Core OSM tactic library

The values below are robust starting points distilled from the source reports. Adjust inside the stated bands based on strength, venue, fitness, and objective.

Use when: clear favorite, especially against narrow or defensive shapes.

Setting	Value
Formation	4-3-3 A
Game plan	Wing Play
Forwards	Attack Only
Midfield	Stay in Position
Defence	Defend Deep; Attacking Full-backs only if clearly dominant
Pressing	65–75
Style	65–75
Tempo	60–75
Marking	Zonal
Offside	No by default

Risk: feeding a counterattack by pushing both full-backs and Style too high.

Use when: stronger but away, or when the opponent can punish an open game.

Setting	Value
Formation	4-3-3 B
Game plan	Passing Game
Forwards	Attack Only
Midfield	Stay in Position
Defence	Defend Deep
Pressing	55–65
Style	55–65
Tempo	50–65
Marking	Zonal
Offside	No

Risk: less raw shot pressure than 4-3-3 A.

Use when: roughly equal, uncertain opponent intelligence, or low-variance control is preferred.

Setting	Value
Formation	4-4-2 B
Game plan	Passing Game
Forwards	Attack Only
Midfield	Stay in Position
Defence	Defend Deep
Pressing	50–60
Style	50–60
Tempo	50–60
Marking	Zonal
Offside	No

Reference point: approximately 55 / 59 / 55 is a reasonable hypothesis, not a guaranteed code.

Use when: equal/slightly weaker against 4-3-3 or another attacking side.

Setting	Value
Formation	4-5-1
Game plan	Shoot on Sight
Forwards	Attack Only or Support Midfield
Midfield	Stay in Position; Protect Defence if clearly weaker
Defence	Defend Deep
Pressing	40–55
Style	30–50
Tempo	55–70
Marking	Zonal
Offside	No

Risk: possession and shots can remain sterile if the striker and attacking midfield quality are weak.

Use when: equal/slight underdog and you need central protection without surrendering all initiative.

Setting	Value
Formation	4-2-3-1
Game plan	Shoot on Sight or Passing Game
Forwards	Attack Only
Midfield	Stay in Position
Defence	Defend Deep
Pressing	45–60
Style	40–55
Tempo	50–65
Marking	Zonal
Offside	No

Use when: underdog, away, protecting a result, or facing two strong forwards.

Setting	Value
Formation	5-3-2
Game plan	Counter Attack
Forwards	Attack Only / Support Midfield
Midfield	Protect Defence
Defence	Defend Deep
Pressing	35–50
Style	25–45
Tempo	55–70
Marking	Zonal
Offside	No

Risk: conceding too much territory when a win is mandatory.

Use when: clear underdog against an aggressive 4-3-3 and your forwards are better than your midfield.

Setting	Value
Formation	5-2-3 A or B
Game plan	Counter Attack
Forwards	Attack Only
Midfield	Protect Defence
Defence	Defend Deep
Pressing	35–52
Style	20–40
Tempo	60–75
Marking	Zonal
Offside	No

Choose A when your front three and full structure can carry more threat; choose B for the more conservative interpretation.

Use when: major underdog or a draw is highly valuable.

Setting	Value
Formation	5-4-1 A
Game plan	Counter Attack
Forwards	Support Midfield / Attack Only
Midfield	Protect Defence
Defence	Defend Deep
Pressing	30–40
Style	15–30
Tempo	55–70
Marking	Zonal
Offside	No

Risk: very limited attacking volume and poor recovery if you concede first.

Use when: equal/stronger against 4-4-2 and you have strong central midfielders.

Setting	Value
Formation	3-5-2
Game plan	Passing Game
Forwards	Attack Only
Midfield	Stay in Position
Defence	Defend Deep
Pressing	50–65
Style	50–65
Tempo	50–65
Marking	Zonal
Offside	No; Yes only as a tested proactive variant

Risk: exposure against strong wingers and front-three width.

Use when: goals are mandatory and the normal risk/reward no longer applies.

Setting	Value
Formation	4-2-4 A/B
Game plan	Long Ball
Forwards	Attack Only
Midfield	Push Forward
Defence	Defend Deep / Support Midfield
Pressing	60–75
Style	75–90
Tempo	70–85
Marking	Zonal
Offside	No

Risk: midfield surrender and high counter exposure. This is a strategic desperation tool, not a default answer to five defenders.

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