you attempt the Stanley Matthews Feint as a Less Skilled player, you will get the Fake Right & Go Left move.

<o></o>
Stanley Matthews Feint<o></o>
<o></o>
Known as one of the greatest dribblers ever, Sir Stanley Matthews developed this change of pace move to punish defenders who committed too quickly to tackles. The player begins by leaning to the left as if he is going to go in that direction as he touches it slightly with the inside of his right foot. He then quickly takes the ball with the outside of the same foot and explodes to his right.<o></o>

<o></o>
Feint Left & Exit Right/Feint Right & Exit Left<o></o>
<o></o>
If you attempt to perform the Stanley Matthews Feint while Sprinting, you will get this move instead. The player makes a hard step to the left and then quickly explodes to the right with the outside of the right foot. If you attempt a Flip Flap while Sprinting, you’ll get the opposite effect…a hard fake to the right and an explosive exit to the left.

<o></o>
Blanco Hop<o></o>
<o></o>
Mexican player Cuauhtémoc Blanco is given credit for being the first player to use the move. It must be performed from a standing position, and is best used when a defender is rushing in to slide tackle. The player will grab the ball between his two feet and quickly lift it up and over the would-be tackler. You will most likely stumble a bit as the tackle comes through, but you’ll have time to accelerate away while the defender lies on his back and wonders what happened.<o></o>

<o></o><o></o>
Flick Ball Over Slide Tackle (Less Skilled Players)<o></o>
<o></o>
Less Skilled players will execute this move instead of the Blanco Hop. This move is very effective if you anticipate the slide tackle well. It is especially useful if you are playing a human opponent who has a tendency to slide a great deal.<o></o>

<o></o>
Ronaldo Chop Left/Right<o></o>
<o></o>
Patented by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Ronaldo chop is a quick 90 degree change of direction move. While jogging, our player will quickly throw one leg forward and chop the ball behind that leg with the inside of his other foot. This move is most effective when you have a defender running next to you down the sideline. It works best if he is slightly ahead of you.<o></o>

<o></o>
Fake Kick Chop Right/Left (Less Skilled Players)<o></o>
<o></o>
This move is performed as an alternative to the Ronaldo Chop and/or Scoop Turn. The player will fake a shot with one foot and then chop the ball to the opposite direction. This move can be effective in front of the goal to create space for a shot.<o></o>

<o></o>
Scoop Turn Left/Right<o></o>
<o></o>
This skill move is more of a flair move and has less in game application. The player turns his body in one direction and then uses the inside of his foot to scoop the ball around 180 degrees to the other side of his body. It can be effective if a defender is coming straight at you as long as he isn’t flying into the tackle.<o></o>

<o></o>

<o></o>
Rainbow Flick<o></o>
<o></o>
There are two versions of the Rainbow flick in the game, but the principle is basically the same. The player will flick the ball up over his head while either standing or on the run. This is definitely a flair move, but it can be used in open field, or even to beat the keeper. It doesn’t get much prettier than finishing a Rainbow flick off with a scorching volley.<o></o>
<o></o>
Version 1

<o></o>
Version 2<o></o>

<o></o>
Heel to Heel Flick<o></o>
<o></o>
One of our favourites, the Heel to Heel Flick is a stop-n-go skill move that is most effective when used along the sidelines. It is best used when a defender is approaching you from straight on. Your player will step forward and back heel the ball to himself. He then will use the heel of his rear foot to flick the ball forward at a slight angle to go around his opponent.<o></o>

<o></o>
Heel Flick (Less Skilled Players)<o></o>
<o></o>
With a Less Skilled player, you will get a Heel Flick. The usage and results are similar to the Heel to Heel Flick, but the move is a bit simpler. <o></o>

<o></o>
Hocus Pocus<o></o>
<o></o>
This move has a great deal of flair to it, but it can be effective when combined with other moves like the Stepover. The player takes his right foot and pulls the ball around his standing leg and off to the front at a 45 degree angle. This is a very cool move, but not one that will beat a defender all by itself.<o></o>

<o></o>
Triple Flip Flap<o></o>
<o></o>
A derivative of the Elastico, the Triple Flip Flap fakes a move to the outside before cutting the ball back across from right to left. The ball pops further ahead than the standard Flip Flap, so if you do beat your man you’ll have a good head of steam coming out of the move.<o></o>

<o></o>
Ball Roll Flick Left/Right<o></o>
<o></o>
This particular move can only be performed while jogging. The nice feature about this skill move is the double change of direction. Your player begins by rolling the ball to one side and then quickly switching legs to flick the ball at a 45 degree angle in the opposite direction. You’ll need plenty of space between your player and the defender to beat him, but this flashy move can be rewarding to pull off in game.<o></o>

<o></o>
Ronaldinho Sombrero Flick<o></o>
<o></o>
This move has to be executed from a standing position. Your player will flick the ball up and then back over his head. It can be used to beat a defender that is approaching from your back; however, it is often a better strategy to just lay the ball off and pass it back after the player makes a run.<o></o>

<o></o>
McGeady Spin Left/Right<o></o>
<o></o>
This move is one of the more effective ones in Fifa 09 when it comes to getting space for your player. It also can be used in combination with several other Skill Moves. In the McGeady spin, the player reaches forward and pulls the ball back. He then twists and hits the ball with the outside of his opposite foot to take off in a 90 degree angle. You can use this move with a defender on your back, or even while facing a defender.<o></o>

<o></o>
Rabona Fake<o></o>
<o></o>
When just a simple 180 turn or Cruyff just won’t suffice, you can pull out the Rabona Fake. This move is difficult to pull off and will test your stick skills. At the same time, it looks really cool and can be used to slam on the brakes so you can get your cross in. Your player sprints and fakes a Rabona pass. Instead, he stops the ball and exits the opposite direction. If you are really fast, you can pull off a Rabona Fake to Rabona chip combination.<o></o>

<o></o>
Scoop Pass<o></o>
<o></o>
This move can only be used from a standing position. It is definitely a flair move, as you won’t have many opportunities to pull it off in game. Your player will put his foot under the ball and flick it up in the air over a defender. If you can get enough time to come to a stop in the penalty box, it is money against a charging Keeper.<o></o>

<o></o>
Final Thoughts<o></o>
<o></o>
If you like to play with lots of flair and attitude in your game, then you’ll want to work hard for these moves to become second nature to you. Some of the moves are purely for show, but others (like the McGeady Spin) can create dangerous space for your attackers to get scoring chances.<o></o>
<o>
</o>

**therizing02** · 09-24-2008, 04:14 PM

Official players guide for Fifa09 from EA Sports. *updated* 56k warning...

