Broken Defensive Positioning: AI Defenders Leave Attackers Free in Box
Issue Overview:
The Defensive AI is currently suffering from critical spatial awareness and positioning breakdowns inside and around the penalty box. Instead of holding a logical defensive line or tracking active attacking runs, AI-controlled defenders frequently make erratic, unprompted movements that completely take them out of the play and gift opponents free goal-scoring opportunities.
In-Game Video Evidence (Two Major Cases):
Case 1: Blind Drop-Back & Zero Spatial Boundaries
During an opponent's attacking build-up near the edge of the box, the AI defender sprints backward endlessly without any awareness of proper defensive zones or where to hold the line. As shown in the clip, the defender drops all the way into the six-yard box—nearly running himself off the pitch—which completely destroys the offside line and leaves the central attacking threat with acres of free space.
https://youtu.be/BiC6rf3erc0?si=zrPSWKDUH4j_h1Q-
Case 2: Unexplained Marking Abandonment Inside the Box
In the second scenario, the defender starts in a solid position, closely marking the opponent's attacker inside the penalty area. Suddenly, and for no tactical reason, the AI defender drifts away into empty space and completely abandons the attacker right as the pass is played, leaving the opponent completely unmarked for an easy 1-on-1 finish.
https://youtu.be/R9Vm62t_SOQ?si=-5YlZM3LpAhsfuwX
Competitive Impact:
- Unfair Defensive Breakdowns: Players are heavily penalized by automated AI errors that occur faster than manual player-switching can compensate for.
- Broken Tactical Structure: Defensive roles and zonal awareness fail to function properly when defenders actively run away from danger zones.
Recommended Fix:
Overhaul and patch the defensive positioning and man-marking logic inside the final third so AI defenders properly hold their tactical line, respect spatial boundaries, and stay locked onto nearby attacking threats inside the box.
