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Manual Guide

by What_lad

Pro Evolution Soccer 
Manual Pass / Manual Shot (Right Analogue Stick) Guide 
v1.1 by Paul Marshall



NOTE: This is a general guide for the series and not for one specific
version. The research conducted was primarily based on Pro Evolution
Soccer 6 for XBOX 360, but has been validated on Pro Evolution Soccer
2008 for both Playstation 2 and XBOX 360. It should in theory apply 
to any version of any game in the series.


======================================================================
IMAGINE HERE IS A PROPER FANCY GRAPHIC SAYING SOMETHING LIKE: 
"PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER MANUAL PASS / SHOT GUIDE" AND IT'S GOT LIKE, 
A BALL, AND FLAMES, AND SOMEONE PERFORMING A SCISSOR KICK WHICH GOES 
OVER THE KEEPER FROM THE HALF WAY LINE. YOU KNOW, STUFF LIKE THAT.
UNDERNEATH ALL THIS IT SAYS "A GUIDE BY PAUL MARSHALL" 
IN SUBTLE BUT AUTHORATIVE LETTERING.
======================================================================



Alright lad. This is a guide on how to properly get to grips with and
use the Manual Pass and Manual Shot function in the Pro Evolution 
Soccer games. Two features which have amazing potential to increase 
both your ability and enjoyment of this series. And yet this feature
has been entirely overlooked and is completely undocumented amongst
players of this game! It's a mystery. I remember going to one Pro Evo
forum and trying to find someone who knew what I was talking about,
and I couldn't. It was mad.

VERSION HISTORY: 
20th Oct 2008 -this is version 1.0 i think it's finished but if i
remember any other ideas i'll add them. innit? laughin', kid.

27th June 2009 - whoa WHOA!!! slight update, a few new sections
including manual keeper cursor control and a few bits 'n' bobs.


======================================================================
CONTENTS:
======================================================================
I.        Introduction - Why you should use the manual function
II.       Controls - How to perform a 'manual'
III.      More information on the manual
IV.       The Manual Pass
V.        The Manual Long Ball
VI.       The Manual Shot
VII.      The advantage of 'manuals' in impossible situations
VIII.     The offside glitch / the replay glitch
IX.       Manual Keeper Cursor
X.        Credits / Contact



======================================================================
I.        Introduction - Why you should use the manual function
======================================================================
The Manual Pass is a technique which, when exploited, allows you to 
create openings and score goals in situations that are otherwise 
impossible. Yet most players of this game do not or simply can not 
use this technique. Be warned, this guide, and this technique, 
are not for casual players.

Granted, it's tricky at first to point the right analogue stick 
accurately in the desired direction, but a bit of practise will go a
long way and if you stick (lol) at it you'll soon be reaping the 
rewards, as well as completely blowing open the dimensions of the
narrow 8-directional field of play. 

Learning to use the Manual Pass effectively will allow you to 
construct flowing passing moves exactly how you want them, without 
the computer's AI misinterpreting your intention all the time and 
sending players into the wrong channels. It will not only offer 
advantages against your opponents, it will maximise your 
enjoyment of the game and the ability to express 
yourself as a footballer far beyond the rigid controls of this game!
Nothing beats the feeling of performing a beautiful pass or shot, 
knowing that it was 100% due to your own vision and aim, and 0% 
down to the AI or accuracy ability of the player you are using.

This guide should give you all the advice you need on how to properly
 learn the art of the Manual Pass and the Manual Shot. The Manual 
Shot itself is a technique Seabass himself, or the Konami team aren't
even aware of. Or at least haven't accounted for in the programming 
of the offside rule. More on this in section IX.

This is my first ever guide so I'm not really sure what I'm doing, but
 it can't be that hard and I think the information provided here is 
not to be found anywhere else on the internet or in print anywhere in 
the world. I'm not much of a nerd and wouldn't have even bothered 
writing this up if I thought anyone else could provide this 
information!



======================================================================
II.        Controls - How to perform a 'manual'
======================================================================
There are exactly two ways of performing what is a 'manual'. The 
first is an on the ground pass, and the second a lofted or long ball 
similar in power and trajectory to what you would get by pressing the
long ball button. 

ON THE GROUND PASS - point the right analogue stick in the direction
you want the ball to go, click in then release for power of the pass

LONG PASS - hold L1 (LB Xbox) while doing as above.

