Switching Training Programs

[Gwalyn]

Well guys first off just want to say hi after not being around for about a year.

Second...I have been a keeper trainer for an eternity and am thinking about switching my training program in a couple of seasons but can't decide what to switch to. Any suggestions?

I have been considering defense trainer because that is the area of my team that needs the biggest upgrade and all of my guys are old, but not really sure what I want to do. Would like to hear from trainers of the different positions and get their feedback on their respective training programs.

Now if only I could get out of the form dumper...

[Alf]

When you switch out of GK trainer, your form will improve. Obviously.

If I started again, I would train winger, but that comes from a guy that has trained PM for 5 seasons and who will switch to defense at the end of next season... :)

[sterlingice]

I think the best way to start out and get the most improvement out of your team is playmaking. No, playmaking isn't everything but it is still the most important stat and you can train 6 full's and 4 half's in what is still the most effective formation in the game. Then once you've got your 3 young stud middies, switch over to defense or scoring and just keep churning out the cash to keep your team going.

SI

[daedalus]

What sterling said. You simply can't beat playmaking when it comes to seeing the effect of your training program day-in and day-out.

The OTHER possibility is scoring. No, not because it's the training program du jour. But, assuming you have a SuperStudMonkeyUberTrainee[tm] in your training program, you are now going from one strength and augmenting the opposite side. It's really demoralizing to see a team in your serie trotting out his 8-star goalkeeper then realizing that his 3 strikers are getting more and more star each game and his central attack is just below obscene. That's, uhhh, assuming you have and can field a reasonable midfield.

[saintjo]

I am a defense trainer so i highly suggest you train scoring :)

seriously, going from keeper training to defense might be a shock to you. keeper trainers seem used to having pops every 5 weeks, where defense is the slowest training method available.

if you are changing training already, why not go something completely different like passing?

[Gwalyn]

I guess I should give you the makeup of my team that may help..

My midfield consists of 3 magnificient middies, an oustanding winger and a crappy winger.

Forwards...a formidable and a crappy guy.

Finally my defenders are pretty much crap...2 excellents and a high exp passable.

I just sold off my titanic goalie and have a 19yr old world class that is now starting and just purchased a 17 yr old that should be outstanding by seasons end.

I have about 6 mil in the bank and plan on upgrading my team a little to make the push to Div IV this season, but realize I need to switch training programs so I can continue to have steady income to move up.

I really don't feel the urge to train middies because I am happy with teh guys I have for atleast a few more seasons and don't want to take the hit putting new young guys in.

I am highly considering training defenders...but just can't decide. I guess the big question will be can I stand enduring the several seasons of no income after i switch.

[sterlingice]

Considering you have a wc goalie to cover up some of your defensive deficiencies, I'd go for scoring training, then. Defenders are cheap. I found a magnificent for $2M and they don't need secondaries like strikers or wingers do, so once you get some more cash, you should have no trouble filling defensive holes.

SI

[Mr. Wednesday]

No, playmaking isn't everything but it is still the most important stat and you can train 6 full's and 4 half's in what is still the most effective formation in the game.It depends on your situation... in my series, defenses are strong enough that I think a 3-4-3 is more effective than a 3-5-2, with the extra attacker you can get enough punch to beat the center defense ratings the teams are putting up.

[Mr. Wednesday]

When you switch out of GK trainer, your form will improve. Obviously.I don't think it's obvious -- I run 6/4 on my keeper coaches/assistants and my form is pretty good.