I will also be posting this in the Custom team Tactics thread. Therizing02....

Custom Tactics<O></O>
<O></O>
Custom Tactics is one of the biggest additions to the Fifa franchise this year. Eleven different settings can be adjusted to control how the team plays. This includes how the team passes, moves, positions and creates scoring chances. Now teams like Arsenal will zip the ball around the field with short passes, while teams like Celtic will bomb the ball forward and try to attack via Route 1.<O></O>
<O></O>
There are two components to the Custom Tactics. The CPU both positions players and executes based on the team’s Custom Tactics settings. For Human controlled players, the Custom Tactics settings influence the way the other nine field players move in relation to the player that you are controlling.<O></O>
<O></O>
In this section of the guide, we will explore the different settings available for Fifa 09 and then take them on the pitch to show you how they impact gameplay.<O></O>

Build Up Play<O></O>
<O></O>
There are three Build Up settings in the game: Speed, Passing, and Positioning. Build Up settings affect how your team will play in the first two-thirds of the pitch. The CPU will execute passes based on these settings. Your players will position themselves based on these settings. It is still up to you to make the correct passes. Build Up settings mostly affect the Central Midfielders, Wing Defenders and Outside Midfielders.<O></O>
<O></O>

Speed – Build Up speed determines the speed at which the attacking team advances play in the first two thirds of the pitch. This not only changes the emphasis on Forward, Lateral, or Negative play, but also alters the urgency that teammates have getting into forward positions.
- Slow – The team is patient building plays, often passing the ball around in defence with players regularly passing backwards. Players are more selective in their runs going forward, and put the emphasis on finding good space over finding forward space.
  <O></O>
- Balanced – The team does not build play particularly fast or slow.
- Fast – The team looks to get the ball from back to front as quickly as possible. Players choose to position themselves in more advanced positions on the pitch. Players make more forward runs.
  <O></O>
Passing – Build Up Passing Distance determines the general passing direction, and the style of support play from teammates in the first two thirds of the pitch. This changes the emphasis on long or short passes both on and off the ball.
<O></O>
- Short – The team will try to build using short passes. Players closest to the ball will come to support.
- Mixed – the team does not build using a particularly short or long passing game.
  <O></O>
- Long – the team will look to play the longer ball, perhaps targeting a tall striker or looking for a ball over the top. Players farther from the ball possessor will attempt to find space. Close players will anticipate the long ball and push up to look for the knock down or flick on.
- Positioning – Build Up Positioning determines the freedom that players have to make runs, and support in positions that stray from their formation position in the first two thirds of the pitch.
- Organized – Players tend not to stray too far from their assigned positions during the course of the match. The team maintains structure when building play.
- Free Form – Players have the freedom to make runs out of position. For example, forwards can make more runs wide to collect the ball, fullbacks can make more overlapping runs, wide players can cut in more, and central midfielders can make runs to the corner or overlap the strikers.
- How It Works on the Field<O></O>

<O></O>
Short Passing<O></O>
<O></O>
In a short passing system, you will see more “check to” runs by players as they drop back into space to receive the ball. The team will arrange itself in such a way that there are multiple short passing options available. Ultimately, you control when and where you pass, but the CPU will position your support players in good position to maintain possession.<O></O>
<O></O>
When our defender receives the ball (highlighted in yellow), notice how many red highlighted targets he has. This is the advantage of the short passing system. You typically have multiple options for the dribbler.<O></O>

<O></O>
Long Passing<O></O>
<O></O>
In a long passing system, players will make anticipatory runs and look for knockdowns from Target players. Opposite wingers will make runs looking for the big switch. Strikers will either make get behind runs, or check back to receive long passes from the defence. <O></O>

<O></O>
Notice with this Long passing team that the nearest open player is 30 yards or so down the field. This is pretty typical of teams set to use a Long Passing tactic.<O></O>
<O></O>
When playing against highly aggressive pressing teams, you will want to set up the long ball to take advantage of their defensive attitude. If you use a long passing team, you’ll need to be comfortable with looking at your Radar while playing so you can pick out deep players

<O></O>
We receive the ball in the center circle, and you can already see that our winger is calling for the ball.<O></O>

<O></O>
We hit a throughball to get the ball to him on a dead sprint.<O></O>

His “get behind” run does the trick and he is free to go one-on-on with the keeper.<O></O>
<O></O>
Slow Build Up<O></O>
<O></O>
Teams with Slow Build Up Speed settings will drop back more into support positions. The emphasis is on keeping control of the ball rather than advancing it down the field.

<O></O>
Our attacker is moving with the ball at the top of the screen. He sees that a defender is cutting off his attack.

<O></O>
<O></O>
In typical Slow Build fashion, he doesn’t force the issue, but instead lays the ball back so that his team can keep possession. The Slow Build style is often a game of Two Steps Forward, One Step Back.<O></O>

<O></O>
Club <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><ST1>America</ST1>s</st1:country-region> has kept possession and now begins to reverse fields to probe the defence with another attack.<O></O>
<O></O>
Fast Build Up<O></O>
<O></O>
With Fast Build Up Speed, players will look to quickly release and make more advanced runs. Players will make lots of quick runs and dashes to open space. Use plenty of wall passes and one-touch passes to keep the action flowing quickly. Trap, pass, and move is the name of the game.<O></O>

<O></O>
We receive the ball in the center circle with our midfielder. We are immediately looking for the next pass to get it going forward.

