TEAM STRATIGIES INSIDE...

How do you make changes to which players shoot the ball or changes to the offense for the teams.

I was looking at the plays.dbf and teams.dbf , maybe this explains why when you play against Clevland the PG's shoot all the time.James doesn't take that many shots.

All their plays seem to have the PG as the main guy.

I want to be able to make the changes as suggested in the thread, so how do you do this..

Thanks

Lower the primacy rating for their PG!!

Sent a PM to Andrew to stick this thread... very valuable...

Good info there.
Anyway... how do you use all this in game?

Good info there.
Anyway... how do you use all this in game?

Use your off-ball control...

Hy!
Can someone please tell which Play or Strategy should I use for good alley oops... What makes me angry is, that in counter attack, nobody runs on the basket to complete an ally oop..

Here are my findings from last Friday's double header on ESPN:

NUGGETS
I'm not completely sure about this, but I think they use Flex, as suggested in the old list. It only somewhat resembled the Flex in the game. Either it was a variation, they weren't properly executing the play, or it was a completely different play. The Nuggets didn't have very good offensive execution or ball movement. Many times they went away from their offensive sets, either freewheeling or relying on simple Pick-and-Rolls. I also saw a lot of Power offense (Motion in the game).

HEAT
They very clearly used Power offense (Motion) as a primary offense. I don't know what I was talking about before when I said they still used Secondary Break. Their secondary play very closely resembled Turnout 6 and 8, where the SG (Wade) curled off Shaq in the low post, and either received the ball to feed Shaq in the post, or ran to the opposite side to isolate Shaq. I also saw Wade getting Isolations at the top of the arc, with one of the big men coming up to set a pick for him.


Now, for the Sonics and Suns game. I have to admit, this was pretty hard to analyze. Both teams like to run and gun, preferring not to set up in a half court offense. The Sonics seemed to have more offensive sets prepared, while the Suns really lost a lot of effectiveness in the half court.

SONICS
Ridnour got to handle the ball a lot. Most of the time, he got to operate without constraints, relying on his ball handling or a simple Pick-and-Rolls to penetrate so that he could dish to the open man.

I saw a little bit of UCLA (Utah) offense from the Sonics. They used sets like Utah 5 and 6, where the PG ran backdoor and to the other side of the court. Rashard Lewis got some Isolations when he was either at mid range or in the low post on one side. The Sonics also liked to run Ray Allen off a double screen, in a play almost exactly like Double High 8.

SUNS
If they had offensive sets, they weren't using them. Perhaps they didn't need to, since the Sonics were also a fast team. The Suns just kept attacking the basket, with Nash using his own skills or Pick-and-Rolls to create for his teammates. I only saw half court sets a couple of times when they were forced to slow down. One of them was kind of like Utah 5 or 6. The other one looked like Double High, but with the SG and PF switching spots. That one's not in the game. I'm going to try to watch the Suns again to get a better idea of their offense. However, they don't have many national TV appearances this season. I would appreciate it if someone else could offer some input on this team.

In Live 2005 it is almost impossible to use Zone Defense.
When you are playing a zone defense the cpu shoots 3 pointer after 3 pointer and made most of than.

If you want to use zone defense than you have to lower the cpu 3 point shooting slider. If you do this way playing is very boring because the cpu miss the 3's but don't stop shooting them.

So I only play man to man defense on Live 2005.

In Live 2005 it is almost impossible to use Zone Defense.
When you are playing a zone defense the cpu shoots 3 pointer after 3 pointer and made most of than.

If you want to use zone defense than you have to lower the cpu 3 point shooting slider. If you do this way playing is very boring because the cpu miss the 3's but don't stop shooting them.

So I only play man to man defense on Live 2005.

I can't agree with your observations!! I use a 2-3 zone often (depending on which team I use) & I have no problem with the cpu draining 3 after 3!! I have both CPU & PLayer 1's 3pt. slider at 50...even though you're running the zone, still guard the ball handler with some sort of aggresivness...

