How to Defend Like a Pro in FC 24
Defending in FIFA 24 can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, mastering defensive strategies can make all the difference in turning the tide of a match in your favor. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential tips and techniques to help you defend like a pro in FC 24. From positioning to tackling, we’ve got you covered.
1. Master Positioning and Anticipation
The foundation of solid defending in FC 24 lies in positioning and anticipation. Unlike attacking, where you can rely on creativity and skill moves, defending requires discipline and foresight. Here’s how to get it right:
Stay Goal-Side: Always position yourself between the opponent and your goal. This reduces the space available for the attacker to exploit.
Anticipate Moves: Pay attention to the opponent’s body language and movement. If they’re cutting inside, anticipate a shot or a pass to a teammate.
Use Defensive Awareness: In FC 24, the AI is more responsive, so rely on your player’s defensive awareness to automatically adjust positioning.
By staying one step ahead, you can neutralize threats before they become dangerous.
2. Use Jockeying to Your Advantage
Jockeying is a defensive technique that allows you to slow down an attacker without committing to a tackle. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move that, when done correctly, can give you the upper hand:
Hold the Jockey Button: In FC 24, holding the jockey button (L2 on PlayStation or LT on Xbox) allows your player to stay in front of the attacker and mirror their movements.
Avoid Overcommitting: Don’t lunge in unless you’re certain of winning the ball. Overcommitting can leave you out of position and vulnerable to a counterattack.
Use it to Buy Time: Jockeying is perfect for delaying the attacker long enough for your teammates to recover and provide support.
3. Tackle Wisely
Tackling is an art in FC 24, and timing is everything. Here’s how to tackle like a pro:
Standing Tackles: Use standing tackles (O on PlayStation or A on Xbox) when you’re confident of winning the ball. These are less risky but require precise timing.
Sliding Tackles: Sliding tackles (Slide tackle button) are high-risk but can win the ball back quickly. Use them sparingly and only when the reward outweighs the risk.
Avoid Foul Play: Be careful not to commit unnecessary fouls, especially in dangerous areas like the edge of the box. A misplaced tackle can lead to free kicks or penalties.
4. Utilize Your Goalkeeper
Your goalkeeper is your last line of defense, and in FC 24, they can be a game-changer. Here’s how to use them effectively:
Sweeper Keeper: If you’re playing with a sweeper keeper, they’ll often come out of the box to intercept passes. Use this to your advantage by staying deeper and letting them handle through balls.
Command Your Keeper: Use the “Come Out” and “Stay Back” commands to control your goalkeeper’s positioning. This is especially useful during set-pieces or when dealing with crosses.
Defend Crosses: In FC 24, crosses can be deadly. Ensure your keeper is well-positioned to claim or punch the ball away.
5. Defend as a Team
Defending in FC 24 isn’t a solo effort—it’s a team job. Here’s how to work with your AI and human teammates:
Use Defensive Tactics: Adjust your defensive tactics in the pre-match settings to suit your style. For example, a “Drop Back” approach can help you absorb pressure, while “Balanced” is better for quick transitions.
Communicate: If you’re playing with friends or online opponents, communicate with your teammates to mark opponents and cover spaces.
Press or Drop: Decide when to press high and when to drop deep. Pressing high can win the ball back quickly but leaves you vulnerable to counterattacks if you’re bypassed.
6. Learn from Mistakes
No defender is perfect, and mistakes are part of the learning process. Here’s how to improve:
Analyze Errors: If you concede a goal, replay the highlights to identify where you went wrong. Was your positioning off? Did you overcommit?
Practice in Skill Games: FC 24 offers a range of skill games that focus on defensive scenarios. Use these to hone your tackling, positioning, and decision-making.