Mastering the Attack: A Comprehensive Guide to PES 2021 Offensive Strategies

Nov 5, 2025 by sorusgentrification.com 119 views

Mastering the Attack: A Comprehensive Guide to PES 2021 Offensive Strategies

PES 2021 attacking is a multifaceted art, requiring skill, strategy, and a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics. To truly excel in PES 2021, you must master a variety of offensive techniques, from intricate passing plays to blistering solo runs. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to become a formidable attacker, consistently finding the back of the net and dominating your opponents. We’ll delve into various aspects of attack, including player selection, formation tactics, passing techniques, shooting strategies, and exploiting defensive weaknesses. By implementing these strategies, you’ll significantly improve your goal-scoring opportunities and elevate your overall gameplay.

Player Selection and Formation: The Foundation of Your Attack

Choosing the right players and formation is the cornerstone of any successful attacking strategy in PES 2021. Your team’s composition dictates how effectively you can execute your offensive plans. It’s crucial to select players who complement each other and suit your preferred style of play. Consider factors such as player stats, playing styles, and familiarity with the team. For example, a striker with high finishing and attacking prowess will thrive in a formation that provides ample opportunities to get into scoring positions.

Before we dive deeper, selecting your players, you need to consider the formation. The formation you choose determines the structure and shape of your team on the field, greatly influencing your attacking and defensive capabilities. Common formations such as 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, and 3-5-2 offer different strengths and weaknesses. The 4-3-3 formation, with its three forwards, is often favored for its attacking potential. It allows for quick transitions from defense to attack and provides numerous passing options in the final third. The 4-2-3-1 formation, known for its defensive solidity, allows for a more controlled approach, utilizing the attacking midfielders to create chances while maintaining a solid defensive shape. The 3-5-2 formation focuses on overloading the midfield, creating numerical advantages and enabling quick counter-attacks. Each formation’s effectiveness depends on your playing style, the strengths of your players, and the opponent’s tactics.

Player Selection: Consider the roles and styles of each player. Look for a striker with high finishing, attacking prowess, and decent speed. Wingers should possess good speed, dribbling, and crossing abilities to exploit wide areas and deliver crosses. The attacking midfielder needs to have excellent passing, vision, and dribbling skills to create chances. Full-backs must be able to contribute to the attack with good crossing and overlapping runs. The selection of players must be based on their stats, special player skills, and playing styles that fit your formation and strategy. Also, consider the player’s familiarity with the team and their ability to work well with teammates.

Analyzing Player Stats and Styles

Carefully analyze player stats to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Pay close attention to attributes such as finishing, attacking prowess, speed, dribbling, passing, and crossing. Use these to determine which players best fit your tactical approach. Also, consider the player’s playing style. Some players excel with quick passes and intricate plays, while others are better at holding the ball and using their physical presence. Some examples include:

Goal Poacher: Excellent finishing and positioning, ideal for striking roles.
Target Man: Strong in the air and good at holding up the ball.
Fox in the Box: Exceptional finishing in and around the penalty area.
Creative Playmaker: Vision and passing skills to create chances.
Classic No. 10: Similar traits to Creative Playmaker but more focused on passing skills.
Wingers: Players like Neymar Jr, and Salah are known to have abilities for this role.

Strategic Formation and Player Positioning

In addition to the overall formation, the specific positioning of players within that formation is critical. The roles and instructions you assign to each player significantly impact their behavior on the field. For instance, instructing your full-backs to join the attack can provide additional width and attacking options, but it leaves your defense vulnerable to counter-attacks. Similarly, setting your attacking midfielder to make forward runs into the box can increase your chances of scoring. Use custom tactics to further refine your attacking strategy, such as adjusting the team’s attacking style (e.g., possession game or quick counter-attacks) and the width of the attack.

Passing Techniques: The Heartbeat of Your Attack

Efficient passing is the foundation of any successful attacking strategy in PES 2021. Mastering different passing techniques and understanding when to use them is crucial for creating scoring chances and controlling possession. Accurate passing keeps the ball, allows you to build attacks methodically, and opens up the field for you.

Short Passing: The most basic pass type. Use it to maintain possession, create space, and link up with teammates in tight situations. Short passes are typically the most accurate and reliable way to move the ball forward in close proximity. Make use of short passes in midfield to build your attacks patiently. The benefits of short passes are maintaining possession, creating space, and keeping a high passing accuracy.
Through Balls: Crucial for exploiting space behind the defense. The key is to time them right and lead the ball perfectly for your forwards to run onto. Through balls are essential for creating 1v1 situations with the goalkeeper. Use the R1/RB button to make a ground through ball for a quicker pass, and press L1/LB for a lofted through ball over the defense. Mastering these techniques will unlock your attacking potential.
Lofted Passes: Use lofted passes to move the ball quickly over short distances. They are useful for crossing into the box. Lofted passes will take longer to get to the receiver but will be more difficult for defenders to intercept. Lofted passes are great for quick distribution from the back to the forwards, or a counter-attack.
Crosses: Use the cross when you are near the opponent’s box, crossing to your strikers. Crossing is essential for creating scoring opportunities. Good positioning and timing are vital for effective crosses.

