Understanding Stalling in FIFA 19: A Comprehensive Guide
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In the world of FIFA 19, “stalling” refers to a tactic employed to intentionally delay or prolong the gameplay. This strategy can manifest in various forms, primarily aimed at running down the clock to secure a victory or draw, particularly when a team is leading or in a favorable position. While the concept is straightforward, the ethical implications and specific applications of stalling generate considerable discussion within the FIFA community.
Stalling Tactics Explained
Stalling isn’t about complex maneuvers; it’s about simple, time-consuming actions repeated strategically. Common stalling tactics include:
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Passing the ball around the back: Players might pass the ball between defenders and the goalkeeper in their own half, avoiding any risky forward passes that could lead to possession loss. This wastes significant time.
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Holding the ball in the corner: Driving the ball to the corner of the field, shielding with a strong player, and simply waiting for the clock to tick down is another frequent stalling method.
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Taking excessively long set pieces: Delaying free kicks, corners, and goal kicks by using all the available time before initiating play.
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Faking injuries: Intentionally forcing pauses in the game by sliding into tackles after the ball is gone in hopes to trigger a false injury to run down the clock.
Why Players Stall
The motivations behind stalling are typically strategic and aimed at achieving a specific outcome:
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Protecting a lead: The most common reason is to run down the clock when a player is winning, especially in the late stages of a match.
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Securing a draw: In situations where a draw is beneficial (e.g., in online seasons or tournaments), players might stall to avoid risking a loss.
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Frustrating the opponent: Some players use stalling as a psychological tactic to frustrate their opponent, hoping to induce mistakes.
The Ethical Debate
The use of stalling in FIFA 19 sparks a heated debate among players. Some argue that it’s a legitimate tactic, a part of game strategy. They contend that if the game allows it, it’s fair game. Others view it as unsportsmanlike conduct that violates the spirit of fair play. They believe stalling detracts from the enjoyment of the game and is a cheap way to secure a win. This is related to broader discussions about ethics in gaming, a subject explored by organizations such as the Games Learning Society.
Impact on Gameplay Experience
Regardless of the ethical stance, stalling significantly impacts the gameplay experience:
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Increased frustration: Opponents of stalling tactics often find them incredibly frustrating, leading to negative emotions and potentially quitting the game.
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Reduced enjoyment: Matches involving stalling can become tedious and less engaging, especially when the majority of the remaining time is spent watching the opponent pass the ball around aimlessly.
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Shift in gameplay: The presence of stalling can force players to adopt a more aggressive, high-pressure style of play to win the ball back quickly, which might not align with their preferred playstyle.
Is There a Solution?
Finding a definitive solution to the problem of stalling is challenging. Several suggestions have been proposed, but each has its limitations:
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Increased stoppage time: While more stoppage time could give the trailing team more opportunity to score, it could also incentivize stalling even further, as there is more time to be run down.
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Automatic AI pressure: Implementing an AI system that automatically increases pressure on the ball carrier in their own half after a certain period of inactivity. This may lead to an imbalance in the game.
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Penalty system: Introducing a penalty system for excessive passing in the defensive half could discourage stalling, but it would also be difficult to implement fairly without penalizing legitimate defensive tactics.
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Increased stamina drain: Draining a player’s stamina faster for shielding the ball in the corner could deter stalling, but can also impact normal gameplay.
Ultimately, the issue of stalling in FIFA 19 remains a complex challenge with no easy solution. It requires a delicate balance between allowing strategic gameplay and preventing unsportsmanlike behavior that diminishes the overall gaming experience.
FIFA 19 Stalling: FAQs
1. Is stalling against the rules in FIFA 19?
No, stalling is not explicitly against the rules of FIFA 19. The game doesn’t have a mechanism to penalize players for simply holding onto the ball or running down the clock, as long as they are technically playing within the boundaries of the game.
