PES 2017 Defense: Master Your Backline

Alright guys, let's talk about something super crucial in Pro Evolution Soccer 2017: defense. It's easy to get caught up in flashy attacking plays, but without a solid defensive foundation, your opponents will be running rings around you. Mastering defensive tactics in PES 2017 isn't just about holding down a button; it's about smart positioning, anticipation, and understanding player AI. We're going to dive deep into how you can become a defensive rock, ensuring your goal is as safe as Fort Knox. So, grab your controllers, and let's get ready to shut down those attackers!

Understanding Defensive Mechanics

First things first, let's get a grip on the fundamental defensive mechanics in PES 2017. It's not as simple as just chasing the ball carrier. You need to understand the different types of defensive actions available to you. The primary button for tackling is usually R2 (or RT on Xbox), but blindly spamming this will get you into trouble faster than you can say 'red card'. Instead, think about timing your challenges. A well-timed standing tackle can dispossess an opponent cleanly, while a mistimed one will leave you on your backside and an attacker with a clear run.

Then there's the containment tactic, often activated by holding R2. This isn't about aggressive tackling; it's about maintaining your position and forcing the attacker into a less dangerous area. Your player will automatically jockey and try to block passing lanes or dribbling paths. This is incredibly important for preventing through balls and keeping your shape. Think of it as boxing in your opponent. You want to use this to guide them towards the sidelines or towards your teammates who can offer support.

Don't forget about player switching. A common mistake beginners make is relying solely on the automatic player switching. While the AI can be helpful, it's often not in the best position. Learning to switch players effectively using L1 (or LB) is a game-changer. You need to anticipate where the ball will go, not just where it is. Practice flicking the right analog stick in the direction you want to switch to. This gives you much finer control over who is making the defensive move.

Finally, pressing. While PES 2017 isn't as aggressive with team pressing as some other titles, you can still initiate it. Holding L2 (or LT) and then pressing X (or A) can trigger a more intense pressing action from your controlled player. Use this sparingly, as it can leave gaps in your defense if not coordinated. It's best used when you're confident you can win the ball or when you need to force an error.

Positioning is Key: Your Defensive Shape

Seriously guys, if there's one thing you take away from this, it's that positioning is absolutely key in PES 2017 defense. It doesn't matter how fast your defenders are or how strong they are; if they're out of position, they're useless. Think of your defense as a unit, a cohesive block that moves together. You don't want individual players chasing shadows.

When the opposition is attacking, your primary goal is to maintain your defensive shape. This means keeping your defensive line relatively compact and ensuring there aren't huge gaps between your defenders and midfielders. If you're controlling a defender, your instinct might be to rush out and close down the attacker. Resist this urge! More often than not, it's better to hold your ground and let the attacker come to you. This allows you to react to their movements and prevents you from being easily dribbled past or drawn out of position.

Use the containment tactic (R2) extensively. As mentioned before, this helps you maintain your position while pressuring the attacker. Try to force attackers down the wings. Wing play is generally less dangerous than central attacks, as it limits their options and brings the sideline into play as an extra defender. If an attacker is heading towards the middle, try to subtly steer them towards the touchline.

Team pressing can be a double-edged sword. While initiating it can put pressure on the opponent, if your team isn't set up for it or if you trigger it at the wrong time, you can leave massive holes. It's often better to rely on zonal marking and controlled pressing. This means understanding the space each player is responsible for and only stepping out to make a challenge when an opponent enters that zone and poses a direct threat.

Consider your defensive line height. A higher line can catch opponents offside more often but leaves you vulnerable to through balls. A lower line is more solid but can invite pressure onto your own goal. Experiment with your team's Defensive Style in the tactics menu. Options like 'Cover' or 'Offside Trap' can influence how your AI defenders behave, but remember, your manual control is paramount.

Finally, don't dive in! This is probably the most common defensive sin. Unless you are absolutely certain you can win the ball, avoid making rash tackles. A missed tackle means you're out of the game, and your teammates have to cover for you, often leading to defensive breakdowns. Patience and good positioning will always trump frantic lunging.

Advanced Defensive Techniques

Okay, so you've got the basics of containment and positioning down. Now let's level up your game with some advanced defensive techniques in PES 2017. These are the little tricks and tactical nuances that separate the good defenders from the truly great ones. Mastering these will make your backline a formidable force that opponents will dread facing.