<O></O>
<O></O>
As soon as we make the pass, we instigate a forward run to hit the open space.<O></O>

<O></O>
The wing pops open instead, so we fire the ball outside.<O></O>

<O></O>
Again, we want to keep things moving, so we push the ball ahead to our Striker near the top of the box. You’ll want a big player here who can hold up the ball for the rest of the attackers to come into play.<O></O>

<O></O>
Our initial passer is streaking into the box and will be wide open for a through ball and attempt on goal.<O></O>
<O></O>
Positioning<O></O>
<O></O>
Positioning affects the movement of your players in your half of the pitch. With Organized positioning, players will tend to stay more or less in their positional area. With Free Form positioning, you will see players make more flexible runs and take up different positions on the field. This setting does not have as strong an effect on Build Up as it does on Chance Creation.<O></O>

Putting It All Together<O></O>
<O></O>
The real fun when working with Custom Tactics comes when you start to combine different Speeds and Passing settings. For example, short passing with Slow build up results in lots of touches by the midfield and defenders, and they knock the ball around to each other in close proximity. Mexican teams like Club <st1:country-region w:st="on"><ST1>America</ST1></st1:country-region> will often use this style of play.<O></O>
<O></O>
Short passing with a Fast build up speed results in play much like you see with Arsenal and Manchester United. The team uses short passes to keep the ball moving between players, but the pace is pushed to get the ball down the field rapidly.<O></O>
<O></O>
Slow build up with the long ball may sound like a contradiction. The defence will typically swing the ball around in the back while looking for the big pass. A strong Target man is preferred with these types of teams.<O></O>
<O></O>
Fast build up with long passing set results in a “hump & chase” style of game. While it’s not very pretty, it can work if you have the right type of personnel. This style can be a great deal of fun to play with.

<O></O>
<O></O>

For this example, we have taken control of Celtic, a fast build up, long passing team. Our wing defender gets the ball and immediately hits a 20 yard pass down the wing.<O></O>

<O></O>
Our winger turns and plays a long ball across the middle. Because we have a Long passing setting, we get check back runs from our strikers.

<O></O>
<O></O>
Our striker drops in the hole to collect the ball.<O></O>

<O></O>
A quick turn and through pass to the outside keeps things moving.

<O></O>
<O></O>
We are able to hold off the defender and get our cross in to the striker making the run. He looks offside now, but he was onside when the ball was struck.<O></O>>

<O></O>
Our striker skies from the header as the keeper can only look on in despair.<O></O>
<O></O>
Chance Creation<O></O>
<O></O>
Chance Creation relates to how teams perform in the attacking third of the field. It covers what types of passes they will attempt, the frequency of their crosses, how often they like to shoot, and what types of runs they will make. Chance Creation has the most effect on Forwards and Attacking Midfielders. There are four settings for Chance Creation: Passing, Crossing, Shooting, and Positioning.<O></O>
<O></O>

Passing – Affects the amount of risk the ball possessor takes when making passes in the final third. This also affects the emphasis on forward runs and support runs by teammates of the ball carrier.
<O></O>
- Safe – To maintain possession, the team will rarely try a pass that may risk losing the ball, choosing to wait for the ideal opportunity. Players will ensure that the ball possessor has safe options when positioning themselves, and will wait for a good opportunity to make a penetrating run.
- The team does not look to play particularly safely or riskily.
- Risky – The team will always try for the killer pass. Players look for every opportunity to make runs into space and behind the defence. Teammates won’t be as concerned about ensuring safe options for the ball possessor.
- Crossing – Affects the tendency and frequency for players to put crosses into the box. This also affects the timing of when players make runs into the box, and how many players will look to get into the box to get on the end of a cross.
- Little – The team tries to avoid crossing the ball. Instead, they will try to play out of the crossing zone by passing back, or getting to the end line looking to cut the ball back to a teammate for a shot.
- Normal – The team will put crosses into the box when there is a good opportunity.
- Lots – The team tries to get the ball into the box at every opportunity. The ball possessor will try to cross the ball early. Teammates will make earlier runs into the box.
- Shooting – Chance Creation Shooting affects the amount of shots that the team will take in the final third.
- Little – The team will be patient, and only shoot if the opportunity is extremely good, opting to keep possession. Long shots will be rare.
  <st1:city w:st="on"><ST1></ST1></st1:city>
- The team will perform a variety of long shots and short shots depending on the situation.
- Lots – The team will shoot at every opportunity. Teammates will make the extra effort to position themselves looking for shooting opportunities, for example staying just outside the box looking for a layoff, or positioning themselves for the cutback.
- Positioning – Chance Creation Positioning determines the freedom that players have to make runs, and support in positions in the final third.
- Organized – Players tend not to stray too far from their assigned positions during the course of the match. The team maintains structure when creating chances.
- Free Form – Players have the freedom to make runs out of position. For example, forwards can make runs wide to collect the ball, fullbacks can make more overlapping runs, wide players can cut in more, central midfielders can make runs to the corner or overlap the strikers or wide midfielders.
- How It Works on the Field<O></O>

<O></O>
Safe vs. Risky Passing

For the CPU, passing will affect both the types of runs and the choices that are made for passes in the attacking third. For your team, the passing setting will determine how your players position themselves. A Safe team concept will provide you with more support. Players will make their runs more to support possession than to create aggressive scoring chances.<O></O>
<O></O>
A Risky team concept will put a premium on players getting into dangerous space. They will make aggressive runs to try to create chances. The downside is that possession is more difficult to keep. Players aren’t as concerned with helping the man with ball as they are with getting into space. You will need to be very comfortable with the ball at your feet if you are going to use this passing style.<O></O>

<O></O>
We receive the ball in the center of the field and have a Target man ahead of us. With a Safe passing custom tactic choice, he would check back towards us to receive the ball.<O></O>

<O></O>
Instead of a “check to” run, our striker turns to attack the open space near the net. It’s a riskier pass, but if we can complete it we have a good chance to get a look at the goal.<O></O>

<O></O>
We complete the pass and our Striker has some room in the box to make a turn.<O></O>

<O></O>
The defence arrives to make a late challenge, but we are able to get the shot off.<O></O>

