FM 2014 TACTIC: Defending CORNER

Introduction:

It is one of the hardest part of FM throughout the game series as far as I can remember. This tactic is not a guarantee for keeping clean sheets from corners but more helping your chances. On the other hand this tactic is great to counter attack the opposition. Also you will find that this tactic spreads out the player more than the standard settings which reduce the risk of the ball bouncing into the goal because it's too crowdy.

Instructions & Requirements:

• Mark Far/Near post: Both post needs to be marked, it is important roles but in my opinion any player who are somewhat tall and okay in the air can mark these post. Don't wast your best aerial players for these role! Also as they don't really move a lot it doesn't matter if they have terrible seped stats
• Mark Six Yard Box: For this role you do not need a speedy player, however it is important that the player is competent in the air. Usually a slow Central defender
• Mark Tall Player: This role is the most important. For this role you chose your best defender. This role require he has good Air, Speed, Concentration and Marking stats. Also it's very important he is tall, 1,85 m tall or more.
• Man Mark: Someone with good aerial and defending stats. Especially important is obviously marking.
• Edge of Area: No need to waste a player with good aerial stats for this role. go for the best passer you have, speed and technical stats are a plus. This player is the one that that collects balls heading out and starts counters.
• Stay Forward: Very important role. He needs very good speed and attacking stats. Usually this is a role for a speedy striker.
• Go Back: Three of your player will have this role. It is for all the players left over that didn't get any other role, observe that this does not mean they are the worst in the air, or slowest just that they weren't cut out for the other roles.

Does it work?

At the end it all comes down to the result and Yes, I am confident that it works. Using this tactic I haven't even needed to set Match Training at "Def. Set Piece" and still I get good result. Mostly I'm proud of the number of counter attacks this defending corner tactic provides. Down below is the result from the previous 30 Matches (it's for that long I've been using this defending tactic).

Just to be clear, don't expect miracles. The best way to keep clean sheets on corners is still to have good players and set Match Training to "Def. Set Piece". With that said I don't wan't you to underestimate the benefit from a working corner tactic either.