can anyone advise me on how to use counter attack and off side effectively?

[Fazil]

Usually Counter is use when mentality is defensive and Offside when it is Attacking, I suggest you to use Naroow diamond it is very effective against 4-4-2.

Mentality: Attacking--F Passing: Through the middle--Pressing Style: Own half-- Tackling: Hard-- Passing Style: Mixed-- Marking: Zonal, No counter No offside trap.

If you have strong defensive players than use offside trap other wise it is too risky.