I like the 3-2 zone better. That's the zone we play with my friends.

very good

although, i think sometimes, multiple players should be listed, like fred jones is becoming a 3 point threat for the pacers.

I can't agree with your observations!! I use a 2-3 zone often (depending on which team I use) & I have no problem with the cpu draining 3 after 3!! I have both CPU & PLayer 1's 3pt. slider at 50...even though you're running the zone, still guard the ball handler with some sort of aggresivness...

OK you are right. I tried zone defense yersterday again and now I know what I did wrong in my first tries.
I acquired athletic players for the sg and sf position and so I was able to get to the 3 point shooters in time.

you know what would be really great... is if there was like a video tutorial sorta like the EA Freestyle/Dunk tutorials showing how to run all the plays... since EA didnt include the animated play diagrams in the game...

i really would like to learn the proper way to execute these offensive plays...

Hey, I just got the game a few days ago and love it.....but my dumb self lost the instruction booklet. Does anybody know a place where I can download a guide or something that would be the equivalent of the instruction booklet. Also, has someone done a detailed explanation (pictures and shit) of the offensive playbook. Im calling plays, but I have no idea what they are doing Thanks for the help.

Hey, I just got the game a few days ago and love it.....but my dumb self lost the instruction booklet. Does anybody know a place where I can download a guide or something that would be the equivalent of the instruction booklet. Also, has someone done a detailed explanation (pictures and shit) of the offensive playbook. Im calling plays, but I have no idea what they are doing Thanks for the help.

My advice to you BJ would be:
Go to older versions of the game that do have the animated plays...
Or you could simply try each play one at a time & take notes on what each play does...Sets usually start with the same formation for all plays (eg. 1-4 high 1 will most likely begin with the same formation as 1-4 high 7) but with different movments for different positions-not always the case but for the most part they begin the same...

Or somebody could post how to execute all the sets (or the sets they know) here.

Somebody?

Eh?

Please?

Or somebody could post how to execute all the sets (or the sets they know) here.

Somebody?

Eh?

Please?

You know!! The game is fairly easy & if you've any prior expieriance to the game you should already have a general knowledge of the game & it's sets...just keep notes of formations & movements!! That's your quest right now...FORMATIONS & MOVEMENTS!!

LAKERS
-The Lakers have started using the Triangle again. A few times in their game against the Rockets, they used Sideline Triangle plays.

T'WOLVES
-One of the Timberwolves' main plays is almost identical to Stagger 1, in which KG sets an up pick for Sprewell (who runs towards the hoop and then loops back out, with picks from the C and SF) and then sets a side pick for Cassell.
-The team likes to isolate Cassell so that he can post up on smaller PGs. They accomplish this with a play that starts with Cassell in the wing (for clarity Cassell is on the "left" side), KG at mid range on the left side, the SF in the left wing, and the C and SG clearing out by standing on the right side. The SF comes out of the corner and stands behind KG, while Cassell feeds KG the ball. Cassell then runs towards the hoop, receiving a double pick from KG and the SF. Unfortunately, I don't think this play is in the game. Just try to have Cassell bring the ball up and call Isolation when he's at mid range or near the hoop.

SONICS
-When Isolating Rashard Lewis, the Sonics use a play similar to the Turnout plays. Ray Allen curls off of Rashard in the post and receives the ball in the wing. He then feeds the ball to Rashard (who's at mid range or in the post), and everyone moves to the other side to Isolate Rashard. Unfortunately, none of the Turnout plays are exactly like this. I suggest using Turnout 4, and then calling Isolation once Rashard receives the ball.

WIZARDS
-The Wizards use the Princeton Offense. However, they fastbreak whenever they can.


I currently have a bunch of other teams on tape, which I plan on examining. Sorry, I'm a forgetful/lazy worker. However, as I said before, it's really hard for a lone person (especially someone with NBA League Pass) to do this alone. Some help would be appreciated, and would benefit everyone on these boards.

