Combating the "Build-up from the Back" Playing Style in Online Soccer Manager (OSM) - Tactics for Teams of Different Strengths

In Online Soccer Manager (OSM), the "build-up from the back" playing style can be a challenge to play against. This playing style focuses on maintaining ball possession and patiently building attacks from the defense. Depending on the strength of your own team, different tactics can be effective in combating this playing style. In this blog, we will discuss tactics for teams that are weaker, equal, or stronger than the opponent who employs the "build-up from the back" playing style. 

Weaker team: 4-5-1 Formation

If your team is weaker than the opponent, it is important to focus on controlling the midfield and capitalizing on counterattacks. The 4-5-1 formation can help you achieve this goal.

Setup: Use four defenders, five midfielders, and one forward. Make sure your central defenders are strong and fast to neutralize the opponent's attacks, and that your midfielders are both defensively and offensively oriented.

Tactics: Choose a counterattacking playing style to quickly switch from defense to offense. Set your defense to stay back and, depending on the referee, use normal or aggressive tackling to minimize space behind the defense. Have your midfielders play just in front of the defense and your forward stay up front. Play with a medium tempo, medium pressure, and use zonal marking.

Equal strength team: 4-3-3 B Formation

If your team is equal in strength to the opponent, it is crucial to dominate the midfield while maintaining a solid defense. The 4-3-3 B formation helps you achieve this.

Setup: Use four defenders, three midfielders, and three attackers. Ensure a good balance between defensive and offensive midfielders, and select fast and strong attackers.

Tactics: Opt for a pressing playing style and set your defense to stay back and, depending on the referee, use normal or aggressive tackling to minimize space behind the defense. Have your midfielders play just in front of the defense and your attackers stay up front. Play with a medium tempo, high pressure, and use zonal marking.

Stronger team: 4-2-3-1 Formation

If your team is stronger than the opponent, you can use a more attacking tactic to combat the "build-up from the back" playing style. The 4-2-3-1 formation is suitable for this.

Setup: Use four defenders, two defensive midfielders, three attacking midfielders, and one forward. Make sure your attacking midfielders are creative and fast, and that your forward is a good finisher.

Tactics: Choose a pressing playing style, in which your team pressures the opponent and forces them to make mistakes during the build-up. Set your defense to stay back and, depending on the referee, use normal or aggressive tackling to minimize space behind the defense. Have your defensive midfielders play support defense, your attacking midfielders on attack, and your forward on attack only. Play with a high tempo to constantly pressure the opponent's defense and opt for high pressure to ensure your defense does not give away too much space. Use zonal marking to maintain an organized defense.

Conclusion

Depending on the strength of your team compared to the opponent, there are different tactics you can use to combat the "build-up from the back" playing style in Online Soccer Manager. For weaker teams, the 4-5-1 formation is a good choice to control the midfield and capitalize on counterattacks. Equal strength teams should use the 4-3-3 B formation to dominate the midfield and maintain a solid defense. Stronger teams can use the 4-2-3-1 formation to adopt an attacking and creative playing style. Adjust your tactics and lineup based on the strength of your team and the situation in the match to effectively combat the "build-up from the back" playing style and lead your team to victory. Good luck on the field!