EA Sports FC 24: Defense EA Sports FC 24 guide, tips

Effective defense in EA Sports FC 24 is the foundation of gameplay. Correct defensive play will allow you to lose goals less often and take the ball away from your opponent more often. Learn basic and advanced defensive techniques in EA FC 24.

Last update: 13 November 2023

On this guide page, you will learn how to play in defense in EA Sports FC 24, effectively switch between players, successfully take the ball, win physical duels, use the jockey technique, and press opponents.

• Switching between players
• Tackle
• Pressing a player/players
• Jockey (position control)
• Physical duels
• Pulling T-shirt
• Off-Side Trap
• Blocking Shots

Switching between players

In EA Sports FC 24, you can freely change the players who are closest to the ball. There are two main ways to switch between players:

1. R1/RB buttons: Pressing the appropriate button allows you to switch to the player closest to the ball, although this does not always work precisely.
2. Right analog: You can switch players by moving the right analog in the desired direction. Holding the selected direction allows you to choose players who are in further positions.

Tackle

The easiest way to take the ball is the classic tackle (X/A), which is often the best and safest option. In some situations, you can also use a more aggressive stand tackle (O/B).

You can also use sliding tackle (Square/X) in the game, but this is a last-resort option or used when you are sure you won't foul.

Pressing a player/players

When playing in defense or on the opponent's half, you can press one player (R1/RB) or two players from the team (2xR1/2xRB). Thanks to this, you can make it more difficult for your opponent to control the ball, but be careful not to leave any area of the pitch uncovered by defenders. Avoid overusing this technique, especially when you only lead by one goal and the match is ending.

Jockey (position control)

Jockeying (L2/LT) is a crucial defensive technique that allows you to effectively receive the ball without fouling and to block potential passes. If you're new to EA FC 24, it may take some time to master this technique, but it's worth practicing as it makes online play much easier. Additionally, there is a faster version of this technique (L2 R2/LT RT).

Physical duels

In EA Sports FC 24, you can try to push your opponent with your shoulder (L2/LT) when you catch up with him while running. Using the same button, you can shield the ball, making it more difficult for your opponent to tackle it and giving yourself more time to play the action.

Pulling T-shirt

When your opponent is approaching the goalkeeper, you can try to pull his shirt (L2 quickly press O/LT quickly press B) to confuse him and cause him to miss a shot or lose the ball.

Off-Side Trap

Trying to use off-side trap on your opponent offside is risky, but can sometimes be rewarding. The best moment to use this move is when you see the opponent's striker running and being close to an offside position. To do this, press down on the d-pad to open the menu and then press down again.

Blocking Shots

In many situations in EA FC 24, you have to block a shot on goal to reduce the risk of losing a goal. You can do this in several ways:

1. Positioning the defender in front of the attacker,
2. Using the button responsible for stand tackle (O/A),
3. Performing a slide tackle,
4. Using the Jockey technique.