2. How can I counter a player who is stalling?
Several strategies can help you counter a player who is stalling:
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Increase pressure: Switch to a more aggressive tactic with higher pressure, such as “Constant Pressure” or “Press After Possession Loss.”
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Manually control defenders: Take control of your defenders and actively chase down the ball carrier.
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Use team pressing: Activate team pressing to get multiple players to swarm the ball carrier.
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Be patient: Avoid making reckless tackles that could lead to fouls or open spaces.
3. Does stalling work in all game modes of FIFA 19?
Yes, stalling tactics can be employed in virtually all game modes, including online seasons, Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Kick-Off matches. However, its effectiveness may vary depending on the specific game mode and the opponent’s skill level.
4. Does EA Sports have any plans to address stalling in future FIFA games?
EA Sports has made some efforts to address stalling in later versions of FIFA through gameplay tweaks and AI adjustments. However, it remains a persistent challenge, and the community continues to voice concerns about the issue.
5. Is there a report function for players who stall excessively?
No, FIFA 19 does not have a specific report function designed solely for reporting players who stall. The standard report functions are generally focused on cheating, offensive behavior, and other violations of the game’s terms of service.
6. Is shielding the ball in the corner considered stalling?
Yes, shielding the ball in the corner with the intent to run down the clock is generally considered a form of stalling. While shielding itself is a legitimate gameplay mechanic, its deliberate use to waste time is viewed as unsportsmanlike by many players.
7. Does stalling affect my Skill Rating or Division in online seasons?
Stalling can indirectly affect your Skill Rating or Division in online seasons. By successfully running down the clock and securing a win or draw, you can earn points that contribute to your Skill Rating and potentially lead to promotion to a higher division.
8. How can I avoid being labeled as a “staller” if I need to protect a lead?
To avoid being labeled as a “staller” while protecting a lead, try to:
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Maintain possession with purpose: Instead of aimlessly passing the ball around the back, try to keep possession in the opponent’s half to create scoring opportunities.
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Mix up your play: Alternate between defensive and offensive tactics to keep your opponent guessing and avoid predictable stalling patterns.
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Be mindful of the clock: Use stalling tactics sparingly and only when necessary in the late stages of the match.
9. Does the difficulty level in Career Mode affect the likelihood of AI stalling?
Yes, the difficulty level in Career Mode can indirectly affect the likelihood of the AI stalling. On higher difficulty levels, the AI tends to be more strategic and may employ stalling tactics when leading or in a favorable position.
10. Is there a difference between tactical possession and stalling?
Yes, there is a significant difference between tactical possession and stalling:
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Tactical possession: Involves maintaining possession with the intent of creating scoring opportunities and advancing the ball towards the opponent’s goal.
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Stalling: Focuses solely on running down the clock and avoiding any risky plays that could lead to possession loss.
11. Can I be banned for stalling in FIFA 19?
Unlikely. Stalling is not a bannable offense in FIFA 19. While the game does not penalize it, the general consensus is that it is still considered in poor taste.
12. Are there any community-created rules against stalling in online matches?
While there are no official rules against stalling, some online communities or tournaments may have their own set of guidelines that discourage or prohibit the use of stalling tactics. It’s essential to check the rules of any specific community or tournament before participating.
13. Does the referee’s added time compensate for stalling?
Sometimes. While the referee’s added time is intended to compensate for stoppages in play, including those caused by stalling, the amount of added time may not always accurately reflect the actual time wasted by stalling tactics.
14. Is there a way to report a player for wasting time excessively on online games on FIFA 19?
No, FIFA 19 does not have a feature to report players for stalling or excessive time-wasting.
15. Is there any research that can be consulted on the subject?
Yes, many researchers have focused on the impact of gaming, including GamesLearningSociety.org. The organization aims to further research around games and learning.
Stalling is a common practice in competitive FIFA 19. Whether it’s unethical or merely a tactical decision is an ongoing debate in the FIFA 19 community.