Defending in FIFA 23 may seem impossible, but it becomes much more approachable if you master the basics and practice patience. The game moves quickly, and often the biggest pitfall of playing in defense is trying to do too much.
Reacting to your opponents without over-committing is essential to playing stifling defense while remaining disciplined. Skill moves are difficult pills to swallow on the receiving end, but don't let your opponents frustrate you and get you off your game. Letting your opponent make a mistake instead of making one yourself is the key to success.
What Are The Basics Of Defending?
Playing well in defense is often the undoing of many great offensive powerhouses.
However, mastering the building blocks and learning each facet of defense will allow you to dominate opposing teams by limiting their chances.
It's easy to get antsy on defense, but due to the nature of ping differences, you can find yourself out of position if you rely too heavily on guessing someone's next move.
Learning the importance of positioning your team will be the major difference between winning matches and leaking goals.
Blocking Shots
The best way to limit goals is to block shots from ever even reaching the goalkeeper; after all, your goalkeeper is AI-controlled, unless you player-lock.
When you're first learning the basics, it's inevitable that you'll face situations where only one player stands between a striker and your goal. During these situations, practice putting your body in front of the ball without making a move or diving in.
Stand Tackling
As your positioning improves, you'll be putting yourself within reach of the offensive player and thus the ball.
As you approach the opposing player, use the Jockey ability while inching closer and automatically take the ball off of the offensive player when you're close enough.
As you jockey, use stand tackle (the shoot button) to manually take the ball from the offensive player, though at the increased risk of missing the ball and fouling.
To Jockey, hold LT on Xbox or L2 on Playstation and each can be combined with the sprint button for more aggressive Jockeying.
You should only use stand tackle if you think that Jockeying will not separate the forward from the ball, but missing it will leave you flat-footed.
Slide Tackling
Slide Tackling (the lob pass button) is by far the riskiest defensive maneuver and should only be considered in situations where you have no other option.
Often, slide tackling is best used by Left or Right Backs as they attempt to stop a player from blowing by them on the wings, and having a clear path to goal.
You should only slide tackle if you are coming at the attacker head-on or if you can perfectly time a slide from their side, as you must make contact with the ball first to avoid being assessed a foul.
Slide tackling from behind almost always results in a Yellow Card but can be a Red Card depending on where the tackle happens – in other words, avoid it.
Advanced Defending Techniques & Tactics
Once you've gotten your feet wet and learned how to stop attackers from making a mockery of your defense, you can start to think tactically about your play.
Thus far, the focus has been on limiting shots or preventing them just as they are about to happen; however, defense starts with controlling meaningful possession of the ball.
Shutting down shots and stopping runs are great, but forcing your opponent to make a mistake in the midfield and higher up the pitch will limit the pressure you're under.
Applying Pressure With Forwards And Midfielders
The first line of defense actually begins with your forward players, so don't underestimate the defensive impact that an excellent winger can have on a match.
While in-game, bring up your tactics (using the D-pad on a controller) and push left to select Team Press which will keep your team engaged and applying constant pressure.
Doing this for the entire game will severely exhaust your team's Stamina, so use it only when necessary to avoid having a slow side in the last portion of the match.
Cut Passing Lanes
Once your opponent enters the midfield area, you should switch your focus to the open passing lanes they have to choose from.
The passing lanes represent the different paths to your goal, so drag your players into passing lanes to clog them – this will confuse your opponent and keep your defense unpredictable.
If you find yourself getting rinsed by skill moves or players with max Pace, then allow the attackers some space, but remain between them and their teammates.
It's difficult to remain patient and keep yourself in a safe position, but as your opponent runs out of room, you'll suffocate their offensive movements by cutting off all options, besides dribbling.
Defending well in FIFA 23 is about forcing your foes into mistakes or outnumbered situations. Use the pressure that Team Press brings to funnel attackers into traffic in the middle or run them out onto the wings where the threat is limited.