I hear a lot of people saying that " Tactics don't work in FM13" and I keep losing.
After I ask them how they are using tactics I am not surprised at the results they are getting. There is a lot to tactics in the game and many people do not utilize anything other than a plug and play.
So, here is a brief guide to using tactics successfully.
First, look at your squad and determine what style of play you can actually play?
Do you have very fast wingers like SWP and Lennon? Then you need to play to those attributes and play with the two wingers and not a standard 4-4-2.
Next, adjust your players attributes individually.
Using the tactics screen, use the drop down menu as pictured below
You need to adjust EACH players strengths and weaknesses for EACH category
Example below, using Ben Arfa and adjusting his "Run with Ball" category to the maximum.
After you go through each players settings, and you will be amazed at some of what is already in there and will realize why some of your players are not performing well. Then save that tactic that you started with.
Now, go to your set piece creator and set up your team/players instructions there.