<O></O>
Heartbreak for <st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Sao Paulo</ST1></st1:city> as our shot caroms off the post.<O></O>
<O></O>
Crossing<O></O>
<O></O>
The Crossing settings refer to the attacking third of play for the most part. CPU teams with Crossing set to Lots will send in more early crosses. Human controlled teams will send more players crashing into the box looking for the cross. You will also see more crossing runs from your strikers and midfielders. Schalke 04 will look to use this style of play as they whip the ball in for 6’3” striker Kevin Kuranyi.<O></O>
<O></O>

Our winger is able to beat his man and get into a dangerous position just inside the box. Notice that we have three players lined up in case we cross. The near post, back post, and middle of the box are all covered. Since our Crossing slider is set to Lots, our players will work hard to get into position for our service.<O></O>

<O></O>
We place a great ball across the goal that freezes the keeper on his line.<O></O>

Our Striker rises on the back post to beat his man and put a head on the ball<O></O>

<O></O>
Goal!!!! A great cross leads to an even better finish for Schalke 04.<O></O>
<O></O>
The other extreme of the Crossing slide is to set it to Little. When Crossing is set to Little, more players will check wide to receive balls at their feet. You won’t see as many players in the box. They will instead step out and look for one-twos and cut backs. Arsenal is a prime example of a team that uses this style of play. If you have a team with slower wing players, you will definitely want to set your Crossing to Little as well.<O></O>

<O></O>
The Arsenal Midfielder takes the ball down to the far wing. You can see a couple of players in the box, but they will start moving shortly.<O></O>

<O></O>
The winger lays the ball off to the top of the box.<O></O>

<O></O>
We work the quick passing game inside the box. Our player turns and fires the ball inside to our striker.<O></O>

<O></O>
We make a quick Cruyff turn, hoping to get a look at the goal.<O></O>

<O></O>
We experience some heavy contact, but we are able to get the shot away and into the net. Goal for Arsenal!<O></O>
<O></O>
Shooting<O></O>
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CPU teams with Shooting set on Lots will blast away at the goal any chance that they get. They will take more shots from the top of the box and outside as well. The Shooting setting doesn’t have as great an effect on your team, as you control when you shoot. However, you will see your team try to set up in good shooting positions. They will stake out the top of the penalty area looking for the wingers to penetrate to the end line and cut it back.<O></O>

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As our wing player approaches the penalty area, our striker steps to the top of the box and looks for the ball.<O></O>

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We reward his movement with a pass to his feet so he can turn to goal.<O></O>

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The defence is slow to close so we cut it loose on the net.<O></O>
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Positioning<O></O>
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Positioning will have a move dramatic effect on your chance creation in the final third of the pitch. Team set to Free Form will send more Fullbacks on overlapping runs. You will see Wing Midfielders pull in centrally. Your Forwards will make more wide runs and the <ST1>Central Mids</ST1> will overlap the strikers with curved runs. Free Form positioning coupled with Crossing set to Little will result in some beautiful chances as players interchange all over the attacking third looking for wall passes and creative throughballs.<O></O>

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Teams like <st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Barcelona</ST1></st1:city> are known for their creative off the ball movement. Anytime they have the ball in the attacking third, the defence had better be prepared for their runs.<O></O>

Messi vacates his normal wing position and slashes to the top of the penalty area.<O></O>

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A quick pass catches the defence by surprise and gives Messi room to receive the ball.<O></O>

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Messi has a clear look at the goal, and you know what comes next…he’s going to rip a shot.<O></O>
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Organized positioning will cause players to stay in their area of the field as opposed to running free. They will make a move to space, but their priority is to keep the team’s shape. A team like the Houston Dynamo runs a pretty strict style with safe passing, organized play and lots of crossing. Fuelled by an aggressive pressing, they are able to create scoring chances off of their opponent’s mistakes. <O></O>
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Defence<O></O>
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Manchester United may have the most prolific scorer in the world with Cristiano Ronaldo, but the reason they won the Premiership was their defence. With a league low of 22 goals against, Man U locked it down in the back all season long. While you may not have the same tools in your arsenal, applying the proper Custom Tactics will help you keep the ball out of your own net. <O></O>
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You can adjust where on the field your defence starts to bring pressure, how aggressively they tackle, the width of your defence, and what kind of line they hold in the back.<O></O>
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Pressure – Defensive Pressure determines how high up the pitch the team will start to pressure the opposition.
- Deep – The team drops back and allows the opposition time in their own half in exchange for getting numbers behind the ball.
- Medium – The team will start to defending in their opponent’s half, but not the full length of the pitch.
- High – The team will apply full pressure in their opponent’s half. Wide midfielders and fullbacks will push high on the ball side to make it difficult for the opposition to play out. This tactic is effective but leaves lots of space open for the ball over the top behind the defence.
- Aggression – Defensive Aggression determines how hard the team will tackle and how much pressure is applied to the ball possessor. But be careful, because high aggression can result in a higher number of fouls.
- Contain – The team tries to contain the ball possessor, with players rarely diving into tackles or trying to outnumber the ball carrier.
- Press – The team dives into tackles hard, and will slide whenever possible.
  Double – The team will look to tackle fiercely and in numbers, sending an extra player to the ball possessor as often as possible.
- Team Width – Defensive width affects how much the team will shift to the ball side when defending.
- Narrow – The team will defend compactly. Players will pinch in on the far side to cover teammates and allow for ball side pressure. When the ball is central, the team will pack the middle of the pitch and allow more room on the wings.
  <st1:city w:st="on">Normal</st1:city> – The team will not try to defend particularly narrowly or widely.
  Wide – The team will not pinch as much. Players on the far side will mark opponent tightly, sacrificing cover in favour of making it difficult for the opposition to pull them out of shape.
- Defender Line – Defender Line affects the shape of your defence, and whether or not they play the offside trap.
- Cover – The players in the back pinch, drop, and cover each other providing depth in defence. This makes through balls more difficult to play, but allows the opposition the freedom to pinch higher.
  Offside Trap – The team plays with a flat backline, and looks for the opportunity to step up and catch the opposition offside. The opposition won’t have the freedom of pushing high, but this is a dangerous tactic. When the trap is broken it usually results in an easy scoring opportunity.<O></O>

