
There are some general recommendations how to defend in FIFA 21:
- Block opponent’s dribbling with short tackles
- Use slide tackles only when you are sure that you will touch the ball and not opponent’s legs.
- Always try to cover through ball threat (as the most dangerous opportunities are created with through ball passes). Try...
- Avoid over-containing. Don’t give your...
- Don't use the AI. Manual control, more often than not, is the way forward. ...
- Jockey. ...
- Defend the space, not the player. ...
- Switch players effectively. ...
- Have clear instructions. ...
- Get your formation right. ...
- Use hard tackles to dominate.
Do you know how to defend yourself in FIFA 21?
FIFA 21 is no different. If you don’t know how to defend yourself in FIFA 21 then this guide will surely help you to do so. In our guide on how to defend better in FIFA 21, we have reviewed some defending techniques and skill tutorials that will certainly improve your defending skills in the upcoming football simulation video game.
How do players concede goals in FIFA 21?
One of the easiest ways players concede goals is by running players out of position. While FIFA 21 fans have some freedom when using the striker and wingers, the importance is heightened greatly for central midfielders and the back-line.
How can i Improve my Defence in FIFA 20?
Rushing towards opponent with no reason can create open spaces in your defence. Use L2/LT (tap this button) body challanges when running in parallel to attacking player. Try to use sliding tackles from the front. Experiment with Team Press in “Quick tactics” during the game.
How to knock someone off the ball in FIFA 21?
With the help of these features, players can easily knock others off the ball with enough force and speed. In order to do so, you will have to click R1/RB+O/B. Notably, in FIFA 21, you would not need to hold and power up the tackle button as it required in earlier games.

Why is defending so hard in FIFA 21?
FIFA 21 AI defending has abandoned this area of the pitch through a combination of an unforgivable lack of tracking by midfielders and a terrible lack of awareness of defenders to step up and challenge attackers with the ball.
How do you defend against skills in FIFA 21?
3:365:33How to DEFEND AGAINST the BRIDGE SKILL in FIFA 21 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you need to go backwards whilst holding l2. Then what you will need to do is let go of l2. HoldMoreSo you need to go backwards whilst holding l2. Then what you will need to do is let go of l2. Hold down the sprint. Button which is r2. And then use the left analog stick to sprint in the same.
How do you set defense on FIFA 21?
4:439:41HOW TO DEFEND IN FIFA 21 - COMPLETE DEFENDING TUTORIALYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd if you are confident with the tackle. This can of course give you that extra reach to retrieveMoreAnd if you are confident with the tackle. This can of course give you that extra reach to retrieve the ball back but most times that just holding down l2 the jockey. Button is enough to take the ball.
How do you protect the ball in FIFA 21?
0:585:17HOW TO SHIELD IN FIFA 22 - COMPLETE SHIELDING TUTORIALYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr just lifted dribbling if you just tap or even hold the l2. Button your player will protect theMoreOr just lifted dribbling if you just tap or even hold the l2. Button your player will protect the ball. And will prevent the defender.
Which is better tactical or legacy defending?
With legacy you can switch to tactical defending any time by pressing L2 or LT on your gamepad. Legacy defending gives far more freedom and I find it better than tactical defending.
How do you defend?
1:105:59How to improve as a defender in soccer FAST - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right guys so in defending first off you guys your stance is going to be. Important. Don't standMoreAll right guys so in defending first off you guys your stance is going to be. Important. Don't stand like this you're not going to want to stand straight it's not basketball.
How to Use AI Defending FIFA 21?
0:524:58The problems with FIFA21 AI Defending - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd with two defenders. Available no one steps to him in a timely manner my untracked midfielder isMoreAnd with two defenders. Available no one steps to him in a timely manner my untracked midfielder is allowed to run uncontested into the box a little layoff. And another. Goal.
How do you defend with tactical defending in FIFA 21?
3:304:43FIFA 21 - SECRETS TO TACTICAL DEFENDING - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd always use the l2 button to make your defender no run unnecessarily use the jerky button and r1MoreAnd always use the l2 button to make your defender no run unnecessarily use the jerky button and r1 to move faster that is you hold the l2. And the r1.
How do you use tactical defending in FIFA?
To defend in FIFA 22, you need to jockey your opponent. Do this by holding L2/LT. When jockeying, your defender will face up to the attacker and pressure them. From here, you can force a dodgy pass or intercept the ball, or shuttle the player off the field.