Advanced Passing Strategies

Beyond the basic pass types, there are advanced techniques that can significantly improve your passing game. These techniques allow for greater precision and tactical flexibility:

Manual Passing: Manual passing gives you complete control over the direction and power of your passes. It requires more precision but provides greater control over the ball’s trajectory. Practicing with manual passing can significantly improve your ability to execute difficult passes and find teammates in tight spaces.
One-Two Passes: Execute one-two passes (also known as wall passes) to quickly move the ball forward and bypass defenders. The first pass to a teammate is followed by an immediate return pass, allowing the player to quickly move forward. One-two passes are especially effective in crowded areas to create openings.
Flick Passes: Flick passes involve quickly flicking the ball with the outside of your foot. They are useful for unexpected passes that can catch defenders off guard. You can add flicks to your play when you have your back to the defender. This allows you to quickly turn and create space for yourself. They are especially useful in tight spaces. You may use this in areas where you are being guarded or trapped. The element of surprise is a key advantage of this type of pass.

Passing Accuracy and Timing

Passing accuracy depends on factors such as player stats, pressure from opponents, and your input timing. Try to execute passes with sufficient power to reach your intended target. Passing too soft can allow defenders to intercept. Passing with too much power can make your players miss it. Passing too late can cause you to be intercepted. Try to keep an eye on your teammates and look for opportunities. High-rated passers will have a greater likelihood of making accurate passes. When you receive the ball, try to have the ball at your feet and use your dribbling skills to escape the pressure.

Shooting Strategies: Clinical Finishing in PES 2021

Perfecting your shooting technique is critical for converting scoring chances in PES 2021. Learn to use different shooting types, master shot power, and understand the best angles to improve your goal-scoring efficiency. Several factors determine the success of your shot: the player’s finishing ability, the ball’s position, the goalkeeper’s positioning, and the angle of your shot.

Shooting Techniques Explained

Basic Shot: The most basic shot type. Press the shoot button to make a basic shot, and the power will depend on how long you press the button. This is suitable for shots from inside the box and from distance.
Finesse Shot: Used to curl the ball around the defenders and make it difficult for the goalkeeper to save. Aim the shot towards the top corner and add curl to the shot. Aim the ball just inside the post to increase your goal-scoring chances.
Chip Shot: Lob the ball over the goalkeeper when in a 1v1 situation. Tap the shoot button quickly. A chip shot is useful when the goalkeeper is off his line.
Volley: Time a volley to strike the ball in mid-air. Use the shoot button when the ball is in the air. This requires excellent timing and coordination.
Header: Get into a good position to head the ball when the ball is crossing and in the box. Head the ball towards the goal when the ball is close to your body.

Mastering Shot Power and Placement

Shot power significantly affects the shot’s speed and trajectory. Experiment with different power levels to find the perfect balance between power and accuracy. Also, consider the angle of your shot. Shooting from an acute angle can be challenging. Aim for the corners of the goal to increase your chances of scoring. Practice with different players and in various situations to develop a feel for the power needed in different scenarios. Also, the player’s shooting stats determine how well they will shoot in any given situation. A player with low finishing stats will be less likely to score from difficult angles or under pressure.

Improving Your Finishing Skills

Constant practice is key to improving your finishing skills. Play in the training mode to get comfortable with the shooting techniques. Experiment with different shooting types from different angles and distances. Learn to recognize when to use each shot type. Train and experiment with each technique to get a feel for how the ball moves when shot. Learning your players and their strengths in shooting will help you better understand when and how to shoot.

Exploiting Defensive Weaknesses: Unlocking Opponent’s Defense

Identifying and exploiting your opponent’s defensive weaknesses is essential for creating scoring opportunities. Learn to recognize tactical vulnerabilities and use your attacking skills to penetrate the defense. Several factors can reveal these defensive weaknesses:

High Defensive Line: A high defensive line can leave space behind the defenders for through balls or runs in behind. Exploit this by playing through balls or crossing behind the defenders.
Narrow Defense: A narrow defense can leave the flanks open for wingers or wide midfielders to exploit. Use the flanks to advance to the goal and cross the ball into the box.
Poor Defensive Positioning: If the defenders are not properly positioned, you can exploit gaps by passing between defenders or making diagonal runs. Identify the spaces where you can move and position your players to take advantage of these gaps.
Defensive Weaknesses on Specific Players: Identify weaker defenders or defenders with less pace. Target these players by dribbling or passing towards them to draw fouls or get into scoring positions. Analyze your opponent’s team to find the weakest defenders and target them in your attacks.

