Let’s take a look at the defense game.
Competent defense is the basis of playing FIFA. Without this skill, you will endlessly lose to the most average opponents and are unlikely to enjoy the game. We have compiled the main defense rules that will help footsim beginners.
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Configuring control in protection
First, let’s define the control settings. Immediately put the «Competitive mode» on which you will play in FIFA Ultimate Team. The most interesting point is auto-switching. «Auto Switch» is too slow, so select «Riding and Orphan Balls». The left bumper is responsible for manually switching control between players. Turning the right stick works a little faster, but both methods are not ideal.
The classic FIFA layout doesn’t need to be changed, although there are a few tweaks. Goalkeeper Exit and Player Containment are rare functions, but occupy important buttons: Y (triangle) and A (cross). Here you can put «Deterrence by a partner.»
How to tackle the ball in FIFA?
Active defense (jockey) is a manual defense method that replaced the one-button tackles in FIFA in the 2010s. Use the combination LT+RT (L2+R2) to close the distance and the select button or jockey without acceleration for more accurate reception at close range.
Don’t forget about manual followwhen you are in front of an opposing player from the side. Read the game, cover obvious passing areas and pair with a jockey when needed. The easiest way to practice the skill is in the offensive zone after losing the ball.
It looks interesting blocking jockey on someone else’s half of the field. It requires almost no movement, but instantly closes the pass zones around your player. Opponents expect manual pressure or careful following and often lose the ball when coming out of defense after a set piece.
selections (B/lap) without a jockey are rare in FIFA. They are effective in shoulder-to-shoulder martial arts or in obvious situations where your player is directly in front of the opponent. Tackling from less than ideal positions is almost useless and will complicate things by losing position. However, sometimes the selection by a strong defender from behind slows down the attacker and allows the goalkeeper to go out.
Another popular type of selection is pressure. Controlled player containment (A/cross) is useless and is only applicable to close the distance in standard situations — only then the player moves in a straight line. If you press containment on the side and behind the opponent, then the player will lose the gate and miss him.
Team pressing (d-pad down and to the left) increases the pressure of the players, although it does not work for long. Pressing with two players (2x RB/R1) will involve two players at once, who will follow the nearest opponents, but their participation in the pressing is formal.
Finally, the most effective type of pressure is partner containment (RB/R1). With one player you manually control the passing zones, while the other player actively attacks the opponent with the ball.
The main task of automatic pressing is to attract players to the opponents’ players. Press carefully: the high effectiveness of the reception is leveled by empty zones that are created by involved players.
Tackles (X/square) is an important element of protection. Jump in front of or at a slight angle from the opponent, but never creep to the side and behind — this is too dangerous and leads to ridiculous red cards. Experienced players make «empty» tackles and block areas for obvious passes.
An additional bonus will give you artificial offside (2x cross down). He pulls the defensive line up, making it easier to tackle in the event of sharp forward passes. Do not use artificial offside for its intended purpose! This maneuver will lead to huge holes in the defense and one-on-one opponent exits.
Playing on set pieces
Set pieces in FIFA can be unpredictable, so don’t lose focus. During free kicks switch to a player in front of a crowd of footballers. If the standard is far from the goal, run the outer players out of the wall. This way you will create a big advantage in case of a short play of the ball.
A similar situation with corner. Choose a solid central defender or just the tallest player and manually cover the opponent’s striker. The maneuver will not protect against scripts, but it works better than automatic positioning of players. In the case of a short rally, be sure to close the distance and block access to the penalty area.
Playing the ball from the center of the field — a separate type of standards in FIFA. Players often attack bravely and run through defenders, so it’s important not to get confused and calmly stop the attacker with a jockey or a tackle.
There is no handicap in FIFA. Why do we feel differently?
Goalkeeper game
Playing as a goalkeeper is the most subtle part of FIFA gameplay. It is situational, so the main conclusions will come through experience. The only obvious chance for exit goalkeeper (Y/triangle) — a long throw of the ball by the opponent during the sprint. In most cases, the loss of position with a one-on-one exit ends in a goal conceded.
There is a lot of talk about the movement of the goalkeeper. For beginners, it is harmful: you will open the zone and are unlikely to outwit the enemy. The goalkeeper’s exit during corner kicks looks interesting (pressing the right stick + moving it to the side). You will definitely catch all the passes into the center of the penalty area, but a sophisticated opponent will spin the ball into the goal.
Penalties are a game of nerves. FIFA 23 no longer has the attacker’s cheat look, so you’ll have to guess. If you are sure of hitting the corner, take an extra step to the side (left stick) and jump there (right stick) or trick your opponent and close the center. However, it is still much easier to score a penalty.
