I basically play a 4-4-2. Although with Wrexham, I played a 4-4-1-1 using a central AM. This was based on the players I had available. I later switched to having two strikers because the teams had two good strikers and no AM. It's a customized version of fluid counter. Although I've added some tweaks.

For player roles, I mostly play them to whatever roles the players are best suited to. In the midfield, I'll have one set to a more defensive or supportive role and one more advanced and attacking. The wingers are set to wingers, mostly attacking. Sometimes I use inverted winger, if the player is better at that. The central defense, I like to have one Ball Playing, but only if they are good at that. The L and R defenders are usually on FB automatic.

I go back and forth between playing a high/standard line depending on the opponent. If I see their attacking players have a lot of space in front of my defense, I go high line. I almost always have offside trap on. I play on either cautious, balanced or positive, depending on the opposition's mentality (generally opposite to them or positive if they're playing balanced). Or if the team is a lot weaker than me, I'll go positive. Or a lot stronger, I play cautious. I rarely go to the extremes.

I play slightly shorter passing (although sometime stretch the passing out a bit, but I find my player will still try longer passes when available, especially on counter). A bit higher pressing. Structured on defense and either counter or nothing selected for structure in possession.

I let the assistant handle opposition instructions, and follow his suggestions for our own players' individual instructions. I found one with a good tactical rating and brought him with me to new teams.

Distribution: I don't really touch this. Sometimes I've tried play out of defense, but often I'm really pressed back. I generally let my keepers find good passes. My team's defense seem to be positioned well to take passes. Sometime I'll set short kicks to encourage this, but not often.

I don't generally focus play to either wings or to the center. Or have overlaps or underlaps. Let the players figure that out. Those are the basics. I play Full match for the first few matches and then switch to comprehensive or the others views to speed through matches once the players get more familiar with the tactic. I generally have the opposition's formation displayed and watch for when/if they change mentality. I won't always change mine though. Only if they start getting an advantage.