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How It Works on the Field<O></O>
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Pressure<O></O>
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Pressure determines when the defence starts to pick up the opposing team. With high pressure settings, the defence will begin to pick up their defensive coverage at the opposing team’s 18 yard box. No matter what pressure setting you use, the defence will begin to tighten their coverage as the offense begins to penetrate into the attacking third. The more you press, the quicker your team will become fatigued.<O></O>

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The defence is operating with a Deep Pressure tactic. With this tactic in place, the defence only brings light pressure on the offence while the ball is not in its half of the field. As the offense crosses the halfway line, the defence will bring to tighten the noose. Against high pressure defences, you will want to keep the ball moving quickly. As defenders try to double, you will find more open players for passers.<O></O>

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With the high pressure setting on, the defence begins to attack our ball handlers all the way into our own penalty box. This strategy can create turnovers in dangerous areas of the field, but if the offense breaks the pressure and get the ball down the field, the team can get outnumbered quickly. This style of play does take a toll on your team’s physical condition.<O></O>
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Aggression<O></O>
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The Aggression settings are more CPU related than human related. You alone determine how you defend the dribbler. However, when playing against the CPU, you will see these aggressiveness ratings play out in full effect. <O></O>
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With low aggression settings (Contain), the defenders will contain, jockey, and defend as a team. The distance they keep from their attackers will decrease the closer they get to their own goal.<O></O>
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Middle aggression settings (Press) will cause the defenders to stay a bit tighter to their men, slide tackle more, and take more half chances and stabs at the ball.<O></O>
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High aggression settings (Double) will cause defenders to fly into tackles, stick tight to dribblers, and bring in secondary defenders to press the ball handler.<O></O>
There is a strong fatigue element to this setting. The more you press and double press, the faster your team will fatigue. They will run out of gas around the 60 minute mark if you lead of the game with heavy pressure. At that point, your players will hit a wall and won’t be able to press anymore.<O></O>

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The dribbler has the ball in the middle of the field with two defenders in close proximity. <O></O>

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As the secondary defender steps up, the rear defender throws himself into the slide tackle.<O></O>

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The attacker is upended, the ball comes loose, and the second defender takes possession. You won’t typically see this hard of a challenge when the attacker is contained unless you are up against a highly aggressive tactic.<O></O>
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Team Width<O></O>
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As mentioned above, Team Width determines how compact or spread out the defensive line plays in the back. It is easier to transition into possession when your backline is compact. On the other hand, it is easier to get the ball out to the wings and move into the attack with a wide setting in the back.<O></O>
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Narrow width settings facilitate opportunities for double teams and secondary pressure. Your team can defend in a zone and collapse on the dribbler. Wide settings put your in more of a man-to-man situation.<O></O>

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Celtic is playing a wide defensive line. You will notice that the four defenders are spread out, and the one furthest away from the ball is only shaded slightly inside. <O></O>

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Sporting CP prefers to keep a narrow width. You will see all four defenders collapse together tightly so they can assist each other and double team attacking players.<O></O>
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Defender Line<O></O>
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This last tactic setting is pretty simple as there are only two choices: Cover and Offside Trap. If you are going to run the Offside Trap, you will need to have some serious speed on your defensive line. They will need to have the pace necessary to make up for mistakes and quality runs by the offense. As a general rule, we recommend avoiding the Offside Trap setting as it leaves you too vulnerable to through runs and passes over the top.<O></O>

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This is the nightmare scenario for a Trapping team. Tevez is going to receive the ball on a full sprint to attack the goal. Notice how the defensive line is stretched across the field. Unless they have serious makeup speed, Tevez is going to notch another goal for Manchester United.

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The Cover setting gives you defensive depth. Each defender acts as a sweeper of sorts for the man next to him. This type of defensive line is much tougher to get behind. The Cover also helps with one-on-one situations by giving the defender back up in case he is beaten by his man.<O></O>