Last edited January 26, 2005. Added Spurs and Magic, as well as another play for the Rockets.

This post is intended to consolidate all my findings into a single easy-to-read list. All new findings will be edited into this post, with the date and contents of the latest edit posted at the top. Separate posts might still be made however if I think some plays require in-depth descriptions. Plays will be listed with a real name or brief description. If it is different, then its in-game name (or a description of how to pull it off in the game) will also be listed in parentheses. Uncertainties will be listed with a "?" mark.

JAZZ
Offense:
-UCLA (Utah)
Defense:
-Lots of zone (2-3 or Shifting 2-3)

CAVALIERS
-UCLA (Utah)

LAKERS
-Horns (Double High)
-"Slice" (Not in game)
-Pick and Roll with Kobe and a big man
-Isolation with Kobe on one side
-Isolation with Odom just inside top of the arc
-Sideline Triangle

NETS, KINGS, WIZARDS
-Princeton Offense (Sideline Triangle?)

TIMBERWOLVES
Offense:
-Stagger 1
-Horns (Double High)
-Isolation with Cassell on one side (mid range or post)
-Isolation for KG on one side (mid range or after Post Up)
Defense:
-Matchup Zone (2-3?)

GRIZZLIES
-Horns (Double High)
-Post Up, then Isolation for Gasol

ROCKETS
-Stagger 1 seems to be their primary offensive set, and most of the players seem to be interchangeable in it.
-Horns (Double High)
-Turnout 6
-Isolation for T-Mac at top of the arc as well as to one side or in the post.

PISTONS
- 1-4 High (use plays in which SG and SF are the movers)

SIXERS
- 1-4 High (use plays in which the PG and SG are the movers)
-Isolation for Iverson at the top of the arc
-Isolation for Iverson at the top of the arc, then call Pick and Roll

BULLS
-Power Offense (Motion)

BLAZERS
-Two man game with the PG and Shareef/Randolph (call Post Up with your PG taking the ball up the court on either side, not the middle). Either let the forwards score, or do a Pick and Roll with them and your PG.

NUGGETS
-Flex?
-Lots of free/sloppy play, with simple Pick and Rolls
-Some Power Offense plays (Motion)
-Isolation for Carmelo Anthony on one side at mid range, or in the post.

HEAT
-Power Offense (Motion)
-Turnout 6 and 8
-Isolation for Wade at the top of the arc, then call Pick and Roll

SONICS
-Ridnour has lots of freedom to create. Use freestyle moves to allow him to drive and dish, or call simple Pick and Rolls for him.
-UCLA (Utah 5 and 6)
-Ray Allen off double screens (Double High 8)
-Isolate Rashard Lewis on one side at mid range or post (Turnout 4, then call Isolation)
-Fast break whenever possible.

SUNS
-Almost all fast breaks, few set plays.
-The vast majority of the time in the half court, the Suns stick to a default setup with all five players on the perimeter. I suggest setting the Team Offensive Strategy to "Box 6." That way, the team sets up on the perimeter every time you don't manually call a play. Just don't actually follow Box 6. Allow Nash to drive and dish, or call Pick and Rolls for him.
-Post Up, then Isolation for Amare.
-Utah 5 or 6?
-Horns with SG in the place of one of the big men (not in game)

MAGIC
-This team doesn't settle into half court sets very much. They fast break whenvever they can, and Francis gets to go 1 on 1 a lot.
-Isolation for Francis at the top of the arc, then call Pick and Roll
-Isolation for Grant Hill at the side.
- 1-4 High seems to be their half court set of choice in the few instances when they don't fast break or just give the ball to Francis.

SPURS
-Flex
-Post up, then Isolation for Duncan
-Isolate Parker at the top of the arc, then call a Pick and Roll.

