Subject: Questions & Answers

I have spent way to much time wracking my brain trying to figure out how handball works, so I just set my players to what I consider basic ratios and play eenie minee moe when it comes to tactics.

++ F1 & tennis

Baseball

I would die and go to heaven if they made one for blitzball.

I totally agree. Best game within a game ever. Hit them wit the jeck shot

+1 I'm not holding my breath though

right on the point....
I think not even PPM knows how handball tactics works...

Agreed

I think handball tactics are a very dynamic thing in real life. They don't translate very well into the "rock-paper-scissors" format ppm manager games use.

If you ever watch handball games, no pro/national teams use a 4-2. I would describe most matches to be played with a 6-0 and 3-2-1 hybrid of sorts. But again... the defensive formations are very dynamic and fluid.

The only thing I'd maybe change is to perhaps add an "aggression" or "defensive pressure" factor (similar to what there is in ppm's basketball). But otherwise, I think ppm has largely gotten handball's tactics to where they work for the sake of this game at least.

Ok. So I just joined a league. I've tried before and had no idea how to make the right lineups and training regimens. Any advice?

Reading through the guide (the lightbulb at the topright of the webpages) helps give quite a bit of general information.

Outside of that, here's some general recommendations to get you started:

1)
Make sure that players play in a position that they are comfortable with (right handed players prefer the right side, lefties prefer the left side, and universal players can play either side with equal effectiveness).

2)
As far as training goes, most people generally try to train players with "4/3/2/1 ratios." What that means is... You train their least important skills 1/4 as much as the top skill... medium important skills train at 1/2 as much as the top skill... and highly important skills train at 3/4 as much as the top skill. For goalies, the top skill is "goaltending," for all other players, the top skill is "field play."

Backs highly value passing
Pivots highly value aggression
Wings highly value speed

All field players value TEC as a medium important skill... and should have some Shooting or Blocking skill as well (depending if they play offense or defense).

3)
Play players in the positions based on the above (field players with good passing should play as Backs... while field players with good speed are better suited as wings).

4)
As far as tactics go, just pick something you like and stick with it. The 5-1 is a pretty well rounded defensive format. As are balanced attack and balanced shooting.

5)
You might want to consider buying some CHEAP veteran players with relatively high OR on the market. This will help you do better early on. Buy players that are just good enough to help you stay ranked in the top 4 in your division. Doing well in your division will help you earn more money when sponsorships are decided at the end of the season, which helps you build your team faster. Don't spend a ton of money here though... not more than 100k-200k per player.

6)
While other people might suggest differently, I would focus mainly on improving your HR Facility and your Arena capacity. This will drive more income into your team's finances. Improve your other facilities where possible, but don't spend too much money there until you're making good money from your arena and sponsorship deals (The HR department improves how much money sponsors will pay you)

7)
Your goals in the first several seasons should be to:
- spend just enough money on players to be successful at the level you're playing at
- spend the majority of your money on upgrades that increase your earning potential (arena capacity and HR dept)
- upgrading your Training Facility, Regen Facility, and Sports Academy with whatever is left over.



Anyways... feel free to ask if you have any other questions... but I hope this helps and gets you started...

Ok thanks! I'm just trying to figure out attributes and formations mostly. I understand Hockey, Basketball, and somewhat Soccer, but I have no idea how Handball works

Search "team handball" on google. you can get a decent feeling for the way the game works just by watching some youtube hi-light reels for it.

If(when) I lose my regulation/promotion match can I still be promoted?