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As the attacker breaks into the center of the defence, you can see Patrice Evra drop back behind the line to prevent the run. This is what the Cover setting is all about. You receive good defensive depth as your backline works together to defend as a unit and protect the dangerous space behind your line.<O></O>
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Teams & Styles<O></O>
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We’ve taken a look at many different teams and tactical scenarios in this section. As we close out our look at Custom Tactics, we want to give you a list of some interesting teams to play with based on their unique styles. If you play through a series of games with each team, you’ll become well versed on how the Custom Tactics feature affects the pace and flow of the game.<O></O>
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Arsenal<O></O>
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Arsenal plays a free-flowing attacking style of offense. They build up quickly with short passes. Once they reach the attacking third, they typically look to play one-two passes in the box instead of crossing. They are frugal with their shot selection, waiting patiently for quality chances on the net. Defensively, they don’t press too hard, but instead wait for the right opportunity to go for the steal and counterattack. Arsenal plays with a 4-4-2 formation.<O></O>
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<st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Chelsea</ST1></st1:city>
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<st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Chelsea</ST1></st1:city> is a bit more patient than Arsenal in their build up. They take their time, but will look for longer passes than any of the other Big 4 English teams. Once in the attacking third, they will look to whip a cross in to players like Didier Drogba. <st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Chelsea</ST1></st1:city> will crack a shot from pretty much anywhere with long-range sniper Frank Lampard leading the way. <st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Chelsea</ST1></st1:city> doesn’t press defensively, but will go hard into their tackles. <st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Chelsea</ST1></st1:city> plays with a 4-3-3 formation.<O></O>
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<st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Sydney</ST1></st1:city>FC<O></O>
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Australian club Sydney FC likes to beat you over the top with the long ball. Their strategy is to hold the ball and pass it around in the back while their players make runs down the field. Once they find space, they are going to go Route 1 and make your backline defend all game long. Defensively they are going to press and get in your face to try to take the ball in your end of the pitch. Sydney FC plays a 4-3-3 formation.<O></O>
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Palmeiras<O></O>
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Palmeiras will build up play from the back with extremely short passes. They stay organized and build the attack slowly. Once they get into the attacking third, they flip the switch on their style of play. Palmeiras will begin to look for risky through passes and runs to dangerous space. They don’t cross too often, but aren’t afraid to shoot from just about anywhere on the pitch. They are extremely passive on defence. They will give away ground and keep their line nice and compact. Palmeiras plays a 4-2-2-2 formation.<O></O>
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<st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Bordeaux</ST1></st1:city>
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<st1:city w:st="on"><ST1></ST1></st1:city>plays a quick passing game on offense with its players making plenty of support runs to keep the passes short. They stay organized, but aren’t averse to some risky passes in the attacking third. Where <st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Bordeaux</ST1></st1:city> really shows their diversity is on defence. They run an aggressive, pressing defence that keeps plenty of width so they can work the ball out wide and counterattack. Be careful when playing with them as they do run the Offside Trap. <st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Bordeaux</ST1></st1:city> plays a 4-2-3-1.<O></O>
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Club <st1:country-region w:st="on"><ST1>America</ST1></st1:country-region>
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Club <st1:country-region w:st="on"><ST1>America</ST1></st1:country-region> plays with a fairly typical Mexican league system. They will work the ball slowly and patiently with tons of short passes. They stay organized, play safe passes, and don’t cross the ball often. They will wait for the quality shooting attempt as opposed to firing away. Defensively they will hold deep and not apply pressure until their opponent crosses the halfway line. They will contain and play solid one-on-one defence. Club <st1:country-region w:st="on"><ST1>America</ST1></st1:country-region> plays a 4-2-2-2 formation.<O></O>
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Celtic<O></O>
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Celtic can be a great deal of fun to play with; however, the games often don’t look very pretty. They build quickly, almost at a frenetic pace. They constantly look to make the long pass or through ball. They will stay organized, but look to cross the ball into the area. Celtic will shoot anytime they get a clear look at the net. They play a moderate pressing defence, but hit their tackles pretty hard. Celtic runs a 4-4-2 formation.<O></O>
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<st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Barcelona</ST1></st1:city>
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<st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Barcelona</ST1></st1:city>’s team concept is all about pace. They build up fairly quickly with short passes and lots of creative movement. You can expect to see curved runs and overlaps from penalty area to penalty area. Defensively they press and double while keeping a pretty wide backline. Combined with the Offside Trap, playing with <st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Barcelona</ST1></st1:city> can be a scary proposition defensively if you make a mistake, but they are a lot of fun! <st1:city w:st="on"><ST1>Barcelona</ST1></st1:city> plays a 4-3-3 formation.

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**BrianFifaFan** · 09-25-2008, 12:09 AM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips *updated!* 56k Warning!

Free Kicks

There is a built in feature in the arena mode that allows you to work on your free kicks, and it is strongly recommended that you take advantage of it to hone your skills. Simply move your chosen arena player anywhere on the pitch and hit the D-pad in any direction, and you will immediately be set up to take the free kick from that spot. If you are anywhere in the penalty box, you will immediately be set up to hit a penalty kick. When aiming, use the exact screen center as your aiming point and target. Play with various types of power on the meter to judge distances.

Also, the Left Thumbstick can be used to put spin on the ball while the mater is powering up. Holding the Thumbstick left/right will create maximum curl on the ball. Holding the Thumbstick to the Upper/Left or Upper/Right will create a shot shaped with topspin. You can hold down on the Thumbstick to create backspin.

Play with how long to hold the stick over to hit that sweet spot on the goal. Hold the stick all the way over until the player strikes the ball; you can put a seriously nasty arc on the ball, catching the keeper completely unaware it will even be on goal and usually catching him flatfooted. Other types of free kicks are mentioned below.

Short Pass

This is a simple touch pass restart which allows your team to maintain possession and continue on to the attack. Keep an eye on the positioning of the opposition’s players to determine where best to hit the short pass.

Lob Pass

The lob pass is used to hit target players to continue the attack a little further down field. Use the radar to notice which of your players has the best position and is under the least threat by the defending team.

(Image Lob Pass_Free Kick.jpg)

Shot

If the free kick is within target range for a shot on goal, sometimes a direct shot is a possibility. This shot is more of a controlled instep shot for deadly accuracy, aimed usually at one of the upper corners of the goal. Take time in the arena to really practice from various locations. Remember to use the screen dead center to aim, and practice distances to learn how much to power up the meter. Also while the meter is powering up, lean the Left Thumbstick either left or right to put curve on the shot and catch the keeper off guard. There is the possibility of putting a dramatic arc on the ball if you hold the stick all the way over until the ball is struck. You can also push the stick upper/left or upper/right for a topspin blast. Again, practice in the arena until you become a deadly sniper.

Driven Shot

The driven shot is a straight powerful shot directly at the goal taken full force with the laces of the boot. This takes some planning to avoid the wall, so scan the area carefully before choosing the best angle to hit the shot. Also, see the “Shot Power/Elevation Chart” in the Attacking Controls section to determine how to power up the meter.. Once again, use the arena to practice various distances and get comfortable with what works best for you.

Call Lay-off Player

Simply put, you can bring another player right next to you to confuse the defence as to which player is actually going to hit the shot. Usually, one player will approach from the right and one from the left, and each has the potential to hit opposite arcs on the ball. You will see below that you can choose either player to hit the shot. By adding curve to the ball on power up, it will be tough for your opponent to tell which way the ball will go. It is a good idea to bring the second player in; even if you do not intend to use him, it creates confusion for your opponent and adds to your unpredictability.

Lay-off Player Pass

Once you bring in the second player depending upon your range from goal, see if you have a close by player that could receive a simple pass and start a quick attack again. Again, check the radar and what you see on the screen to find the right target player.

Lay-off Player Shot

Use the layoff player to strike the shot on goal. Switch between your original player and the added target player randomly throughout the game so your opponent never knows who will play the ball. Locate your best angle with the best look at goal. Note the preferred foot of the shot taker and which player has the best angle to hit a critical target area on the goal. Judge your power on the meter carefully and add enough arc on the ball so it is difficult for the keeper to judge where the final path of your shot might end up. Take note of the positioning of the keeper and what location (near post or far post) looks like the best option.

