A team may be told to use "longball", "stalling", "ball control", "opportunistic" or "pressing" tactics, rather than using "normal" tactics. The effects of these tactics vary and the choice of tactics may depend on the game situation, or the strength or weaknesses of the opponent. A longball game may be handy if you have a weak midfield and strong FW line, against an opponent with a relatively weak DF or Goal Protection (Goalkeeper-Sweeper) area.
There are team tactics that a manager can employ, which may suit the team's situation (eg. holding out for a draw away from home). These tactics, applied by either manager, can alter the shots and opportunities in the game. A manager may use no more than one of these tactics at any one time, and does not have to use any of them!
Longball
When a lineup uses this tactic, its defensive squad makes long passes
to its forwards to try and generate fast breaks. Longball is therefore
effective when the team has a weak midfield and a strong FW area.
Stalling
When a team is stalling, the team is trying to retain possession of
the ball rather than to get good shots. The ball handling ability
(Skill rating) of the midfielders and defence are used for defense rather
than offense, (the team is just kicking the ball around to keep it out
of opposing hands -er- feet). It is possible to completely shut an opponent
out with a good stall, but beware the possibility of the press, which can
strain even the best defense.
Pressing
When a team is pressing, the team is trying to get many good shots
rather than to protect its own goal. (the team is kicking the ball upfield
with less regard to maintaining possession). This tactic can generate extra
shots, but is also likely to weaken your defense substantially, especially
the Goal Protection.
Ball Control
The idea of the ball control tactic is to place emphasis in winning
control of the midfield area, and using that control to generate some extra
shots. The tactic is an aggressive one, but not all-out like the pressing
tactic. Generally employing many Midfielders in the match is essential
to the effectiveness of this tactic. The tactic is good against longball,
since typically an opponent playing Longball only has two MFs.
Opportunistic
If the all-out defense of the stall is too much for you, the opportunistictactic
may appeal. When using this tactic you are attempting to defend but
hope to get some breakaway attacks. Even your Sweeper ventures forward
with this tactic.
Normal Tactics (Ie. No strategy)
I must recommend this to be the best tactic to use, as it is the most
flexible and reliable. Of course if your desperate for a tie or for a bunch
of goals than a specific strategy such as Stall or Press would work effectively.