More specific information on controls:
Strictly speaking, you should point the stick fully in the direction
you want the ball to travel. If you have time on the ball, its 
often a good idea to point the stick in the direction you want, make
sure of the accuracy and THEN click for power. Pointing the stick 
will do nothing (as long as you don't rotate or flick it) allowing 
you to steady your aim before performing the pass. It's never a good 
idea to click then aim. Always aim then click. The time between 
aiming then clicking will be reduced as your own thumb to eye 
technique improves.



======================================================================
III.       More information on the manual
======================================================================
THE ABILITY IS YOURS, NOT THE PLAYERS
Every player in this game performs a manual pass in the exact same 
way, regardless of their own abilities or stats in-game. A player 
with a pass stat of zero and a player with a pass stat of 99 will 
perform the exact same manual pass and manual long pass. The accuracy
is determined by your own ability to point the stick and determine 
the power. 

With this in mind, certain options suddenly open up. Defenders have
a useful shot, being on the turn is no longer an issue and opposing
defenders applying pressure is also nothing to stop you having a pop
at the target! For more details, see section VII:



======================================================================
IV.      The Manual Pass
======================================================================
When you perform a manual pass, because it is an unusual style of 
pass that can't be achieved normally, the opposing players do not
react in the same pre-scripted way and sometimes take a moment to
realise what is going on. Take this opportunity, after performing a
manual, make sure you are instantly in control of the receiving 
player to get him to run towards the ball. 

Note: sometimes when you have just used a manual pass, the AI will
be slow to select the desired receiver. Often you will have to 
quickly change players (L1 or LB) to get the right receiver of 
the pass. Another point is that receiving players often gently 
stroll towards the ball, its usually (but not always) a 
good idea to perform a super-cancel (R1 & R2, or RB & RT) straight
 after playing a manual pass, to gain true control over the receiving
player and take him into the space where the ball has been played.

Manual passes are an advantage for playing passes in difficult
situations that wouldn't normally be possible, but also to play
regular passes better than they would be played. Often the computer
AI won't take into account the opponents position when playing a
normal pass or a normal through ball. For example, if the receiving 
player is marked on his right side, and you pass to him, you 
will pass directly to him, with the chance of interception. 
With the manual, you can pass to the left of him away from 
the opposing player! This is just an example of how you can 
use the manual to pass into the space and always use the space.

It's worth noting that usually a player receiving a manual pass will
not need to trap or control the ball before moving with it, usually
a manual will be picked up in a players stride, buying valuable time
for the next move.

Another advantage is that if you tap a light manual pass in front of
another team mate, this ball acts the same as a loose ball, and any
shot hit from a manual pass is usually as powerful and accurate as a
loose ball strike would be. So bear in mind if you have players
around you, you can lay them on for a shot with a gentle manual.

There are plenty of other ideas, you can point tiny passes inbetween
two oncoming defenders where a normal pass would probably hit one of
them. You can spot on the radar that your forward is on the right
hand side of his defender, just point a manual all the way up the
pitch on the right hand side and your attacker should run onto it
first. Anywhere you see space, just play into it.

Here is a good strategy to use, which also looks nice:
Say you are in the centre of the field, if you pass to a player
slightly wide of you, using L1 and pass, the central player who has
just passed it will then make a run forwards. Instead of playing the 
usual 1-2 back to him, pass in the same direction you just passed 
to a third wide player. Before the third player receives the pass, 
simply point a manual at a diagonal just ahead of the first central
 player's run. He should play a first time manual behind the 
back line of defence, which by now the first player has just 
run beyond and is through on goal.

Any time you know a player is making a run, point that analogue stick
in the direction he's running! You'll be surprised at how well this
 can work and how good it looks.

First time manual pass / shot:
If you aim your manual pass before the player receives the ball, they
will perform the pass first time. Be aware though that the strength of
 the pass will be determind by the direction the player is facing. 
Most directions you'll get full power, but in certain angles power 
will be compromised. Also note if your power bar is displayed, but 
the player controls the ball before he makes the pass, what 
follows is usually a weak and mis-directed manual pass. Its better 
to super-cancel (R1 & R2 or RB & RT) in these situations
just as you see him control it.
Furthermore, if you click the power bar JUST before the player 
receives the ball, this is too late and he will mis-control it, 
then slightly tap the ball in the direction you implied. 
This is also better off cancelled at the mis-control.


======================================================================
V.       The Manual Long Ball
======================================================================
A lot of the same strategies apply. The Manual Long Ball is achieved
by pressing L1 when doing a regular manual, and the height, speed
and trajectory of the ball are all similar to if you had pressed the
regular long ball button. Except now you can point it exactly where
you want it to go. 

