How to Defend in FIFA 23: How to Improve Your Game

by Lordtoto01 / Articles, Misc. Guides / 30 Apr 2022

Defending in FIFA 23 has always been difficult. There are a bunch of ways to approach it, but only a few are really viable in any given situation. For instance, you can tackle the attacker or simply steal the ball from them using skills. This guide outlines the various ways you can successfully improve your defense game and win more consistently.

HOW TO DEFEND IN FIFA 23: HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME

Be Patient with your Plays – Always try to corner your opponent. Tackling isn’t your go to option. Pick your battles. There are loads of skills the opponents will use to dodge an oncoming attacker. So, focus on 1v1 encounters and short tackles.

Use Team Press to Corner Opponents – To target your opponent’s passing options or the ball handler, double tap and hold R1/RB. Your teammates will continue to mark the opponent until they’re out of stamina or you switch players. However, there is a risk because if they outplay you and get the ball through the defense, your players will be out of position, so use the move sparingly.

Confuse the Opponent with Different Skills – Don’t tackle head on, especially if you have a clear line to the ball. Unless it’s an emergency, use a side tackle or a jockey. Never let them know where you’re approaching from.

Strengthen your defenses – Use your midfielders, especially if you’re transitioning. Press RSB/R3 to switch to a midfielder, then bolster your defenses.

Usefulness of Aerial Battles – Aerial games have a lot more potential in FIFA 23. Instead of simply passing the ball, loft it directly ahead of your strikers. This makes it difficult for the attackers to retrieve the ball and also makes you more unpredictable.

IN-GAME DEFENSIVE CONTROLS LIST

Here is a list of all the best defensive controls that can help you improve your game immensely.

Action	PS4 & PS5	Xbox One & Series X\|S
Change Player	L1	LB
Change Player (Manual)	RS + direction	RS + direction
Push or Pull (when chasing)	Circle	B
Pull and Hold	Circle (hold)	B (hold)
Tackle	Circle	B
Hard Tackle	Circle (hold)	B (hold)
Sliding Tackle	Square	X
Quick Get Up After Slide Tackle	Square	X
Clearance	Circle	B
Jockey/Grab & Hold	L2 (Pull and Hold)	LT (Pull and Hold)
Contain	X (Press and Hold)	A (Press and Hold)
Teammate Contain	R1 (Pull and Hold)	RB (Pull and Hold)
Running Jockey	L2 + R2 (Pull and Hold)	LT + RT (Pull and Hold)
Pull and Hold (when chasing)	Circle (Press and Hold)	B (Press and Hold)
Engage Shielding Opponent	L2 + L Towards Dribbler	LT + LS Towards Dribbler
Rush Goalkeeper Out	Triangle (Press and Hold)	Y (Press and Hold)
Goalkeeper Cross Intercept	Triangle + Triangle (Press and Hold)	Y + Y (Press and Hold)
Display Defensive Tactics	Down on D-pad	Down on D-pad
Striker Drop Back	Down on D-pad, then press up on the d-pad	Down on D-pad, then press up on the d-pad
Team Press	Down on D-pad then press Right on the d-pad	Down on D-pad then press Right on the d-pad
Overload Ball Side	Down on D-pad then press Left on the d-pad	Down on D-pad then press Left on the d-pad
Offside Trap	Down on D-pad then press down on d-pad again	Down on D-pad then press down on d-pad again

Lordtoto01

I’ve loved games ever since I was a child. I like playing them and sharing my feelings with other like-minded individuals. I started off writing as a hobby, and a few years later, my love for games is still as lively as ever and I intend to spread it throughout the gaming community.
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