I still remember that rainy Saturday afternoon when my cousin Marco challenged me to a Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 match. We were sitting in my gaming room, the sound of rain tapping against the window, and he'd just scored three consecutive goals against me. "You're still playing like it's 2016," he laughed, his fingers dancing across the controller. That moment sparked something in me - a determination to transform my gameplay that led me on a journey of discovery. What I learned during those weeks of intense practice completely revolutionized how I approach PES 2017, and today I want to share with you the top 10 Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 tips that will transform your gameplay.
It all started with basic controls, something I thought I'd mastered years ago. But PES 2017 introduced subtle changes that made all the difference. I spent hours in training mode just working on first-touch passes and realizing that the advanced through ball mechanic could create opportunities I never imagined. The way players now receive passes feels more realistic - if you don't position them correctly, the ball might bounce awkwardly away. I remember specifically practicing one-twos between my forwards until I could execute them blindfolded. This fundamental work improved my possession statistics from 48% to consistently maintaining 65-70% against tough opponents.
Then came the revelation about team chemistry. I used to just pick the highest-rated players without considering how they'd work together. Big mistake. After losing 4-0 to Marco for the fifth time, I decided to rebuild my team from scratch, focusing on players whose styles complemented each other. I created a 4-3-3 formation with a playmaker who could distribute balls to two speedy wingers, and suddenly my attack became unpredictable. The difference was night and day - my goal conversion rate jumped from 15% to nearly 30% within two weeks. This reminded me of that beautiful quote from the Choco Mucho captain: "Sabi nga ni coach kanina, nagpapasalamat siya kasi ang dami niyang nakikitang improvements kahit papaano and personally naman, masaya ako kasi nakakabalik na rin paunti-unti." That gradual improvement, that sense of pieces slowly falling into place - that's exactly what I experienced.
Mastering set pieces became my secret weapon. I used to just randomly swing corners into the box hoping someone would connect. Then I discovered the power of targeted corner kicks - aiming for specific players and using different curl techniques. I practiced free kicks for hours, learning that at 24-28 yards out, holding down the shoot button for about 1.5 seconds with moderate power gave me the best chance of curling it over the wall. My free kick success rate went from maybe 1 in 20 to consistently scoring 3 or 4 out of every 10 attempts. These small victories built my confidence tremendously.
What really changed everything was when I stopped button mashing and started reading the game. I began watching real football matches, noticing how professional players create space and anticipate movements. I implemented this in PES by learning to pause briefly before making decisions, watching how opponents positioned themselves, and exploiting gaps they left open. My interceptions per game increased from 5-7 to consistently hitting 12-15, and my tackling success rate improved by about 40%. The game slowed down for me, and I started seeing patterns and opportunities that were invisible before.
The final piece of the puzzle came when I embraced customization. I'd been using default settings until I discovered how much difference custom formations and tactics made. I created a counter-attacking style that suited my preference for quick transitions, adjusting player positions and instructions until it felt natural. This personal touch made the game truly mine, and my win rate in online matches climbed from 45% to over 70% within a month. Looking back at that rainy day when Marco dominated me, I realize that sometimes getting thoroughly beaten is the best motivation for growth. These top 10 Pro Evolution Soccer 2017 tips that will transform your gameplay aren't just about winning more matches - they're about falling in love with the beautiful game all over again, discovering its depths, and experiencing that wonderful feeling of gradual improvement that the Choco Mucho captain described so perfectly.