Useful for playing diagonal long balls that spring the offside trap
with a winger who plays slightly behind the front line. Or just
punting a ball into the box from any situation see what happens!

Even a straight long ball up the field can now work if you aim it
nearer to your attackers side. Spring that offside trap!



======================================================================
VI.        The Manual Shot
======================================================================
The manual shot is genius and will change the game for you. You now
have two (admittedly difficult) new options whenever you are in front
of goal. A short range on the ground shot that can be aimed exactly
where you want, or a more long range new kind of chip that can also
be directed and given the power you want.

Firstly, the on the ground shot. The keepers do not react to this as
well as they would a regular low shot. If the shot is near to them
but not at them, it'll often go in. Manual shots tend to find their
way through a keepers legs, or inbetween his arms or underneath his
body as he dives etc. Keepers can save them easily don't get me
wrong, it's not like suddenly you have guaranteed goals. They just
can go in, in situations where a shot wouldn't. Bear this in mind
and know when to wield it and when not to.

Another advantage of the manual shot is when you are wide of goal,
if you have run the keeper out and see an open goal, but you are at
a wide angle. The manual shot can be aimed into the goal when a
regular shot would not have the accuracy. Especially if you are
running at an angle to the goal at the time of shooting, but don't
have time to turn due to being chased by the keeper. A nicely aimed
manual shot is perfect for these situations.

Another point is that usually manuals can be hit first time without
the need for controlling the ball (at least when receiving an on the 
ground pass). 
So if you pass to a player inside the box, and point the stick 
towards goal before he receives the ball, he will hit off a first 
time shot in the direction you aimed. 
From close range these are often too fast for the keeper so your aim
doesn't even need to be exact. And when your aim IS exact (in off
the post or somethin), you can just feel that much smugger knowing
all the accuracy was your own!

As for the manual lob, or chip, this is also useful. Often when
you're bearing down on goal the keepr will run towards you a bit.
The L1 chip is very slow and takes a long time to come down. Usually
giving the keeper a chance to step backwards and save. The R1 chip 
is not high enough to beat a keeper from long range. With the manual
chip, you can basically do a fast long ball in any direction you
want. So keep in mind the goalkeepers position because you can hit
a fast chip over him. Bear in mind the manual chip is not as high
in trajectory so if the keeper stands up to it, he'll often save.
But if it goes slightly to his side or is at an angle it'll often
bounce right over him and it always looks really great.

I wouldn't recommend using a manual chip inside the box although
there are wonder goals to be had if you insist on it. As for long
range, whenever a keeper comes out way too far, its nice to know
you can point a long shot at goal from anywhere on the pitch without
even having to control it or be facing in the right direction.

Also remember you can shoot with a manual in situations that
normally would be difficult to get a normal shot off. 
See section VII for details.



======================================================================
VII.       The advantage of 'manuals' in impossible situations
======================================================================
The manual is useful in plenty of situations where the other controls
provide little options. Here are a few tips:


PASS INTO SPACE
The regular pass button will only pass in the direction of a player.
If everyone is marked, it is useless. With the manual, you can pass
the ball into empty space for your players to run into. Simply by
looking at the scanner, you can determine where the space is, and
if your own player is closer to it, send the ball into that space
and then switch players and run them into it. Your opponent, not
expecting this kind of ball, will usually take longer to fill the
space than your own player. This is useful in all kinds of
situations where another ball would only lead to losing possession.
The beauty of the manual is you can see where the space is, and
play the ball into it for other players. The other controls always
take into account your own players positions and will play the ball
directly to, or directly ahead of them (often directly into the path
of a defender). If there is acres of space but its at a weird angle, 
all controls become useless. 
You can only exploit this space using a manual. 
The manual will let you put the ball wherever you want it to be. 

Take note of your player's positions on the scanner and hit balls
close to them but into space away from the opponents players, you
should be able to get to the ball first and keep the play going.
The key is not to overdo this technique. It will create problems
if used unnecessarily, but is a useful trick in a tight spot. For
example, blocked into your own corner area, simply point the stick
up the line where a pass would be directionless and too slow or a
through ball would be collected by the opponent.


POWER WHILE ON THE TURN
Another thing to note is that a manual is the only time a player
will be able to get power and accuracy when performing a move in
the opposite direction they are facing, or when on the turn. 

For example, you have the ball right in front of your opponents
goal, but you are facing the opposite way to goal. Shooting will
usually cause you to sky the ball into the air or wide, so usually
your only option is to pass the ball to someone facing goal, or
attempt to turn around yourself, wasting valuable time and often
allowing the defense to catch you or surround you.