How do you defend aggressively in FIFA?
8:3911:30FIFA 21 HOW TO AGGRESSIVELY DEFEND & ACTUALLY ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe main danger was stop the ball going to sallow or to one the players. Cut the passing lane. AndMoreThe main danger was stop the ball going to sallow or to one the players. Cut the passing lane. And then move towards him and you see how you can defend aggressively.
How do you aggressive tackle in FIFA 21?
FIFA 21 now allows you to direct the run they make as well, if you want absolute control. Press left bumper to trigger a through ball, and then flick the right stick in the direction you want them to run. This also works when you call a man short with the right bumper.
How do you shield the ball?
1:053:31How to Shield the Ball in Soccer! | Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse your arm to hold off the defender. Turn the palm of your hand outward to absorb pressure andMoreUse your arm to hold off the defender. Turn the palm of your hand outward to absorb pressure and push away opposing players turning your palm outwards helps you keep your elbows.
What does jockey movement mean in FIFA 21?
Jockey movement – means that you are using active defending and at the same time can change your direction quickly. To enable speed jockey hold LT/L2 + RT/R2 – to be even more agressive. How to take free kicks in FIFA 21: tutorial. The key recommendation in Jockey movement is to be patient and let the opponent make the first move.
What are the rules of defense in FIFA 21?
Use slide tackles only when you are sure that you will touch the ball and not opponent’s legs. Always try to cover through ball threat (as the most dangerous opportunities are created with through ball passes).
Is it better to use standing tackles or sliding tackles in FIFA 21?
As standing tackles can be successfull but can miss the opponent and create dangerous for you situation not being so flexible as jockey. The sliding tackles are improved in FIFA 21 and sometimes can be rather effective.
Does FIFA 21 have hard tackles?
Instant hard tackles have reportedly been added in FIFA 21. With the help of these features, players can easily knock others off the ball with enough force and speed. In order to do so, you will have to click R1/RB+O/B. Notably, in FIFA 21, you would not need to hold and power up the tackle button as it required in earlier games.
Is handballs removed from FIFA 21?
Earlier, there was a feature called handballs in offline modes like Career Mode. Now, the feature has been removed from FIFA 21.
Can you waste time in FIFA 21?
You would not be able to waste time in FIFA 21 by using Quick Tactics. Yes, you read that right!. After receiving a lot of feedback from the community, EA has reportedly made a few changes in the unrealistic ways people were using Quick Tactics.
Can you use a defender in FIFA 21?
In this type of tackle, earlier FIFA games have been quite inconsistent. You can either use a defender to push a player wider on the pitch or step ahead of them and shield the ball. This is one of the biggest changes FIFA 21 has witnessed.
What is the meta of FIFA 21?
FIFA 21's meta is speed and that's unlikely to change while on the current game-engine. Don't take notice of the overall rating; Giorgio Chiellini is an 88-rated team-of-the-week defender with just 62 acceleration and 55 stamina - a recipe for a defensive disaster.
What is the importance of the striker in FIFA 21?
While FIFA 21 fans have some freedom when using the striker and wingers, the importance is heightened greatly for central midfielders and the back-line. Opponents are constantly waiting for a mistake to be made and will penetrate instantly to put a defensive line under pressure.
How many goals did Baresi and Maldini concede in FIFA 21?
In FIFA 21 's ever-changing meta, it's easy to go from feeling like the famous Milan team featuring Baresi and Maldini who conceded just 23 goals over the course of a season to a defensive mess. The most frustrating thing is that it's not always the player's fault; EA Sports constantly tweaks the gameplay which makes defensive AI behave erratically ...
How to be a good goalkeeper in FIFA 21?
Becoming one of FIFA 21's best goalkeepers can be the difference between winning and losing. Activating manual goalkeeper movement by pressing and holding the right stick down is now more important than it has ever been in FIFA 21. Remember: Move your goalkeeper at the moment the opponent powers up a shot to ensure the best chance of a save. Shots will generally go across the goal in the box but it becomes a bit of a chess match at the top level as advanced players anticipate the goalkeeper to be moved in 1v1 situations. Mix it up unless you have a good read on your opponent.
What does holding R1 RB do?