One of the most effective advanced techniques is anticipatory tackling and interceptions. Instead of just reacting to the ball, try to predict where the opponent wants to pass or dribble. This involves reading the game, watching the movement of attacking players, and understanding common attacking patterns. If you see a player about to receive a pass in a dangerous area, position yourself between the passer and the receiver. You might not always get the ball, but you can often deflect the pass or force the receiver to take a heavier touch, giving you a chance to tackle.

Slightly delaying your tackles can also be a smart move. Sometimes, holding off for just a second longer allows the attacker to commit to a dribble or a pass, revealing their intention. Once they commit, they are often more vulnerable. This is particularly useful against tricky wingers or skillful strikers who rely on quick changes of direction. Let them make their move, then exploit the opening.

Using the right analog stick for player switching isn't just for basic switching; it's an advanced tool for positioning. You can quickly flick the stick to select a defender who is in a better position to cut out a pass or track a runner, even if they aren't the closest player. Practice flicking it in different directions to cycle through your players efficiently.

Man-marking specific players can be a game-changer, especially against opponents who rely heavily on one or two star players. While PES 2017 doesn't have a direct 'man-mark' button like some games, you can achieve this through intelligent player switching and aggressive containment. Identify their key player and dedicate your controlled defender to staying close to them, cutting off passing lanes, and making challenges whenever they receive the ball. Be careful not to neglect your overall defensive shape while doing this.

Another advanced tactic is controlling the tempo of the game defensively. By choosing when and how you press, you can dictate the flow. Sometimes, a quick, aggressive press can win the ball high up the pitch, leading to a counter-attack. Other times, a patient, compact defensive stance forces the opponent to make mistakes under pressure. Learn to switch between these approaches based on the game situation.

Finally, defending set-pieces. This is often overlooked. Pay attention to your team's setup in the tactics menu for corners and free-kicks. Manually position your defenders to mark key attacking players, and be ready to clear the ball decisively. Don't just aim to clear it; try to clear it to a teammate or into a safe area.

Common Defensive Mistakes to Avoid

Let's be honest, guys, we've all been there. You're playing a crucial match, and suddenly, your defense collapses like a house of cards. There are some classic, almost universal defensive mistakes that PES 2017 players tend to make. Recognizing and actively avoiding these will instantly make you a tougher opponent to break down.

The biggest offender? The mindless rush. This is when a defender, often the one you're controlling, sprints headlong towards the attacker without any real plan. It's like a moth to a flame. This leaves huge gaps in your defense, pulls other players out of position, and often results in a simple dribble past or a foul. Remember that R2 containment? Use it! It's your best friend against the urge to blindly chase.

Another common pitfall is poor player switching. Relying solely on the AI to switch players is a recipe for disaster. The game often switches you to the player closest to the ball, not necessarily the player who should be making the defensive action. This leads to midfielders tracking back instead of defenders or the wrong defender closing down an attacker. Dedicate time to practicing manual player switching with L1/LB and the right analog stick. You need to anticipate passes and movements.

Overcommitting on tackles is a close cousin to the mindless rush. This is when you go for a tackle that you have very little chance of winning. It leaves you stranded, out of the play, and your team vulnerable. Patience is a virtue in defense. Wait for the right moment, when the attacker is closed down or has made a mistake, before committing to a challenge. Don't dive in unless you're 100% sure.

Ignoring defensive width and depth is also a major issue. A defense that is too spread out can be easily split by a through ball. A defense that is too narrow invites crosses from the wings. Similarly, a defense that is too high is susceptible to long balls over the top, while a defense that sits too deep invites constant pressure. Maintaining a compact defensive shape, both horizontally and vertically, is crucial. Think about keeping your defenders and midfielders close together.

Not tracking back is a sin committed by attacking players, but it hurts the whole team. When you lose the ball in the opponent's half, don't just stand there admiring your failed attack. Sprint back and help your defense. Even a bit of pressure can disrupt the opponent's build-up play. Use the sprint button (R1/RB) to get back quickly, but remember to conserve stamina if necessary.

Finally, underestimating the opponent's skill. Every player is different. Some rely on pace, others on skill, and some on powerful shots. Adapt your defensive strategy. If a player is constantly trying to dribble past you, focus on containing and forcing them wide. If they love through balls, ensure your defensive line is organized and your midfielders are tracking runners. Understanding your opponent's tendencies is a massive part of effective defense.

Organizing Your Tactics for Defense

Beyond individual player control, organizing your team's tactics in PES 2017 is vital for a strong defense. The game gives you a lot of options in the tactics menu, and tweaking these can dramatically change how your team behaves defensively. Let's break down some key areas you should focus on.