If you point the manual in the direction of the goal, you will hit
a full power 'pass' on the turn exactly in the direction you want
to when all other controls would let you down in this situation. 


ACCURACY WHILE UNDER PRESSURE
This trick also applies to when you are under heavy pressure from
defenders and would usually perform a bad shot, a manual (as long
as you get it off before being tackled) will always travel in the
direction and with the power that you have given it regardless of
how many defenders are on your case. This is useful in all kinds of
situations and means having defenders close to you is no longer a
reason to stop and try to beat them, you can still get your shot off!


ABILITY NO LONGER RELEVANT
If you're bearing down on goal with some half injured reject centre
back from somewhere like China, no offense... (or should that be no
offence? ;), and you know even breathing on the shoot button is
going to give away a goal kick (or even a throw in), consider the
manual shot. It'll have the same accuracy and power no matter which
player you are controlling, it's all about your own aim!



======================================================================
VIII.      The offside glitch / the replay glitch
======================================================================
Offside glitch:
There is a glitch in this game meaning that if you score using a
manual, any player who is offside when you score will cause the
goal to be disallowed. It doesn't matter if he is on the opposite
side of the pitch and nowhere near the ball or the play. If he is
offside when the manual is hit, the linesman's flag will go up and
the goal will be disallowed. This is due to the fact that the
computer assumes any use of the right analogue stick is for a pass,
and not for a shot. Leading me to believe Seabass or the Konami team
are not aware of the potential of the Manual Shot and should email
me ( [email protected] ) if they are reading this for
further ideas on how I can help!

Replay glitch:
If you miss narrowly with a manual, there will be no replay.
The game will simply go to a goal kick. However if you hit the
post or the crossbar, you will get the usual replay. Also, in the
highlights, any manual goals scored will only be replayed once,
not the standard three times.


======================================================================
IX.      Manual Keeper Cursor
======================================================================
A must for any true player. You can set your keeper cursor to manual
in the Player Settings screen. From this point on, by pressing L1 & 
Triangle (PS2) or LB & Y (XBOX), you now have control over your 
goalkeepers positioning!

Don't worry, you don't have to control his diving, he will still do 
that on his own, but you are now in control of his starting position 
as he receives a shot! Practise at this will fool most LIVE 
players and save your skin in 1-1s a fair few times!

Basically if your opponent has beaten your last defender, hold 
Square (or X on XBOX) to keep your last defender chasing, 
then get control of your keeper. As your opponent bears down 
on goal, try to stand your keeper (may need to watch via scanner)
where you think the shot is going to go. The amount
of times people expect an onrushing keeper, and just shoot only to 
find your keeper standing in the far corner going "thx".

Beware though, moving your keeper the wrong way just as a shot
flies by will often render him immobile and it'll whizz past his 
head while he keeps his hands by his sides! Use with caution 
until perfected.

Two more points to note: When in control of the keeper, you can
still bring him out to meet the ball by holding Triangle
(or Y on XBOX) but he will only jog towards it while the 
cursor is on. If you want him to sprint towards it you must 
either take the cursor off him, or hold Sprint (R1 or RB) yourself.

Lastly, a manually controlled keeper can't really control a loose 
ball. A backpass is fine, but a deflection, a rebound, a funny 
bounce, anything remotely loose, you walk your keeper over to it, 
he walks right past it without bringing it under control. 
Take the cursor off of the keeper in these situations
and just direct him towards the ball using Triangle (or X XBOX).


======================================================================
X.     Footnote / Credits / Contact
======================================================================
Well there are lots of ideas, and things to try. Now with the manual
pass, manual chip and manual shot and lob, you are equipped to fully
express yourself and your own ideas on Pro Evolution Soccer like
you've never been able to before. Go and play the beautiful game
however you see fit!

Credit must go to Tony Cargin for his discovery of the manual shot
and his continued research into the art of manuals.

All this what has been written up is all my own work and that. You
can't read this information anywhere else on the internet except
for gamefaqs.com. And if you do, it's by some baghead who can't be
arsed to do his own so he just thought he'd rob mine. Please tell
me if you see it somewhere else so I can go down there and ask for
money. Or if you are Seabass or anyone working for Konami and you
think I definitely DEFINITELY need to be working on your team. 
Or you just want to give me money or a purpose, that's
fine too.

EMAIL: [email protected]

THIS DOCUMENT IS COPYRIGHT OF PAUL MARSHALL 20TH AUGUST 2008