Holding R1/RB is a good way to trap an opponent on the wings but holding it for too long can see FIFA decide to take the central defenders out of position. Most opponents have deadly attackers at this stage of the game-cycle which means strong positioning AI will quickly exploit any space left inside the box. Be sure to notice when defenders are behaving strangely and drag them back into position.
When does the offside trap work?
When the opponent has the ball outside of the box and doesn't have an instant pass option, activate the offside trap to push the defenders up — this will trap the attacking players behind the line and enable the midfield to get to the ball carrier.
Should full backs stay back in FIFA?
Setting a formation isn't enough; full-backs should always be told to stay back to avoid easy attacking points down the flanks while defensive midfielders should always look to cover the center.
What is slide tackle in FIFA 16?
Also a very good tip as shown in the FIFA 16 video is to press the slide tackle button again quickly. This helps make your player stand up quicker.
What is the best way to lunge at a player?
The slide tackle. If there is a gap between you and the player with the ball, pressing tackle will actually make your player lunge at them. This is best when in front of a player running at you or if you are running towards the player from an angle and quite close.
How to do a hard tackle in FIFA 21?
How to do new instant hard tackle in FIFA 21. To perform an instant hard tackle in FIFA 21 hold r1 or rb when you press tackle. Your player will make a quick forceful lunge tackle. Use this as your go to tackle around the pitch but not in the penalty area. Notice how many more balls you win using hard tackles.
How to win the ball from a defender?
Using push and pull and sliding tackles. To win the ball from a defender when next to them use the push pull button (usually same as shoot) to try knock them off the ball or pull their shirt. We use this for almost every tackle, not in the box however as you usually give away a penalty!
Why is analog sprint important?
Analogue sprint also useful when defending because your player reacts to the amount of stick pressure. Then you need to know the defence buttons on your controller. By default classic settings are as shown here. If you use alternative all that changes are sliding tackle with Tackle/Push Pull.
How to stay in control of the ball in soccer?
The best way to stay in control of the ball is by playing it upfront, rather than passing it around the back.
How many defenders do you need for a team in FIFA 21?
This strategy will quite simply not work the majority of the time as for a bare minimum to have a standing chance at defending, you need at least four defenders. So, picking the best formations in FIFA 21 before you even begin building your cheap starter team is very advantageous.
What happens if you miss a slide tackle?
When you miss a slide tackle, you quite literally invite your opponent to exploit the open space that you have left behind. This can be very dangerous as it opens a series of possibilities such as passing the ball to a winger or even attempting a long shot. 2) Avoid making brave tackles in the box.
Is defending a skill in FIFA 21?
Defending on FIFA 21 is truly a skill like no other. Even the best of players concede goals so don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t perfect at defending from the get-go. As with every FIFA, we all need a decent amount of time to accustom to the new mechanics of the game and begin to understand the best ways of defending even against 5-star skillers.
Is it safe to pass a ball around the back?
Passing it around the back may seem safe, however, trust me, it is the least safe method. One mistake can easily end up in a goal. On the flip side, a mistake up field will give your players enough time to regroup and defend accordingly.
Should you tackle someone for the ball?
Regardless of whether or not you think you can tackle someone for the ball, I’d recommend you not to. It’s much better to block the ball with your player’s body than risk a penalty after a fair tackle. If tackling is all you have left, by all means, try. The worst-case scenario is a goal or a penalty leading to a goal.
Can you avoid silly mistakes?
So, avoiding silly mistakes will help you out a ton. Now, I realize that you can’t avoid making silly mistakes 100% of the time, and so, when you do make one, don’t beat yourself up, and start over.
How to win the ball back up the pitch?
To win the ball back further up the pitch, use the Team Press tactic. Press down twice on the D-pad to activate it . It is best used in situations where you need to get a goal quickly, but it can also be used earlier in the game to pressure your opponent, score and secure a win. EA has put a timer on the Team Press, ...
Is slide tackling in FIFA 21?
Instead, jockey and move towards a player to tackle. On the flip side, slide tackling is very effective and incredibly fun. Red cards are rare in FIFA 21, so don’t be afraid to let an opponent know you’re there!
Is FIFA 21 over?
FIFA 21 may be almost over, but defending is still so difficult to master! If you’re looking to enjoy the last few months of the game, don’t just improve your defending – check out these attacking tips too! Learn the all out attack tactic – make sure you have a trick up your sleeve when you need a goal and the pressure is on.
