Taking a 4-1 setup on train is an easy feat. The two bomb sites are closely linked by one major connection and therefore as long as are able to hold that linkage – rotating between either bomb site can be a piece of pie. The key to taking this kind of setup is to figure out from previous rounds the nature of the opponent when they’re attacking. Do they like to do a full outside rush one round, and then initiate a slower inside round the next one? How do they react after you denied them on a rush? Do they continue rushing or do they take things slower? With these important pieces of information you can easily predict what they do next.

Setup 4 inside with 1 in connector watching outside or have 4 outside with 1 connector watching inside.


































**Note: These are not actual setups, only shown so you get the idea.




Of course there are many more setups I can introduce; some which are very effective and more complicated than the ones shown here. But then, I’d rather save those for another day. Or who knows, maybe I’ll write a book on all this someday. The point of this article is to simply raise awareness – stop the conventional style of play as defense, it’s completely predictable, easily able to be defeated, and definitely lacking in creativity. Try some new setups and test it in scrims and matches. Let me know how they go and if you need some advice on how to create some of your own, then feel free to contact me as well.

We’ll examine another topic in my next Stratagem article, losing rounds purposely. Till then, good luck and see you all soon!

Special thanks to _jEaNnIe, Zero^_, blue and mouse and for their contributions to this article.