Advanced defensive plays | Defence FIFA 17 Guide

Last update: 27 October 2016

Outrunning the enemy

Overtaking the enemy players is one of the key ways of defeating your rivals and mostly revolves around eliminating attacks on the wings during physical duels, shoulder to shoulder. A good way of interrupting the enemy's rhythm of running is to pull his shirt - you can accomplish this by pressing the tackle button, which allows us to slow the enemy down and gives us a chance to take control over the ball without being extremely invasive. It is worth noting that such a play requires a player with the appropriate physical prowess.

Teammate contain

When you are having trouble with interrupting the enemy attack it might be worth it to use another player's help - most importantly, it will allow you to push the enemy offensive into the wing and encircle it, which will result in him losing possession or kicking the ball over the side-line. This is a very useful tool, but it exposes you to the enemy, who can exploit the gaps in marking in the other sectors of the field. To ask another player from your team to help you, press and hold the button responsible for the teammate contain.

Screening the ball

Screening is a very effective attempt at keeping the ball in play, while also protecting it from enemy access. It is worth to perform such a play especially if you are close to the enemy's penalty area, when we want the time to pass as quickly as possible, and also while we are waiting for the support of one of our own players, when trying to get the ball away from our defensive zone and to do so in a sensible and well-organized way.

Blocking shots in the penalty area

Blocking shots in the penalty area by performing a sliding tackle is an extremely difficult and risky play - its incorrect execution will result in a penalty kick. Trying different ways of blocking is definitely worth the hassle - they are limited to doubling up on marking, or subtle scrambles in the penalty area, which can also (if they are too aggressive) result in a penalty kick.

Catching a player off-side

This is a ridiculously risky play, which you can attempt to perform mainly when controlling one defender during an attack of two or more enemies. If you do not want to foul, it is worth considering an attempt at breaking away from one of the players, in the very moment that a pass is being addressed to him. The chance at catching the appropriate timing is very low and it is necessary to predict the enemy play in advance, but this play might be worth trying in situations where there are no alternatives and you do not have much to lose.

Containing on the enemy half

Containing on the enemy side of the pitch is a useful tool mainly when we want to catch up in score and the enemies are not very vigorous in their attack. Increasing the amount of players on the other half of the field is necessary here, so that you have a greater chance at intercepting the ball. Containing the goalkeeper is also a viable option, as in such situations the goalie will usually be the target of numerous passes - often times we will see very shaky plays or even receive a throw-in, after the goalkeeper's inaccurate play. This style of play can provoke our enemy to counterattack, however, if you are trying to catch up in score the results of such actions can not necessarily be disputed.

Read the Situation

If the enemy isn't in a zone from which he can take a shot at the goal, don't attack the player in possession of the ball, but try to anticipate his movements, and intercept the pass. Don't focus on where the ball is now, but where it can be in a moment. Watch where are his players placed, and imagine what would you do in this situation.

As a Sweeper, Don't Leave the Line

The worst move when it comes to defense is the middle defender leaving the formation. As a result, a hole in the defense appears which will be preyed on instantly by a good player. If the enemy comes with a counter, and doesn't have your midfielders before him anymore, take over a defender, but don't approach the player with the ball, but hold the defense line. Additionally, press the pressing button of the second player. The direct attack using your sweeper is only viable when the enemy has a good position to shoot, or you have a sure opportunity for a tackle.