Free Kick Defence/Wall

By default, the correct amount of players to go in the wall will be determined for you and is based on distance from your goal. To judge if you should have the wall jump, stay where it is or have a player rush the wall is based solely on where you feel the kick taker has the best opportunity to take a shot or lay off a pass. A good tip is to determine what you would do based on the players available to take the shot and work from there.

Jump

If you look at how your opponent is set up and it looks like from the position of the ball he might have a good shot at goal, or if further out might have a target player where he will more than likely play the ball over the wall with a lower trajectory, a jump might be a good option. Time it so that right as he strikes the ball, you jump the entire wall to try and stop the ball from making it to its target.

Wall Player Charge

With the selected player you can charge the wall again to try and keep the kick taker from getting the ball to its target. Take a look at what angle looks best for the shot taker to take, and switch to the right player to try and cut that off. Watch for potential lay off players and you could possibly be better served to charge a possible target player as well. Press and hold the X button on the PS3 and the A button on the XBOX 360 to perform this control.

**BrianFifaFan** · 09-25-2008, 12:16 AM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips *updated!* 56k Warning!

Corners

Corner kicks are an extremely effective dead ball opportunity to get a high percentage chance at a goal. The power meter is the key to hitting your target player, so a “Corner Distance Chart” has been provided to give you an average range for the power you select. Other types of crosses can catch your opponent off guard and give you a quick chance at a goal. See the list below for tips on when to use these most effectively.

Lob Cross

The lob cross is a high arcing corner kick that is best suited to picking out teammates inside the penalty area, either around the penalty spot or the front or back post. How much you charge up the power meter determines how far the cross goes in. A rule of thumb is the front post is a 50% power up on the meter and the back post is a 70% power up. With that in mind, pick out your target, determine the distance aim and let it go. Also, while powering up the right stick can be used to put a curve on the ball. This works well for in-swinging cross because the keeper thinks the ball is too far out, which often will freeze him on the line and prevent him for coming out and making a simple grab, ending your scoring chance.

Low Cross

The low cross is a very effective tool to catch your opponent off guard. The low cross is more of a driven cross that is usually one touched on for another team mate or a direct shot on the net. This cross is usually whipped in with a lot more pace than the typical high arcing cross, and can really cause your opponent problems. A good tip to remember if you are on the receiving end of this is to look around as you see it coming in, and if you do not have a strike at goal, then look to one touch or “flick” the ball onto another player. Use the receiver to change the direction of the ball and set up some interesting opportunities, or just go in with a full volley or header and stretch the old onion bag!

Ground Cross

This is much like the low cross, but is passed in with pace along the ground. The best way to do this is to look at your closest player and see where the defender is marking him. If the defender is playing off of him, then aim at him and strike a firm cross to see if he has a look at the net or can pass again to a teammate in a better position to finish. The ground cross is extremely effective in setting up for a quick attempt on goal and your opponent is usually not expecting it.

Short Corner

Sometimes the best chance you might have is to play the ball short to a player running up from the back, who then launches his own cross from the crossing zone or passes the ball to another target player. This tends to catch most teams off guard, and can force them to rush the player and may leave some key target players inside the box for a possible goal.

**BrianFifaFan** · 09-25-2008, 12:23 AM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips *updated!* 56k Warning!

Penalties

Once you are given a penalty kick, it is time to select your best option to bury the ball in the net. Refer to the “Penalty Target Zone Diagram” to pick the zone you think will surprise the keeper. Obviously, the corners of the goal are the most difficult for the keeper to get to the ball. If the tendency of the keeper is to dive, sometimes right down the middle works really well, but it is risky because if the keeper does not dive it is about the easiest save possible. It is important to note that the longer you hold the shot button, the further the ball will travel in that direction.

Try not to do the same thing twice in a row, mix up what you do, and remain unpredictable.

Aiming

Use the screen center as your aiming target. The colored zones listed break down the percentage of chance you have to score when you hit each zone, Red a guaranteed to score, Orange you have a high percentage, Green is a 50/50 ( the keeper guesses right he should get it) chance, and yellow is very risky.

Driven Shot

Taken with the laces of the boot, this is a hard shot where you hope to overwhelm the keeper with paces. Again, remember to be careful of the shot meter as the ball can rise very quickly, missing the goal altogether if the correct power is not applied.

Placed Shot

Hit with the instep of the boot, this is a more controlled shot with less pace on the ball but is more accurate. Remember that the longer you hold the shot button, the further towards the post in the direction you pulled the stick the ball will travel. If you hold the button too long, you could pull a John Terry from Chelsea at the Champions league final in 2008 in Moscow against Manchester United, and miss the goal wide altogether. Not a good feeling.

Chip Shot

This is a cheeky little shot that is very risky, but if successful, really makes your opponent look foolish. Remember when doing this that it is guaranteed that only one of you is coming away looking silly. This is just your best guess at what the keeper might do and is usually placed right down the middle, counting heavily on the fact that the keeper will pick a direction and make a strong committed dive in one direction. If not, once you stop blushing from embarrassment, regain your composure and retreat to position for the keeper to distribute the ball.

Penalty Saving

This is a total guess, no doubt about it. However, look at the favoured foot of the kicking player, and sometimes that helps when he approaches the ball to make a correct guess. Be aware as well that he may go right down the middle, so make a strong decision and watch what he does. More than likely, he will not do that same direction the next time, especially in an overtime shootout. Remember what he did last and commit to moving your keeper in another direction the next time.

Move GK

Use the Right Stick to select a direction you want the keeper to move in left or right along the line. You might want to cheat your keeper in one direction along the line before the kick is taken to try and provoke your opponent to hit the shot to the opposite side of the goal.

Dive

Use the left stick to tell your keeper what direction you want him to dive. If you have cheated him to one direction, then when the kick is taken, dive in the opposite direction and hope for the best! Again, just make your best call; you are expected to miss so you have nothing to lose, and if you save it you just became a hero. Again, take note of what your opponent did the previous time, and assume he will do something different the next time.

