Skip To...
Defending is key to success in FC 24 and every other FIFA game. However, the new EA Sports soccer video game has changed some of the important aspects of the gameplay, including the defending system. There are several strategies on how to defend in FC 24, but here we’ll show you the basics and advanced tactics to improve your defensive gameplay.
Best Ways To Play Defensive in FC 24
Ever since FIFA 12, there came a new version of defensive playstyle to the game called the Tactical Defending. Before that, you would only do a Legacy Defending system, where you could only press the A/X button to retrieve the ball from your opponent and cut their attack. With Tactical Defending, however, things become a bit harder as you would be defending with more than just one button, although it’s more effective if you learn it.
Now in FC 24 this year, we have a new defense system called Advanced Defending. This one breaks down the tackling system to be on the complete manual mode. You can press A/X to do a shoulder challenge, and then press X/Square to perform a standing tackle. So in terms of ease of usage and effectiveness, Legacy Defending is the best and easiest to do, Tactical is an improvement if you learn it, and Advanced is the most manual.
However, if you play online, Legacy Defending will be banned, and you’ll have to switch between Tactical or Advanced Defending systems. That is why the Tactical Defending is the best option. Here’s how you can defend well with this system and help your precious goalkeeper to do the least job on the pitch.
How To Use Tactical Defending System in FC 24
- A/X: Follow
- X/Square: Tackle
- LT/L2: Jockey
- RT/R2: Teammate
With the Tactical Defending system, you’ll have these four buttons to work with defensively. Of course, you can move your goalkeeper with Y/Triangle, or swap players with the right stick. But these four buttons are the most important techniques that you must master to defend in FC 24.
The first key is the A/X on Xbox and PS controllers, which are used to follow the ball. This point isn’t as important as the other ones, however, if you want your player to automatically chase the ball, then this is a good strategy. Pressing X/Square is the way you can save the ball and stop enemy attackers from proceeding.
In fact, the best strategy to defend in FC 24 is to use the Jockey and Tackle buttons at the right time. When you do Jockey, your chosen player will guard his front area, not letting the opposing player shoot or pass easily. Now if you get close to your opponent while using Jockey, you’ll obtain the ball eventually. However, if the other player uses dribbling techniques, then you’d have to Tackle to stop them.
Remember to always hold the Jockey button when facing the opponent and then Tackle at the right time to retrieve the ball. If your tackle’s timing is early or late, the attacker will pass you. You should also note that you can press the sprint button while doing Jockey to move faster.
How To Use Teammates to Defend
While defending, you can always use the RB/R1 button on Alternative control mode to add your teammate to automatically defend. This is the best option to send a teammate defending the attacker, and then you move your own player for an interception. This strategy works best while the opponent is near your team’s box, and you want to block their passes and shooting routes.
Best Defensive Formation in FC 24
The best defensive formation in FC 24 is the 5-4-1 which is also called the Diamond formation. With this format, you get to have four attackers and one CDM that watches their back. Then, you’ll have five defenders on the pitch, three guarding the box, and two watchers on each wing.
This formation is the best for teams like PSG that have an ultimate attacker like Kylian Mbappé. You’ll have six players defending your goal, while three other middle players do their best to deliver the ball to your attacker. You can also use this formation as your second option to do ultimate defending after you’re ahead of your opponent in goal count.
Defensive Tactics Explained
Balanced: This option will make no difference in your players’ paces and defending tactics. Everything remains neutral, and you can move your players to defend and narrow the attack line for your opponent.
Drop Back: As the name suggests, this plan will order all players to fall back to defense. This is what should be called “The Ultimate Defense” system to use as the last resort. The best time to use this tactic is when you’re ahead of the opponent in goal count, and there are a few minutes left till the end of the match. You won’t be able to attack in high numbers when this defensive tactic is applied.
Pressure On Heavy Touch: This is actually the best tactic to use while defending in FC 24. When applied, players will maintain the formation and shape that you’ve built for them. However, as soon as your opponent loses control of the ball, or keeps on passing facing their own goal, your players will put pressure on, forcing the opponent to attack and lose the ball to you.
Constant Pressure: This tactic is not recommended to use all the time, but still, it’s good to have it as one of your strategies. When active, your players will constantly put pressure on the opponent players. This will drain your players’ energies, making them unable to keep up with the opponent after a few minutes.
