The Backpage | FIFA 12 PRO TIPS

In this week’s Backpage, recently-crowned UK FIFA Interactive World Cup champ Ty Walton gives Darren Cross his top FIFA 12 tips, and reveals what makes him so good…

What does a top FIFA player do that you don’t?

What tips and tricks do they know that might help you take your game to the next level?

Keep reading his week’s Backpage and you’ll find out, thanks to FIWC UK champ Ty Walton. 18-year-old Ty recently bagged the title of champion after winning a pre-qualifier in Manchester, then traveling to London to face 17 other top players from all over the country. In May he’ll head to the FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final where he’ll compete for $20,000 and the chance to be named best FIFA player on the planet.

He’s one of the favourites to win it, so it’s fair to say he knows a thing or two about playing FIFA 12. Here he shares his top tips and offers an insight into how pro players approach games.

TIP 1
BUILD FROM A SOLID DEFENCE
“I always start games off with a defensive mentality. I don't like to concede early or see most of my players in the opponent’s penalty area when I win a corner, as this leaves me open to a counter attack.

The key to success in FIFA 12 is to build on a solid defence, so getting the right balance between attack and defence is crucial. Being too defensive could lead to your opponent having much more of the ball, meaning you’re constantly under pressure. Too attacking, however, and you’ll allow your opponent more chances to score.

If I was a goal or two down around the 70-minute mark then I would switch to an attacking or ultra-attacking mentality.”

TIP 2
USING SECONDARY CONTAIN
“Secondary contain should be used when you’re reading the play with your selected defender and you want to close your opponent down with the second man.

Some players like to constantly call the second defender to help, but I like to use it more when the opponent is in my final third.”

TIP 3
PLAY YOUR WAY
“Always play your own game when it comes to FIFA. Everyone has their own playing style, which should not be changed. Even if you think another opponent appears to have a better formation or a certain way of playing that seems to be more effective, it won't always work for you.

Play your own game - whether that's fast tempo, possession or even on the counter attack – and stick to it. My style is to play more of a possession game as this allows me to be patient and wait for gaps to appear in my opponent’s defence.”

TIP 4
DON’T BE AFRAID TO PLAY UGLY
“Remember, you don't always have to play good-looking football to win a game of FIFA. Play the game the way that you feel is the most effective. Like last year, crossing is still impactful so don't be afraid to get the ball into the box as your striker could come out of nowhere and bag you a much-needed goal.

I’m more of a one-two with the strikers type of player, and I like to add skills to my game. However lots of players like to go down the wing and cross to the big man as they feel that's the way to play FIFA 12.”

TIP 5
USE THE SKILLED DRIBBLE
“Skilled dribble is a major factor in this year’s game, and you can do it by holding the pace control and sprint buttons. I will use it if I feel my opponent does not know how to defend against it, or if I am in a 1v1 situation in their final third.

Some players say that it’s difficult to master, but it is very effective. For anyone that hasn’t yet tried skilled dribble, I suggest practicing as, once perfected, it can win you games on its own.”

TIP 6
KNOW WHO YOU’RE SHOOTING WITH
“Would I shoot with a player using his weak foot? It depends on the player.

If the player has a five star weak foot then I would take the shot, but if I were through with a player who doesn’t have a good weak foot rating then I would keep passing until I have a better chance of scoring. Also, when through on goal, remember to lay off the sprint button before you shoot as this will improve your accuracy.”

TIP 7
PICK A TEAM THAT WORKS FOR YOU
“FIFA 12 is different compared to previous versions, as it allows you to use many different teams without necessarily putting you at a disadvantage. I picked Real Madrid for the tournament purely because of the pace they have in every area, and because Ronaldo is also the best striker on the game without question!

Some of my recommended teams to use are Real Madrid, Manchester City, Brazil, AC Milan and Chelsea.”

TIP 8
FIND A FORMATION YOU LIKE
“Custom formations are not allowed in tournaments so I recommend using a default formation that suits you. There are plenty out there, so use trial and error until you have the one you like best.

There are a few formations I can recommend.

Firstly, there is the highly popular 4-1-2-1-2 formation. This gives you the right balance between attack and defence, like I mentioned in my first tip. It defends with five players and attacks with five players, so it also gives you options all over the pitch.

If you like to play ‘keep-ball’ then use either the 4-3-3, used by Spanish giants Barcelona, or the 4-2-3-1 formations. Both of these formations allow you to keep the ball and frustrate your opponent. Then, when the gap appears in the defence, play that killer through ball and bag it!”

TIP 9
STAY CALM
“Since playing in FIFA Interactive World Cup tournaments offline and competing for big prizes, such as $20,000, I have managed to play FIFA without feeling the pressure.

This is what I think brings success. It allows me to play the game of FIFA just how I would if I was playing at home. I can play my own game and, when through on goal, be calm and take my chances.

Playing without pressure and nerves is going to increase your chances of winning the game. I have never been nervous when playing a game of FIFA offline.”

TIP 10
TAKE ON TOP PLAYERS

“My final tip for you guys is always to play against good players. This is only going to improve your play and make you better at both attacking and defending, which is the key to winning in FIFA 12.

Pick up on what they’re doing well, and then try it out for yourself. You might not get it first time but practice makes perfect, right?

I usually practice against the best players around the world, as that helps me the most, but I also play the H2H seasons. I am in Division One on H2H with around 60 wins and three losses.”

Top stuff from Ty there. Why not use his tips to up your game, then test yourself against other great FIFA players? There’s still time to participate in this year’s FIWC through an online PS3 tournament. For more info, check out www.fifa.com/fiwc

As always, thanks for reading the Backpage and feel free to follow me on Twitter @Darren_Cross where I’ll do my best to keep you updated with everything FIFA related.

Darren