**BrianFifaFan** · 09-25-2008, 01:00 AM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips *updated!* 56k Warning!

Assistance

Hardcore FIFA gamers will insist that Manual is the only way to play the game. It is true that turning all of the assists on Manual can result in amazing organic football. However, for the average gamer, going all Manual is just a bit too hard to handle.

If you do decide to make the transition to Manual play, do it gradually. Start with Manual Through ball, move to Manual Crossing, and then take on passing and shooting. You may need to even drop a difficulty level until you become comfortable with your new skill set.

Let’s take a quick look at each of the Assistance options in the game and how they affect the way you play.

Pass Assistance

Assisted (Default) Pass direction and power will be assisted to help play passes into the receiver’s path and avoid opponent players.
Semi Pass power is assisted, but the CPU will only help you a little with the direction.
Manual The direction you point is the direction the pass goes, and the longer you hold the pass button, the stronger the pass will be.

Assisted passing is the default setting in the game. You’ll be able to knock it around pretty much as you please without having to think much about where or how hard you are hitting the pass. As long as you point in more or less the correct direction, the ball will reach its target. Semi-assisted passing takes care of the power for you, but you will need to be a bit more precise with your aiming. You can’t be totally sloppy here.

Manual can really put your skills to the test. You’ll need to think about pass weight and direction every single time you hit the ball. Once you master it, you can put the ball right where you want it. The game flow totally changes when you go Manual.

Through Pass Assistance

Assisted (Default) Through pass direction and power will be assisted to help play passes into the receiver’s path and avoid opponent’s players.
Manual The direction you point is the direction the pass goes, and the longer you hold the through pass button, the stronger the pass will be.

If you are looking to create a more organic experience for yourself, then putting Through Pass Assistance on Manual is a good choice. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll actually have some tactical advantages over players that have their settings on manual. In FIFA 09, every touch that a player takes on the ball slightly diminishes their speed. If you can play a through ball further ahead of him, then he can run further without the ball before touching it. With a speedy player like Cristiano Ronaldo, you can clear your defenders by 15-20 yards by the time you pick up the ball.

Ronaldo is tearing down the line when he sees Scholes cutting in from the middle of the field.

A standard through pass would result in a ball played into the box in front of Scholes. This would be right in the teeth of the defence. Since we have Manual Assistance on, we are able to put the ball down the line instead.

Scholes receives the ball in space and has time to put in a quality cross.

Shot Assistance

Assisted (Default) Shot direction will be assisted to always aim towards the goal.
Semi You have to aim toward the target to keep your shots on target.
Manual Shot direction will be assisted to always aim towards the goal.

With Semi and Manual settings, you have to be much more precise with your aiming. With Assisted shooting, the CPU will pull your aim inside of the post. With Semi shooting, the CPU will pull your aim in a bit, but if you push the Left Thumbstick too far to the outside, the shot will go outside of the post. On Manual, you have to have your aim down perfectly or you will miss the goal. This can be pretty frustrating, especially if you have worked hard to build up to a quality chance. We recommend Assisted or Semi for most gamers.

Cross Assistance

Assisted Cross direction will be assisted towards a teammate. Cross power will be assisted to front or back post areas and there will be no power bar on the cross.
Semi (Default) You have to choose the right power, but the cross will be assisted to front and back post areas.
Manual The direction you point is the direction the pass goes, and the longer you hold the button to perform crosses, the stronger the cross will be.

By default, FIFA 09 defaults to the Semi Assisted crossing setting. For most purposes this is perfect. You can pick out where in the box you want the ball to go by adjusting the power of your kick. 50 percent power results in a front post ball. 70 percent power will put the ball on the back post. Manual control will allow you to control both power and location, but this can be tricky to master.

Lob Pass Assistance

Assisted (Default) Lob pass direction and power will be assisted so that lob passes will be played towards a teammate.
Manual The direction you point is the direction the lob pass goes, and the longer you hold the lob pass button, the stronger the pass will be.

Manual versus Assisted Lob Pass Assistance works very much like the through ball mechanism. You’ll have more control over your lob passes and can drop the ball into dangerous spaces. Manual settings as a whole give the game a more organic texture and allow you to play with more creativity. As we have said all along, being unpredictable is a big plus when attacking in football.

**BrianFifaFan** · 09-25-2008, 01:06 AM

Re: Official Fifa09 tips *updated!* 56k Warning!

Throw-ins

Throw ins are not really rocket science, and usually do not involve a lot of trickery. However, it is a good idea not to aim at the player you want to throw the ball to right away; try to provide at least a little deception for your opponent. One good tip to use especially if there is a lot of player traffic around is to not aim at the intended target player until the last second before throwing, thus giving your opponent the least amount of time to react.

Throw Direction

The direction you aim is the direction in which the ball will be thrown. As mentioned above, try not to be too predictable. Attempt to fake out your opponent to committing to a player you do not intend to throw the ball to, and then change direction. Hit your target player and build the attack once again.

Short Throw

Use the X button on the PS3 and the A button on the XBOX 360 to hit the closest player in the direction your player is facing. A good tip if the player is marked is to immediately pass the ball back to the thrower to build the attack up once again.

Manual Short Throw

A manual short throw throws the ball into space rather than to a player to allow one of your players to run on to the space to get the ball on the fly rather than receiving the throw from a standing position. Press the Triangle button on the PS3 or the Y button on XBOX 360 to trigger this short throw.

Long Throw

Press and hold the Square button on the PS3 or the X button on the XBOX 360 to achieve the desired distance to hit the intended player. The longer you hold the button, the further he will throw the ball. Again, make sure you are not obvious right away where you are aiming, so you do not give your opponent much time to set up.

Move Receiver

Tap the L1 button on the PS3 or the LB button on the XBOX 360 to gain control of a receiving player closest to the throw. Move the player where you want him to go, preferably to the most open space, and then tap the same button a second time to regain control of the thrower put the ball back in play.

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