Finalizing the play | Attack FIFA 17 Guide

Last update: 27 October 2016

In theory, finishing an action is a very simple thing. However, it's the most important aspect of the game, as it directly leads to scoring a goal. This chapter contains different ways of finishing, depending on the situation.

Through ball and entering an unmarked position

Truth be told, there is no better way of wrapping up a play than a precise, timely pass to a player entering an unmarked position. If you can successfully avoid the enemy defensive formation with a single through ball and you will do so in a way that will fit with the attacker's running pace, then you have a very good opportunity to lead the player into a "one on one" situation, while also avoiding an off-side position.

Rapid change of pace

If you have a very fast player on the wing, then it is worth it to quickly accelerate and try to pass the defender - this will regularly result in you player entering the penalty area with the possibility of executing a precise ground pass or backing up the ball to a lone player in front of the penalty area, who will have a great chance at a highly surprising, technical shot on goal.

Crossing from the wing

The most common and the simplest of plays, which does not change the fact, that if performed in the right fashion, it can result in a highly threatening situation. Even if the ball does not land on the head of one of the attackers, it is often the case that it will be deflected away from the penalty area in a very disorganized fashion, allowing us to get a very dynamic, powerful shot. Very often the rabble in the penalty area can also result in an accidental own-goal or a corner, which will once again allow you to threaten the enemy goal.

Getting a corner/throw-in

It is very often the case that the enemy defenders trap you in the corner of the field and make it impossible to effectively perform any type of play. In such a case it is best to show some football craftiness and deflect the ball off of an enemy player, powerfully enough that it will go over the side line and result in a corner or a throw-in. This may not be that complicated, but will often allow you to score an extremely crucial goal.

Diagonal Shots

The most effective method of finishing is a powerful shot in the direction of the far post, in the situation where you run perpendicularly to the touch line. Release the sprint button, load the shot bar to 2-3 bars and tip your left analog in the direction of the far post. The goalies have huge problems with such shots, from every direction. From 10 meters, it's practically a sure goal, even if the shot has been performed with the weaker leg.

If you are coming from a wing, perform the same movements, but run in the direction of the far post. If you have an opportunity to do a finesse shot in the far corner with your better leg, try that, as this is a finishing method as effective as the previous one.

The methods mentioned above are also useful while finishing combination plays from the penalty area, but such distance shots are also very useful.

One on One from the Middle

If you are going in the middle for a one on one with the goalie, you should change to the player's better foot, and make a finesse shot in the same direction. The best moment to make a shot is a moment when the goalie leaves his post and is mobile. The perfect moment is when the goalie is in the middle between the goal and you. Then, he won't be able to defend any shot. Remember that the more control you'll have of the ball (how early you'll release the sprint button) the more accurate your shot will be.

If the goalie is very close, try to shot at the second post, touching the shot button two times.