[Dwarf] Dwarf Vs Skaven (or Wood Elf)

[Thick Skull]

I'm (still) new to BB and looking for advice from the masters. I'm playing a dwarf team in a league with some friends and my next opponents are skaven. I've not really faced any high agility teams yet (bar Dark elves) and most of my matches have focused on an extended brawl (perhasp this is the case in most BB games...).

My usual tactic when kicking is to deploy close to the LoS, with only my runner behind to cover. Although many of my players have tackle, its not going to stop skaven running through and around them. Can anyone recommend a decent kicking deployment for dwarves vs Skaven (or Wood elves for that matter)?

Aside from deployment, my strategy will be to mark/bash gutter runners as often as possible and try to get the ball loose. My opponent has a Rat Ogre with Guard, but the rest of his team is thin on skills. I get the feeling I may have more problems should he choose to cage up (and keep the ball safe) than run around me. Obviously, I'm going to look to dominate posession and smash a 2-1 grind out if possible. Any useful tactics for dwarves against Skaven (or agile) teams?

Thanks!

[Coach]

You need to be careful when defending to not let the other team get the wrong side of your players.

Setting up too close to the LOS can be a critical error, especially for a slow team like Dwarfs who will have a hard time chasing back. I think this is a fundamental defensive mistake that many coaches make, not just new ones. Not got the time to post any diagrams right now, I'm going to cover kick off formations in their own articles at some point though, so keep your eyes peeled for them.

[coachman]

You will need to put a man or 2 back away from the line to smash any gutter runners lurking near the endzone. Chances are most of their scores will come from a pass or a hand off to a gutter runner in your half.

Mark up to force him to block or dodge, this should give you a numbers advantage by half time. If he cages you shouldn't find it too hard to get through a corner to mark the ball carrier. If its a gutter runner this probably won't make any difference though.

Chances are if he gets the ball he will score. That makes it more important what you do when you have the ball. 2 last turn scores will result in a win. Don't take too many risks on offence and keep the ball safe. He should have real problems breaking your cage.

[Thick Skull]

How's this look for a line-up:



And thanks for your advice Coach and Coachman.

Edit:

Also this:

[coachman]

Cant see it, its a private play apparently

[Thick Skull]

Originally Posted by coachman

Cant see it, its a private play apparently

ah yes, sorry - hope its visible now.

[coachman]

2nd one Looks ok.

As someone who plays the faster teams, your front line cant make the most of guard so spread out, it will probably start 2 on 1 up front.

I'd maybe bring the deepest guy closer to midfield. Personally I also like to have 2 guys protecting each wing. With 1 I'd push him and run through.

[S1nner]

Would be another option, though if you had two runners, it would be better.

The most important thing, however, is to pressure the ball. Dwarf play is slow, and if you don't force them to make a mistake or score quickly, you will not be able to run a decent offense.

[Coach]

I think those two set ups you showed are going too far the other way.

[coachman]

Originally Posted by S1nner

...
Would be another option, though if you had two runners, it would be better.

For some reason I can't copy your formation.

I just worry about your flanks here, multiple gutter runners would be behind all off your men on turn 1. I'd want to put tackle zones against the sidelines. Just be careful of the ratogre and crowd pushes though.