Last edited by JimRaynor55 on Thu Jan 27, 2005 11:17 am, edited 3 times in total.

You know!! The game is fairly easy & if you've any prior expieriance to the game you should already have a general knowledge of the game & it's sets...just keep notes of formations & movements!! That's your quest right now...FORMATIONS & MOVEMENTS!!

I don't quite understand how to watch them move though. Let's say a play starts with the PG at the top of the arc and the SG and SF start moving. What happens if I call the play with the PG at the left of the arc? What happens if I call the play when either or both of the SG and SF are not in position to start moving? What happens if my SG is handling the ball instead?

You know!! The game is fairly easy & if you've any prior expieriance to the game you should already have a general knowledge of the game & it's sets...just keep notes of formations & movements!! That's your quest right now...FORMATIONS & MOVEMENTS!!

I don't quite understand how to watch them move though. Let's say a play starts with the PG at the top of the arc and the SG and SF start moving. What happens if I call the play with the PG at the left of the arc? What happens if I call the play when either or both of the SG and SF are not in position to start moving? What happens if my SG is handling the ball instead?

Once over the half court line pass the ball to your SG & call your selected play while still holding the ball with your SG!! Take note of where your PG takes position on the court!!
(Eg.) If you call a MOTION while your SG is holding the ball on the left your PG will automatically run to the top centre!! Give him the ball & call again if there is no play available...

You know!! The game is fairly easy & if you've any prior expieriance to the game you should already have a general knowledge of the game & it's sets...just keep notes of formations & movements!! That's your quest right now...FORMATIONS & MOVEMENTS!!

I don't quite understand how to watch them move though. Let's say a play starts with the PG at the top of the arc and the SG and SF start moving. What happens if I call the play with the PG at the left of the arc? What happens if I call the play when either or both of the SG and SF are not in position to start moving? What happens if my SG is handling the ball instead?

I've also noticed that if you call a play while standing on the left side of the court they'll set up on the right!!

I don't know bout Grizzlies tips. Wells is not the best 3-point shooter. Miller and Williams. THey have some of the highest 3-point ratings and are good jumpers. Posey is ok but is hard to use because he is so slow but can be used as spot-up shooter.

Well is the best athlete. HE is the best to attack basket and free-style with, though they made his drunk rating way too low.

A good strategy is to post-up Gasol but the post game is so jacked up playing on all-star.

Battier is probably the best defender on the team. Wells is the best scorer. Miller is probably the best shooter.

Swift is athletic and a good dunker bu they have his dribble rating too low he loses ball too easily.

Another thing bout the Grizzlies is they have almost every one on the team's 3-point rating too low and they don't have Wright as a mid-range shooter like he should be.

I dont want to raid on your parade, But Pistons go something more like this.

Best Offensive Play: Basket Cut - Richard Hamilton

Three-point Threat: Tayshaun Prince (Pick and Roll with Billups and throw to Prince)

Best Defense: Full Court Man to Man (Both Wallace's are so good they can handle downcourt Might as well force the steal)

Lockdown Defender: Rasheed Wallace (Best Rebounder i have Ever Seen Avg 28 Rebounds in a 5 Minute Quarter Game)

Inside Scoring: Rasheed Wallace (Anything other than Hookshots its Ben Wallace)

Im Undefeated with Pistons 328 wins in my Online Career I have lost with other teams though. This is my OPINION but beleive me it works lol.

Didn't see this thread.....

Anyways I have NBA League Pass and watch my share of games and if Live 2005 was worth a damn I would help out Mr. Raynor with his fine work on team strategies. I just can't justify my time with this game anymore(mostly due to financial obligations).

ANyways here is to hoping Live 06 implements the level of strategy that the football games have.

Isn't it kinda ironic that the every CPU team calls the same 4 plays.....in football years that would make the Live series right around Supertecmo bowl circa 1993

It is about time for real NBA strategy!!!!!!!

That's a great thread, it's very interesting, will check it everyday.