Tactical Approaches to Break Defenses

Overload the Flanks: Attack the flanks to stretch the defense. Use fast wingers and overlapping runs from full-backs to overload the wide areas and create crossing opportunities.
Exploit Space in Behind: Play through balls or make runs in behind the defense to catch defenders off guard.
Vary Your Attack: Use a mix of short passes, long balls, and crosses to keep the defense guessing. Avoid being predictable in your approach.
Create 1v1 Situations: Force defenders into 1v1 situations by using dribbling skills and quick passes to outmaneuver them.

Dribbling and Skill Moves: Beating Defenders and Creating Space

Dribbling and skill moves are essential for beating defenders, creating space, and advancing the ball up the field. They are essential tools for manipulating defenders and creating space in the final third. These are more effective against opponents who struggle to defend. Use these to create opportunities to shoot or pass to a teammate. Combining dribbling with skill moves can greatly improve your attacking efficiency.

Effective Dribbling Techniques

Agile Dribbling: Use agile dribbling to stay close to the ball while moving in any direction, giving you greater control in tight spaces. Agile dribbling is best suited for maneuvering in tight spaces and maintaining possession. It is perfect for turning and moving the ball without losing control or going out of bounds.
Sprint Dribbling: Use sprint dribbling to move the ball quickly over long distances. Sprint dribbling is perfect for getting past defenders and moving up the field. This is best for a quick break.
Dribbling with Directional Control: Use the directional stick to move the ball in a specific direction while dribbling, allowing you to sidestep and outmaneuver defenders.
Shielding: Use the shielding technique to protect the ball from defenders. This is an important way to make sure the ball stays in your possession and out of your opponent’s control. Shielding also helps you to protect the ball until a teammate is open. The ability to shield the ball is essential in situations when you need to retain possession.

Mastering Skill Moves

Step Over: Perform step overs to trick defenders and change directions quickly. Step overs are best performed when you are right in front of the defender and can change directions quickly.
Ball Roll: Use the ball roll to change direction and create space. Ball rolls are especially effective when you need to quickly change direction to avoid defenders and move into a shooting position.
Fake Shot: Execute a fake shot to deceive defenders and create space. Fake shots can give you the extra split second you need to get past a defender. They are best performed when you are in a 1v1 situation. Press the shoot button, and quickly press the pass button to perform a fake shot. The fake shot will allow you to quickly change directions and get past a defender.
Body Feint: Use body feints to deceive defenders and go past them. Body feints are effective because you can go in any direction after performing the feint.

Combining Dribbling and Skills

Combine dribbling with skill moves to create unpredictable attacks and beat defenders effectively. Try using agile dribbling to create space and then perform a skill move to bypass a defender. Practice different combinations to master the art of dribbling. Learning and executing different skill moves will give you a decisive edge in PES 2021.

Adapting to Match Situations: Game Management in Attack

Successful attacking in PES 2021 requires adapting your strategies according to the game’s flow and the specific match situation. This includes adjusting your tactics based on the score, the time remaining, and the opponent’s style of play. Also, consider the state of the game, score, and how much time remains.

Adjusting Tactics to Score and Protect Leads

When Winning: If you are winning, focus on keeping possession, slowing down the pace, and defending wisely. Avoid taking unnecessary risks and choose your moments wisely. Use tactics that prioritize keeping the ball and controlling the pace of the game.
When Losing: If you are losing, switch to a more aggressive attacking formation, make attacking substitutions, and instruct your players to take more risks. This will help you create scoring chances. Increase the intensity of your play and attack relentlessly. Change your formation to something that is more attacking focused.
Late Game Situations: In the final minutes of the match, adjust your tactics according to the score. If you are winning, focus on holding possession. If you are losing, make attacking subs and go all out to score.

Reading the Opponent and Adapting Your Strategy

Analyze the Opponent’s Tactics: Analyze your opponent’s tactics, formation, and playing style before and during the match. This will provide you with information to identify any weaknesses in their gameplay, and you can exploit them in your attacks.
Make Adjustments Based on the Game’s Flow: Constantly assess the game’s flow and make tactical adjustments as needed. If your initial strategy is not working, don’t be afraid to change your approach.
Utilize Player Instructions and Custom Tactics: Experiment with player instructions and custom tactics to fine-tune your attacking strategy and adapt to different opponents. Create several different plans so that you can quickly adapt to your opponent’s play.

Conclusion: Becoming a PES 2021 Attacking Maestro

Mastering PES 2021 attacking requires consistent practice, strategic thinking, and a willingness to adapt. By understanding the fundamentals of player selection, formation, passing, shooting, dribbling, and game management, you can greatly improve your goal-scoring chances and dominate your opponents. Experiment with various techniques, formations, and tactics to find what works best for you. Continuous learning and adaptation will be key to success. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the journey, and strive to become a true PES 2021 attacking maestro.