First up, Defensive Style. This is arguably the most impactful setting. You'll typically find options like 'Frontale' (Attacking), 'Moderato' (Balanced), and 'Difensivo' (Defensive). For a solid defense, you'll want to lean towards 'Moderato' or 'Difensivo'. However, the nuances within these are important. Consider options like 'Cover' which encourages players to track back and cover for teammates, or 'Offside Trap' which aims to catch opponents offside. The 'Offside Trap' can be very effective but requires a well-drilled backline and good coordination; otherwise, it can backfire spectacularly.

Team Formations play a huge role. Formations like 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 can offer good width but might leave you exposed in midfield if not played correctly. A 4-2-3-1 or a 5-3-2 can offer more defensive solidity in the center of the park. The key is to ensure you have enough players in midfield to screen your defense and cut out passing lanes. Experiment with different formations to see what best suits your playing style and the strengths of your squad.

Player Roles and Instructions are where you can fine-tune individual player responsibilities. You can set specific defensive priorities for certain players. For instance, you might want your holding midfielders to 'Stay Back While Attacking' and 'Mark Tighter'. Your full-backs might have instructions like 'Stay Defensive' or 'Aggressive Interceptions'. Pay attention to the stamina of your players; demanding too much from them can lead to fatigue and errors late in the game.

Pressing Intensity is another setting to play with. A high pressing intensity means your players will try to win the ball back more aggressively and higher up the pitch. This can be great for disrupting opponents but can also leave you vulnerable if they play through your press. A lower intensity means your team will be more patient and compact, waiting for the opponent to come to them. Find a balance that works for you, often starting with a moderate intensity and adjusting based on how the game plays out.

Defensive Line Depth is crucial. As discussed, a higher line catches opponents offside but risks balls over the top. A lower line is more secure but invites pressure. Most players find a medium to slightly high line works well for PES 2017, but again, experiment. If you're facing a team with fast strikers, you might want to lower your line.

Finally, Support Range. This dictates how far up the pitch your team will push forward when in possession. A narrow support range keeps your players closer together, which aids in defensive transitions when you lose the ball. A wider range can stretch the opponent but makes it harder to recover defensively. For solid defense, keeping a relatively narrow support range is often beneficial.

By carefully considering and adjusting these tactical settings, you can build a defensive system that complements your on-field actions and makes your team incredibly difficult to score against. It's all about finding that perfect balance between aggression and stability.

Putting it All Together: Becoming a Defensive Master

So, we've covered a lot of ground, guys. We've delved into the core mechanics, the importance of positioning, advanced tricks, common mistakes, and tactical organization. Now, it's time to talk about putting it all together and becoming a true defensive master in PES 2017. This isn't something that happens overnight; it requires practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.

The first step is consistent practice. Don't just play matches hoping to improve. Go into the training mode, practice specific defensive scenarios. Work on your timing for tackles, your player switching, and your ability to contain attackers. Play against friends or the CPU on a difficulty that challenges you but doesn't completely overwhelm you. The more you drill these techniques, the more they'll become second nature.

Review your gameplay. After a match, especially one where you conceded easily, take a moment to reflect. Where did the goals come from? Was it a defensive lapse? A poorly timed tackle? Bad positioning? Identify the patterns in the goals you concede. This self-analysis is crucial for improvement. You can even record your gameplay if you want to get really serious about it.

Adaptability is key. No single defensive strategy works against every opponent or in every situation. You need to be able to read the game and adjust your approach. If the opponent is constantly playing long balls, adjust your defensive line and practice anticipating aerial threats. If they are relying on intricate passing in midfield, ensure your midfield is compact and your players are aggressively closing down space. Be willing to tweak your tactics mid-game.

Communication (even if simulated) is important. In PES 2017, this means understanding how your teammates (the AI) will react. Learn their tendencies. Understand which defenders are good at tackling, which are fast, and which are positionally sound. Use this knowledge to your advantage when manually controlling players.

Patience, patience, and more patience. Defense in PES 2017 is often about waiting for the right moment. It's about frustrating your opponent, forcing them into predictable positions, and then striking when they make a mistake. Don't get discouraged if you're not winning the ball back instantly. Sometimes, just maintaining your defensive shape and denying space is a victory in itself.

Finally, enjoy the process. Learning to defend well is incredibly rewarding. There's a unique satisfaction in shutting down a dangerous attack or making a crucial last-ditch tackle. It adds a whole new dimension to the game and makes your attacking successes feel even more earned. So, keep practicing, keep learning, and you'll soon find yourself becoming a defensive powerhouse that even the best attackers will struggle to break down. Good luck out there, guys!